Cleaning up after your dog is an inevitable daily task for a pet parent. Dog poo can be stinky and messy across all dog breeds, but picking it up won’t be when you use some of the best pooper scoopers available in the market.
These handy contraptions help you to keep your walking track, yard, and hands, free of dog waste. They are also an easy option for dog parents who may find bending, picking, and getting back up a difficult task.
While dog poop bags have always been the preferred way of getting rid of a dog’s mess, with the right pooper scooper, it can become so much more hygienic and convenient. Moreover, using one is more environmentally friendly than using plastic poop bags.
What to Look for in a Pooper Scooper
With the market full of pooper scoopers that come in all shapes and sizes, choosing the right one for you may become confusing. But if you are armed with the basic knowledge about them, you are more likely to pick one that suits your household best. Here are a few things you should consider before making up your mind.
Size and Weight
You can choose an appropriate-sized pooper scooper depending on the regular size of your dog’s mess and how often you need to use it. A small, lightweight one may be easier to handle but may not do the job well in clearing large quantities of dog poop. On the other hand, a bigger, heavier scooper may be effective in cleaning up but may be inconvenient to hold and carry. Also, check if the handle on the scooper is adjustable, which can make it the right size and height for anyone in your house who may need to use it.
Use and Portability
Do you need to use the pooper scooper for your walks or in your backyard? Does your dog prefer the gravel or the grass to do his job? These questions will help you choose between an easy-to-carry, foldable scooper and a bigger-sized, heavy-duty one. While the former can be easily attached to the leash, the latter can be helpful when you tidy your yard and have more than one pile to clean. The second question will help you to choose between a claw-style scooper that may be easy to handle but will claw out grass along with the poop and a rake-style one that may be kinder to the grass but is not so portable.
Material and Cleanliness
Most pooper scoopers are made from either plastic (lighter) or metal (more durable). While the materials do not really affect the scooper’s effectiveness in picking up poop, they do have a bearing on the ease with which you can clean them. If you are not using a bag with them, both plastic as well as metal ones will have to be cleaned with soap and water which may lead to the metal ones rusting over time.
MORE FROM DOGTIME
The Best Pooper Scoopers to Buy in 2024
At DogTime, we have done our homework so you don’t have to and made a list of the best pooper scoopers available in the market in 2024. Say goodbye to backaches and hello to cleaner backyards!
BEST OVERALL
Arm & Hammer Swivel & Bin Rake
Check Price on Amazon
BEST ONE-HANDED
SZHLUX Foldable Dog Pooper Scooper
Check Price on Amazon
BEST RAKE
TOOGE Long Handle Pooper Scooper
Check Price on Amazon
BEST WATERPROOF
SUNLAX Durable Pooper Scooper
Check Price on Amazon
BEST FOLDABLE
UPSKY Folding Dog Poop Scooper
Check Price on Amazon
BEST METAL SCOOPER
Bodhi Dog Metal Pooper Scooper
Check Price on Amazon
BEST SIMPLE-DESIGN
MidWest Homes for Pets Pooper Scooper
Check Price on AmazonBEST OVERALL
Arm & Hammer Swivel & Bin Rake
PHOTO CREDIT: Arm & Hammer
Buy on AmazonWhy We Love
Lightweight
Can be used on grass and gravel
Swivel design makes the job mess-free
Handle adjustable to 32 inches
Can fit multiple piles of pet waste
Easy to clean
But…
Soft poop may fall through the rake’s teeth
With its lightweight rake and bin design, this scooper is portable and very easy to use, albeit using two hands. The rake helps push the pet waste inside the bin, which then swivels to an upright position, ensuring whatever is inside stays inside. Moreover, the adjustable bin handle stretches up to 32 inches, so you don’t have to bend or strain your back while operating the scooper.
Made from durable plastic, the scooper works well on most surfaces, including grass and gravel, providing more flexibility with where you can use it. The large capacity bin size ensures it can fit more than one pile of poop, and the two bonus baking soda-scented waste bags help eliminate smelly odors. More bags must be purchased if you want to continue using them. Easy to clean with a hose, the rake and bin also snap together and can be hung conveniently when not in use.
