A Gardnerville couple is hoping to capitalize on the unpleasant duty of picking up after one's pets.
Michael Huggins, 20, and Chelsea Moore, 19, have started Douglas Pet Waste Removal as a way to support their 1-year-old son Alex while they take turns commuting daily to the University of Nevada, Reno.
Huggins is a chemical engineering student, and Moore is a pre-med biology student.
"After we had Alex, we had to take time off because we couldn't pay for school, and we decided we never wanted to do that again," Moore said on July 29.
The couple searched for ways to sustain themselves financially. Moore was working as a receptionist at the university's school of journalism, and Huggins had spent several years in retail customer service. It wasn't until Huggins observed Moore's grandfather picking up pet feces that he conceived the new business.
"I saw him one day picking up after the dog," Huggins said. "He's an up and mobile person, and I thought that there are probably a lot of people that have a hard time doing that.
"I thought of all the 9-5 moms and dads who both work and might not have time to clean up after the dog. I also knew there are a lot of people who just don't like to do it."
Huggins got online and began researching pet waste removal companies and comparing rates.
"You can do it pretty cheaply," he said. "We're slowly getting it going and deciding what will make customers choose our service."
Huggins actually worked at a pet store when he was younger and said he knows how expensive pet food can be.
"I will scour the Internet and find coupons and make that part of our customer service," he said.
But the company's main focus will still be on waste.
"Once you have a baby, poop's not scary," Moore said.
As a chemical engineering student, Huggins said he's learned of communities that require regular pet waste removal.
"There's an environmental aspect to it," he said. "Some counties force residents to clean up feces so bacteria and other chemicals don't seep into the ground water."
Besides a ready supply of gloves and kneepads, Huggins said they'll be using biodegradable bags to transfer the waste.
"We just want to be able to go, cleanup and leave without being obtrusive," he said. "All we want our customers to notice is that there is no more poop on the ground."
The couple said they already have three customers.
"It's starting out slow; we're doing a lot of stuff over the Internet," said Huggins.
He said they've already set up a referral program. Those who refer more people to the business get a $25 Visa card.
As for the future, Moore and Huggins are planning to be in the Valley for at least three more years as they finish school.
"After that, we may be running the business from afar, or we may be selling it to someone local," Huggins said.
Douglas Pet Waste Removal is available Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. For more information, call (775) 790-2870 or e-mail douglaspetwasteremoval@gmail.com.
