How often does Scoops come out?

Most of our customers prefer service once a week. Other service schedules can be arranged; if you would like to know more about service more or less than once a week, please call us.

What are your rates?

Scoops charges $10.00 a week for waste pick up for one dog. Each additional dog is $4.00. This rate is based on weekly service to average size yards. Surcharges may be added if the roaming area of the pet is over sized.

What happens when it rains or snows?

Scoops  works year round in all types of weather including snow and rain. However heavy rain may create a "muddy" situation and may stop us.  We will make an effort to make up the work later that week.

Snow or very cold weather can stop us.  If there is more than a half an inch of snow, we will postpone that day’s service until the next day or two, when the snow melts away.  If there is so much snow that we are prevented from doing that week’s work, then we will not charge for service that week.  If snow stays on the ground for more than a week, but there is no new snow to cover it, we will do regular cleanups to prevent accumulation.  Please note that when snow is expected your service day may be changed. That way we will be able to clean your yard before the snow hits.  If your service day is missed due to snow; we will be out as soon as possible to prevent any excessive accumulation of waste in your yard. Large amounts of snow can hide some of the waste for several weeks until a thaw. During winter months we make every effort to get to each yard as close to your regular service schedule as possible - please be patient.

What about holidays?

We do not work on the major holidays. When a holiday falls on a regular service day, we will advise you of the alternate day either by email, phone or via door knob hanger on the week prior to the holiday.  Service returns to the regular schedule the following week

Should I unlock my gate?

Since Scoops’ staff are not allowed to climb or jump over fences, please make sure that we can gain access to your yard on your service day. You may provide us with a key to the lock or tell us the combination if that will be convenient for you.

Can you work with my dog in the yard?

We get along well with dogs; however, there are some cases when a dog will not let us into your yard. If you know that your dog is not good with strangers, or it becomes apparent that your dog will not allow us to clean the yard, then we ask that you restrain or confine the dog. We don't want to take unnecessary risks with your dog or us.

What if I want to skip a service day?

You will not be charged if you call us with at least 24 hours notice. If the dog will be gone from the yard for a couple of weeks, or if for some other reason you want us to skip your yard for a week or more, we can hold service and you will not be charged.   There will also be no charge for service missed due to weather or some other event beyond your control.   HOWEVER, if we cannot gain entrance to your yard or the dog will not allow us to clean the yard when we come to do the work, it may be necessary to charge for the service call that could not be completed.

How do I pay my bill?

Scoops will mail a statement at the end of each month after all work is completed. Payment is due by the 15th of the month following service, after which a 10% late fee will be assessed to the sub total of any invoice amount not received by the 15th.  Payment(s) can be made by personal check (we have enclosed an addressed envelope for your convenience with your monthly invoice), or by visiting our website at www.scoopapoop.com and making your  payment thru “PayPal”.

Are there any contracts I have to sign?

No. We can start and stop your service over the phone. We do not require contracts, there is no minimum service period, and there is only 24 hours notice required to cancel service.

Is there an extra charge for the first visit?

Substantial accumulations of waste will mean a longer initial visit, which will be charged at a rate of $10 per quarter-hour (charged only on the initial visit – subsequent visits will be billed at your quoted weekly rate).   Average cleanups range between $30.00-$85.00 depending on when the yard was last cleaned and how many dogs have been using it.

What does Scoops do with the waste?

The waste is double bagged and tied, and placed in a spot or trash receptacle that you designate.  It can then be placed in your regular weekly trash pick up.

What is your Dog Out/Lockout Policy?

Once Scoops staff arrives, they will make every effort to service your yard. If we are unable to clean your yard because the gate is locked or for any other reason, we will attempt to notify you of the obstacle so it can be remedied by the time of our next scheduled visit. We do bill at the usual rate for service calls where we cannot gain access to the yard.

What do you mean by Referral Rewards?

Anyone who refers Scoops to a friend or colleague, will receive two free service calls, once that new customer pays their first full month's statement balance or 4 cleanings.

Is it possible to get a one-time only service ?
Sure ! One-time-only, or short-term service may be easily arranged.

Is Scoops insured ?

Scoops is a fully insured professional animal waste specialist through the Evanston Insurance Co.  We are also a proud member of “aPaws” (The Association of Professional Animal Waste Specialists)  and therefore we are proud to adhere to a strict code of ethics.  For the full text, you may visit http://www.apaws.org/visitors/codeofconduct.shtml

What are your community efforts?

Scoops will offer two *free services  to anyone who adopts a dog from the Humane Society or a local animal shelter or rescue (with proof).   We also offer a 10% discount to assistance and police dogs.

* excludes initial cleaning

What do you mean by "Satisfaction Guaranteed"?

Scoops promises that you will get service you are happy with or you don’t have to pay for it!.   We know our business depends on doing excellent work, and it's that quality on which we stake our success. We strive to provide perfect service under **normal conditions**, but if there is ever a time when you are not completely satisfied, please let us know immediately. We will make it right, either by coming back to re-scoop the yard the same or next day, or by crediting your account so you won't be charged.

What do you mean by "Normal Conditions"?

** "Normal Conditions " would be considered a lawn that is cut on a regular basis without large amounts of debris or leaves hiding any waste that may be underneath. We can only pick up what we can see.