BEST ONE-HANDED
SZHLUX Foldable Dog Pooper Scooper
PHOTO CREDIT: SZHLUX
Buy on AmazonWhy We Love
Operable with one hand
Easy to use on grass, gravel, or concrete
Minimizes mess
Large capacity
Foldable design for portability and easy storage
Easy to clean
But…
People with a weak grip may find it difficult to operate
The serrated jaws of this claw-style poop scoop from SZHLUX make it very useful to pick up your dog’s waste on any surface, grass, turf, concrete, or gravel. Conveniently operable with one hand, the arched handle uses a spring mechanism to make the claw open and then close neatly around the poop pile, ensuring no pieces or parts get left behind. You can either put a poop bag inside out on the scooper, just as you do with your hands or put toilet paper over the poo and then proceed to pick it up.
Thanks to its lightweight and foldable design, you can carry it anywhere without worrying about storage or keeping it clean. Ideal for large dogs and their waste, the scooper is 28 inches long, so you can easily clean up after your dog without having to bend.
BEST RAKE
TOOGE Long Handle Pooper Scooper
PHOTO CREDIT: TOOGE
Buy on AmazonWhy We Love
Extra-long handles
Large capacity
The metal build is rust-proof
Suitable to use on grass, gravel, and dirt
Rake and tray snap together for easy storage
It can be used to pick up garden debris
But…
Heavier than most other scoopers on the list
If you are tall and find yourself leaning over to pick up pet waste, even when using a scooper, then this extra-long, two-piece pooper scooper is just right for you. With handles that extend up to 38 inches in tray and 36 inches in rake, you can comfortably collect your dog’s poop. It is also built from metal and aluminum, making it durable, rust-proof, and easy to clean.
The metal rake and tray work in combination to pick up waste from a variety of surfaces, including grass, gravel, and dirt, and they snap together with a clip when they have to be stored. With its large tray, you can not only pick up poop of varying types and sizes but also use it to clear leaves and other yard debris, making it a multi-purpose tool to have in your household.
BEST WATERPROOF
SUNLAX Durable Pooper Scooper
PHOTO CREDIT: SUNLAX
Buy on AmazonWhy We Love
Sturdy construction
Long rake handle
Waterproof rake tines and tray
Easy to clean
Lightweight
Suitable for various surfaces: grass, gravel, and dirt
But…
Needs two hands to operate
The SUNLAX pooper scooper features a thick stainless steel handle, rake, and tray, which makes it sturdy and durable, ensuring you won’t need a replacement anytime soon. Waterproof due to a certain lacquering, the rake and the tray are easy to use and convenient to clean. The handles are assembled from three tube pieces, and the rake handle measures 36.5 inches at its longest.
The lightweight yet handy design of this poop scoop makes cleaning up after your pooch easy and hassle-free on several surfaces like grass, dirt, and gravel. For storage, you can either hang the rake and tray using the connector clip that will ensure they stick together or disassemble it entirely to fit in its box.
MORE FROM DOGTIME
BEST FOLDABLE
UPSKY Folding Dog Poop Scooper
PHOTO CREDIT: UPSKY
Buy on AmazonWhy We Love
One hand operation
Foldable design
Large capacity
Ergonomic handle
23.6-inch long scooper
Made from durable ABS material
But…
Using a bag may make it difficult to pick up poop
This 23.6-inch long poop scoop ensures that you don’t have to get too up close and personal with your beloved pooch’s excrement. The no-slip print on the ergonomically designed handle provides a comfortable yet secure grip, allowing you to operate it with one hand.
The two stainless-steel springs enable the claw to open and close with just a pull of the handle, making it a quick and ideal removal of pet waste. You can use this UPSKY pooper scooper with a bag or without it. Made from durable ABS material, it is easy to use and clean and can be used on various surfaces, including concrete. Just simply slide down the lock and fold it when not using it, making it easy to carry and store.
BEST METAL SCOOPER
Bodhi Dog Metal Pooper Scooper
PHOTO CREDIT: Bodhi
Buy on AmazonWhy We Love
Extra large tray
Made from stainless steel
Easy to assemble
Sturdy construction
Extra long poles for rake and tray
Easy to clean
But…
Only available as chewable tablets that your dog may not like
If you have a large breed dog at home who loves to take huge dumps every time he goes out, you will love the Bodhi Dog pooper scooper featuring an extra large tray — 50% larger than the original tray from the same brand. Made from stainless steel, the rake and tray will likely last you a long time and ensure effortless picking up of multiple piles of poo, whether fresh or old.
