Indies Only: It's a Dirty Job and You Don't Want to Do It

The name may make you laugh, but Pooper Scoopers is a meticulously run business with a customer first attitude. The Pooper Scoopers started in 2003 and now cleans approximately 30,000 yards per year in the western suburbs.

Owner Kandra Witkowski has always loved animals and said dealing with their poop has never bothered her. As her work hours were cut, she sought out additional work and when she was laid off, there was a seamless transition into full-time work scooping. Witkowski said her business quickly grew and within two years she was working full time in an office running the business as her employees did the scooping.

"Customers knew I was in the office and asked if I would let their dogs out during the day," said Witkowski.

This service steadily grew and Witkowski also began Watch Dog Pet Sitting.

Watch Dog Pet Sitting offers dog walking and vacation care. Background checks are run on all employees and they are all trained in pet First Aid, explained Witkowski.

“I’m a go big or go home kind of girl,” said Witkowski of her approach to running both businesses. “We do the work when we say we will. We are a real company.”

Pooper Scoopers currently has a fleet of seven trucks that run four guys. They are currently scooping 500 yards per week, which is down from 800 yards per week in 2008.

Witkowski blames the economy for the reduction in work and believes, “We provide a great service at a great price…clients will come back after the recession.

“We take things more seriously than you’d think. Clients appreciate it. They can have peace of mind. We’ve handled emergencies including not only sick pets but gas leaks and fallen grandmas,” said Witkowski.

Witkowski said she is proud to be providing jobs for others while providing great customer service.

“I sell a convenience. It is one less thing that people have to do. They don’t have to worry about it, it’s taken care of and our rates are reasonable.”

Pooper Scooper rates are published on their website and begin at $13 per week. Watch Dog rates begin at $12.50 per visit.

Brian Basilico was Witkowski’s first client. Pooper Scoopers cleans his yard once each week and he also utilizes Watch Dog Pet Sitting.

“For the cost of two lattes, I don’t have to do it,” said Basilico of dealing with the dog poop in his backyard. “Kandra is incredibly professional, she runs her business as a business not a hobby and the service is reliable and consistent.”

“Pets are used to specific routines and Watch Dog takes care of your pets the way that you do. They are well trained in pet first aid and love animals,” said Basilico.

Witkowski is on the Board of Directors of the Animal Rescue Foundation, a member of the , participates in numerous food and pet supply drives, and offers Facebook contests.

Call 630.898.9663 for more information on The Pooper Scoopers or Watch Dog Pet Sitting.