Kyle Newby, a 39-year-old father of four from Littleover, Derby, has turned an unusual concept into a thriving side hustle. By offering dog waste removal services, he’s built a business that brings in approximately £24,000 a year while working just 12 hours a week.
Inspired by the booming dog poo pickup trend in the United States, Kyle launched Pet Poo Pick in March last year. Since then, he has attracted 35 regular customers who pay £15 weekly to have their gardens thoroughly cleaned of pet waste. Many of his clients are elderly or disabled individuals who find it difficult to manage their pets’ mess themselves.
“I first saw how popular dog poo picking was in America while scrolling through Instagram with a mate,” Kyle explains. “There were only a few similar services in the UK, so we decided to give it a try.” After posting an advertisement on Facebook, the response was immediate and overwhelming. “We were stunned by how quickly the customers came in.”
Kyle currently dedicates two days a week to the job, servicing 15 customers on Wednesdays and 20 on Saturdays. Each garden takes about 10–15 minutes to clean, with Kyle using a scooper and bag to collect waste and disinfectant to eliminate stains, ensuring a spotless finish.
His fees start with a £30 initial appointment charge, followed by a £15 weekly service fee. This can add up to around £2,000 a month, equating to nearly £44 an hour—more profitable than his previous construction job.
The business doesn’t just stop at dog waste disposal; Kyle has expanded to offer lawn mowing for some disabled clients who struggle with garden maintenance. He has even reached customers up to 50 miles away in Newark, and inquiries have come from as far as Liverpool and County Durham.
Kyle also addresses criticism from skeptics who label such services as catering to lazy pet owners. “I understand some might think that, but many of our clients physically cannot pick up the waste. It’s about helping those who genuinely need it.” With a waste carrier’s license, his operation is fully official and professional.
One loyal customer, Peter Fisk, who fractured his leg, praises Kyle’s service: “With a broken leg and slippery weather, I couldn’t clean up after my dog. Kyle’s help has been invaluable. He does a thorough job and even hoses down the garden afterward.”
Kyle remains optimistic about growing Pet Poo Pick this year, committed to keeping local gardens clean while providing a valuable service to those who need it most.