The Best Dog Pooper Scoopers
From the pampered Poodle to the shrill-barking Shih Tsu, all dogs poop. And though we love and forgive our furry friends' inability to use a toilet, nobody looks forward to bending down with a plastic baggy and disarming doggy land mines by hand. That's why pooper scoopers were invented. These handy tools put distance between you and your dog's waste and make cleaning up a breeze. There are plenty of options on the market, though, so we wanted to figure out which scoopers stood out from the crowd. To find the best pooper scoopers to get the job done, we considered three main factors: 1) Is it effective and easy to use? 2) Does it hold up over time? 3) Is it easy to keep it clean? Our favorite scooper from Petmate took top honors because of its convenient touch-free design and easily washable plastic construction. That being said, dogs poop quite a lot, so getting a quality scooper that will last is essential. While the Petmate is far from flimsy, durability is where a metal option like Pawler's really shines. Read on below to get the scoop on which one of these handy tools is the right fit for your furry friend.
Petmate Arm & Hammer Swivel Bin & Rake Pooper Scooper
Scoop it and bag it easily
Few things are more unpleasant than donning a plastic bag on your hand, crouching down, and grabbing warm canine feces. Fortunately, with this pooper scooper from Petmate and Arm & Hammer, you can say goodbye to those messy days of misery. Simply line the bin with a plastic bag before your walk and rake in the waste when it’s time for scooping. Once the bin is weighed down with Fido’s poo, it will swivel upright so you can tie up the bag and toss it out with ease. Plus, for added convenience, both the rake and bin handles extend to 32 inches in length, eliminating the need to bend down. Better yet, this pooper scooper works just as well without a bag. The smooth plastic construction washes off easily and won’t absorb odors.
Pros:
- We appreciate that this pick comes with bags so you can use it right out of the box, but we were pleasantly surprised that regular grocery bags fit the bin like a charm.
- Speaking of bags, the bin design is pretty ingenious. The simple addition of hooks at the base allows you to keep the bag’s handles clean so that you don’t have to touch any nastiness when you tie it up and toss it out.
Cons:
- The plastic is lightweight and easy to care for, but it’s not as sturdy as some metal options.
Pawler Bigger Dog Pooper Scooper Rake and Tray Set
Big dogs drop big logs
If you have a Great Dane, an English Mastiff, or some other big-boned canine for a pet, you already know that your plus-sized dog leaves plus-sized poops. Since most standard options just won’t cut it, you may want to consider this extra-large metal tray and rake set from Pawler. The poles can be adjusted and extend up to 36 inches in height, so you won’t have to bend down to scoop. They’re also made out of stainless steel and can be left outside without rusting. Even better, the non-stick surface is easy to clean with a blast from the hose. Unlike pooper scoopers with a spring-loaded jaw, the tray is flat to the ground. Thus, even if you don’t have a big dog, this is a great option for cleaning up multiple loads at once without having to keep returning to the trash can.
Pros:
- Although it’s recommended for larger dogs, we think it’s perfectly suited to smaller breeds as well. Our littlest pups may not leave particularly large loads behind, but this scoop’s wide design makes it easy to gather them up with little fuss.
- The push-pin assembly process might be different than the typical twist-on installation of most scoopers, but we found it to be more durable overall, making it less likely to need tightening up after each use.
Cons:
- We like the rake’s lightweight aluminum construction, but the teeth are more pliable than they would be if they were made of a heavier metal like steel.
Yeuca Pooper Scooper with Foldable Long Handle
This scooper from Yeuca has just about every feature we look for in a pooper scooper, plus a little extra for convenience. Indeed, the middle part of the handle folds over so you can easily toss it in your trunk for days at the park or keep it neatly stored elsewhere. More importantly, this option is really easy to clean, since the smooth surface washes off easily with a bit of water. We also love the one-handed design that ensures you spend as little time maneuvering poop around as possible.
Pros:
- We were unsure whether the foldable design would complicate assembly, but this scooper comes together in no time and folds up fast for easy storage.
- The one-handed operation is a big bonus for us, making this pick a top choice to take on walks if you prefer a full-sized option. Especially for leashed walks, it’s incredibly convenient to be able to pick up after your pooch without having to perform an impromptu juggling act.
Cons:
- The design is pretty compact, so we find it works best for smaller dogs.
PPOGOO Non-Breakable Pet Pooper Scooper
A scooper with strength
When you have dog doo-doo in front of you, the last thing you want is your flimsy pooper scooper to break apart in the mess. That’s why we recommend this durable pick from PPOGOO. Obviously, nothing is truly “non-breakable,” but that description isn’t too far from the truth. It’s a sturdy claw-style scooper that feels strong in the hand. Even the springs provide noticeable tension and strength, so you can pick up poop in one scoop without having to go back a second time.
Pros:
- Unlike many one-handed scoopers out there, the PPOGOO’s “teeth” close completely, making us far less likely to have scoop twice for one “number two.”
- We found that this pick is easier to use on a variety of surfaces than comparable models. If you don’t want to have to wager on whether your scooper will work on grass, concrete, gravel, and so on, this one is hard to beat.
Cons:
- The scoop’s design makes it best suited for picking up one pile at a time rather than lots of little leavings.
DogBuddy Portable Scooper with Bag Dispenser and Leash Clip
Scoop on the go
For those looking for a way to scoop and bag poop while you walk, you’ve come to the right place. Just clip this cute little scoop to your leash using the included carabiner, and you’ll be all set to hit the dusty trail with your pooch at your side. Once Maxy does his business, the process for bagging is simple and fast. Simply pull out a bag from the integrated dispenser, place it around the bottom of the scooper, and close the jaws around the droppings. With the jaws closed tight, the rest of the bag sticks out and can be tied off easily, without the risk of accidental contact. For extra portability, the backside extends to give a little extra space so that you can contain multiple packages on those extra-long walks.
- An additional benefit to the handheld design is that you get more control over the scooping action, meaning you can operate the tool with more finesse and less smearing than you get with some full-length models.
- We were relieved to find that the built-in disposal chamber really does seal away the smell. No more walks cut short by an unfortunate stink.
Cons:
- This handheld model requires some bending down to pick up the poo. But if portability is paramount, we think it’s worth the trade-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can pooper scoopers be used inside?
Most pooper scoopers can be used inside. They are a great way to clean up after your puppies while they’re still house-training. However, metal rakes and scoopers should not be used on wooden floors, as they can scratch or damage the surface.
What should I do with the poop once I’ve scooped it up?
There are lots of ways to get rid of your dog’s poop. You can flush it, you can toss it into the woods, or you can even invest in a below-ground doggy-doo septic tank. For most pet parents, your best bet is to bag it and throw it into the trash. Remember, never place un-bagged poo directly into your trash can. Instead, if your pooper scooper doesn’t have a bagging feature, you may want to consider getting a designated can that you can line with plastic bags. You don’t like touching dog poop, and neither do your local garbage collectors, so always tie off the bag before throwing it out.
How do I clean off my pooper scooper?
While most pooper scoopers can be left outside in the elements, it’s still important to wash your tools. After all, the point of a pooper scooper is to get rid of excrement, not carry it around. Most of the products on our list have a non-stick coating, so a quick blast with the hose usually does the job. Another option is to clean it in the toilet. It may seem strange, but a quick scrub with a toilet bowl scrubber and some liquid dish soap will leave your pooper scooper nice and clean. Just don’t use your hands.
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