“Cristina McKay, founder of Puppy Poo Patrol, LLC, didn’t start out in the pet business. She began her career as a surgical technologist before becoming a stay-at-home mother of four. Once her children grew older, she found herself with unexpected free time and a surprising new calling.
“When the kids got older, I had a lot of time on my hands, and that’s when I decided to start Puppy Poo Patrol,” Cristina says.
Today, Puppy Poo Patrol services nearly 300 yards a week and operates year-round, offering primarily weekly pet waste removal.
“As long as your dogs are pooping, we will be scooping,” Cristina jokes. “Some days we start at first light and work until it’s dark. We visit each yard, clean up all the poop for the week, bag it, and toss it in the trash. Locking gates is a top priority, we never want to risk a dog getting out. We also offer Wysiwash, which helps eliminate urine odors, especially on turf.”
Competition doesn’t intimidate Cristina–in fact, she welcomes it.
“A lot of companies started after us, and many fizzled out. But two have gained traction, and I love it. It shows that this is a service people want and that there’s growth potential for all of us.”
Cristina believes what truly sets Puppy Poo Patrol apart is the heart behind the work. Her mission has always been about helping pets and their people, a philosophy that guides both her business decisions and her community involvement. Since 2019, she’s organized an annual Thanksgiving food drive, ensuring full holiday meals for families in need, personally covering any missing items. She often quietly waives service fees for clients navigating life-altering challenges, from serious illness to the loss of a loved one, and regularly donates gift certificates to local animal shelters and rescues to support their fundraising. Whether through public drives or acts of kindness behind the scenes, Cristina says, “I believe in giving back to the same community that supports my business.”
This past March 14th, Puppy Poo Patrol celebrated its six-year anniversary, and Cristina credits word-of-mouth for the company’s steady growth.
“My first client really helped spread the word. The Downriver and Friends Facebook group has also been huge for referrals.”
The business saw its biggest boom during the pandemic, operating as an essential waste management service.
“People were home, enjoying their backyards, and suddenly realizing there was a poop problem. We grew quickly during COVID, and since then, growth has been steady every year.”
Looking ahead, Cristina plans to expand her team by next spring, adding more technicians and another truck to keep up with demand.
Outside of her scooping business, Cristina is also a self-published children’s book author.
To learn more or for service, visit puppypoopatrol.com