In a city known for its historic landmarks, Liz Camerote has embarked on a distinctive mission – a stinky treasure hunt, as she calls it. “It’s almost like Easter eggs, but with dog piles,” she jokingly remarked, well aware that picking up after pets, particularly in freezing conditions, is a task few relish.
Camerote, a pet waste technician with Poop Genie, is part of a growing industry catering to those who’d rather delegate the unenviable task of scooping pet poop. She likens it to an Easter egg hunt, albeit with a less pleasant surprise waiting. “I’m sure there’s a lot more hiding in the snow. It will come out when it starts melting,” she added with a laugh.
Owner Keith Brandt of Poop Genie acknowledges the unique challenges posed by winter weather. “We start getting phone calls in January. This year is going to be a pretty good year because everything is pretty frozen. Who wants to scoop in the snow?” he commented. Launched two years ago, Poop Genie now serves clients in 10 counties, with a clientele that includes millennials, pandemic pet adopters, and busy parents like Courtney Wilson.
Wilson, a mother balancing a busy life, expressed the need for assistance. “I need a little help here; we have a busy life,” she said while holding her child. Services like Poop Genie provide clients with the flexibility to save time, a benefit that is reciprocated. Camerote mentioned, “It fits our family needs with me being the primary caregiver, running my children around everywhere, and this was perfect to allow me to do that. And it pays really well too.”
As winter grips the city, Poop Genie isn’t the only business experiencing increased demand. Poop 911 out of Drexel Hill has also seen a surge in customers due to snowy weather. Yard Pawtrol in Bucks County anticipates its busiest period during the first thaw in the spring.
So, for those wondering if there’s a job for everything, the answer is yes – and in Philadelphia, that job includes navigating icy conditions to scoop the poop.
