Need to escape the heat? Cooling centers are open across Columbus at community centers, libraries, pools, and partner sites. Find a location near you on our map, or call 311 for help finding one.
Take the PUP Pledge and help keep Columbus and Franklin County clean, healthy, and Stormwater Smart.
DID YOU KNOW?
There are roughly 261,000 dogs in Franklin County. Together, these pups produce more than 195,000 pounds of waste every day (71 million pounds every year). Woof. Just one gram of dog poop (about the weight of a business card) can contain over 23 million harmful bacteria, including germs that can make people and pets sick.
MYTH VS. FACT
Fact: Unlike cow manure, dog waste contains high levels of bacteria, viruses, and parasites that pollute water, not help grow plants. Dog waste can carry E. coli, Salmonella, Giardia, roundworms, hookworms and more. It's also very acidic in nature which can discolor, burn, or kill grass and plants.
Fact: Urban pet waste adds far more concentrated bacteria than wildlife. Plus, dogs eat processes food that creates waste with different nutrient loads and pathogens. Wild animal waste is integrated into the ecosystem, so it is our responsibility to manage the environmental impact of dog waste.
Fact: Actually, there are ordinances that prohibit the discharge of anything other than storm water into City storm sewers. This includes pet waste. (Columbus City Code, 1145.86). Read the full ordinance.
Fact: Even on your own property, dog waste can still become stormwater pollution. Scooping regularly helps protect your neighborhood's water.
Fact: Composting doesn't remove the hazardous pathogens from dog waste, which can contaminate the rest of your compost pile. Additionally, most home compost piles don't reach temperatures high enough to kill those hazardous pathogens in dog waste.
The best place for dog waste is the trash.
Want to keep showing support for PUP in your community? (or show support of your neighbor finally picking up their dog's poop from your yard?) Email pup@columbus.gov to request any of the PUP door hangers or yard signs you see below! Please indicate what design(s) you'd like and the quantity.
Please note: all items must be picked up at our office.
DOOR HANGERS:
YARD SIGNS:
Send up a picture of your dog in our swag or with our tag #ColumbusPUP for your pup to get featured on our website and socials!
Columbus Water & Power 37 W Broad St Columbus, OH 43215pup@columbus.gov
Meet Wooli!
Wooli is a four-year-old Black Russian Terrier. Wooli is a trained community pup who loves to attend festivals, markets, and neighborhood events across Columbus to spread the word about PUP! Stop by a PUP event to learn more about Wooli and all the ways in which you can help your community.
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Contact us at pup@columbus.gov for more details! Pup can provide bring free goodies, tips, resources, and pet scratches!