The scooper is easy to assemble and take apart, in case you need to carry it in its box. The bin pole can measure up to 37.4 inches and the rake pole up to 36.2 inches, but if you need something shorter, just remove the middle section of the pole while assembling, and you’re good to go. Intended for pet waste removal, you can also use this scooper to tidy up your yard, which is a win-win.
BEST SIMPLE-DESIGN
MidWest Homes for Pets Pooper Scooper
PHOTO CREDIT: MidWest
Buy on AmazonWhy We Love
Simple design
Lightweight
Sturdy steel construction
One-handed dog poop scooper
Ideal for use on grass, flowerbeds, and sand
Can pick up multiple piles of poop
But…
The handle may be too short for some pet parents
The simple yet effective design of this pooper scooper from MidWest Homes is perfect for poop picking from grass or sand. The pronged scoop easily picks up your dog’s waste without damaging your yard or flowerbeds and can handle multiple pick-ups before you need to empty it.
At 29 inches, the handle is long enough to maintain a sanitary distance from the mess. And even though it’s made from rust-resistant steel, the scooper is lightweight, ensuring you only have to use one hand while raking up piles of poop — keeping your other hand free to control your dog if using it on walks.
MORE FROM DOGTIME
Pooper Scooper Alternatives
If you don’t want to spend money on expensive pooper scoopers, then there are other ways in which you can get the job done just as well, if not as efficiently. The only thing to remember is that using these will require you to bend, putting unnecessary strain on your back.
Yard Tools
Chances are the tools that you use to clean up your garden will be as helpful in picking up dog poop, too. Simply use a garden shovel to push the poop pile onto a small dustpan and throw it in the bin.
Repurposed Newspaper
A folded-up newspaper, or even a flattened cardboard, can be used to scoop up and dispose of your pooch’s business. You can also try putting a biodegradable dog poop bag inside out around the cardboard before picking up the poo and then tying it afterward, making the process mess-free.
How We Chose the Best Pooper Scooper for Dogs
At DogTime, our experts curated this list of the best pooper scoopers by assessing factors such as ease of use, portability, quality, and overall performance. They further consulted with industry professionals to gain more insight into the top-selling products, using their guidance and experience to bring our readers the very best. When you choose one of our recommended products, you can rest assured that you’re making an informed purchase from the best brands available on the market.
FAQ
What is the best tool to pick up dog poop?
A pooper scooper with a long handle and a sturdy, non-stick scoop is the best tool for picking up dog poop. It allows for easy and hygienic removal without causing damage to the yard or requiring excessive bending.
What is the best dog poop scooper?
The answer to this question will depend upon your usage. However, for general use, a poop scooper that features durable construction, non-stick surfaces, and a long handle will be your best option. Several brands offer high-quality poop scoopers; our top pick is the Arm & Hammer Swivel & Bin Rake.
What do you call a pooper scooper?
A pooper scooper is a tool specifically designed for picking up and removing dog waste from outdoor areas. They typically have a long handle and come in scoop, rake, or claw style.
What can I use instead of a pooper scooper?
You can use biodegradable dog waste bags or compostable bags along with a regular garden shovel, a small dustpan, brush, or even newspaper or cardboard to scoop and dispose of dog poop in an eco-friendly manner.
Is it safe to pick up dog poop?
Yes, it is generally safe to pick up dog poop, but proper hygiene is crucial. Always wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterward to minimize the risk of exposure to bacteria and parasites commonly found in dog feces.
Do you scoop dog poop?
Scooping dog poop is important and is the responsible thing to do to maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of our environment.
How to harden dog poop to pick it up?
To harden dog poop, you can sprinkle it with absorbent materials like sawdust, kitty litter, or baking soda. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to absorb moisture. Once hardened, scoop it up with a dog poop scooper or shovel.
Is there a vacuum that picks up dog poop?
Yes, there are specialized vacuum systems designed to pick up dog waste. These vacuums typically use suction to collect the poop and deposit it into a disposable bag or container. Poovac by Trafalgar and TURBIDOG Pooper Scooper Vacuum are some examples.
How to pick up loose dog stool?
To pick up loose dog stool, use a sturdy pooper scooper or try hardening the stool by using absorbent materials like sawdust, kitty litter, or baking soda. Once hardened, pick it up using a scooper and dispose of it in a bin.
