FAQs

If you have questions that have not been answered on the right, please contact us and we will get back to you.

Do you work year-round?

Yes. Regardless of the time of year, we are out making yards waste free.

How will I know when you are coming to clean my yard?

When you book, we will assign you a day for cleanup. The day before, we will send you a reminder email and on the day of the cleanup our technician will send you a message letting you know when they will be there - this message will be either 5 minutes, 10 minutes or 15 minutes before they show up.

Can my dog be in the yard during cleanup?

Yes, your dog can be in the yard during cleanup. However, we do ask that an adult be present until both the dog and technician are comfortable with one another.

If my dog is aggressive, can you still clean my yard?

Yes, we can clean your yard if your dog is aggressive. If your dog is aggressive, please let us know and we will only enter the yard if your dog is secure in your home.

What happens if I’m not satisfied with the cleanup?

At All Paws, we take great pride in offering exceptional service. However, if you are not satisfied with the service that was provided, we will come out and make it right, at no additional cost. Just contact the office and we will come out within 24 hours.

Is it better to do a few one-time cleans throughout the year, or to be on a weekly service?

This comes down to preference for the owner. At All Paws, we are here to help pet parents, regardless of the service they choose.

  • With a weekly service, you will reduce the amount of parasites and bacteria in your yard, the cleanups will be quicker and you will be on a dedicated schedule.

  • With one-time cleans, the cost can be higher, as we will have to spend a longer period of time and if there is lingering odor, complaints can be sent to Calgary Bylaw.

Is there any time of the year that you will not be scooping?

The only day that we automatically schedule off is Christmas Day, as we want our technicians to spend the day with their families. If your scheduled day falls on Christmas, we will resume your service the following week. We will be out scooping on all other holidays.

Will weather prevent you from scooping?

Typically, we are out regardless of the weather. We pickup when it snows, rains, or sun is shining - whatever the Calgary weather throws at us. The only time that we may have to cancel due to weather is in extreme heat (over 30°C) or extreme cold (below 30°C). In 2024, we only took off one day due to extreme cold.

What are the benefits to a weekly service?

There are several benefits to a weekly service:

  • Health Protection - Reduces bacteria and parasites in the yard, protecting both animals and people.

  • Environmental Protection - Contributes to a cleaner environment.

  • Aesthetic Appeal - Enhances overall look and feel of property.

  • Lawn Health - Reduces and/or prevents lawn damage caused by accumulated dog waste.

  • Convenience - Weekly cleanups saves time and effort of removing waste. You will know what day we will come; if you are not on a weekly service, you may have to wait for a few days and the cost will be higher for one-time cleanups.

  • Smell - Weekly cleanups reduces the smell.

Is there anything I need to do before having my yard cleaned?

Your yard doesn’t have to be spotless when we come in to scoop. However, if you have grass and weeds that are tall, then that limits the amount of waste that we are able to remove. Also, if you have garbage or excess items in your yard then we cannot do as complete of a job. We do not move things around to find the waste and we have to be able to reach it to scoop it. EXAMPLE: If there is waste under a trampoline near the center, then we cannot scoop it.

What is the best time of year to begin service?

You can begin service at any time of the year - Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter. We do recommend that you start before the first snowfall in order to have a clean base over winter. During winter we are unable to get everything as the snow piles on, but fortunately, winters aren’t what they used to be in Calgary and we can get in there at any point to service your yard and we work extra hard every time the snow starts to melt. Our technicians have ice chippers to get as much waste from your yard, regardless of the season.

What is the best surface for my yard/dog run other than grass?

Again, this is up to you, and our technicians are here for you regardless of the surface covering you choose. There are pros and cons for all surfaces. Regardless of what surface you decide on, none are 100% maintenance free. Here are a few of the most popular choices:

  • Clover - Clover is a sustainable and environmentally alternative. Clover is increasing in popularity because of its low maintenance.

    PROS - Drought resistant, attract pollinators and is pet friendly.

    CONS - Some pets may be attracted to clover lawns and may not withstand heavy foot traffic as well as traditional grass.

  • Gravel - Gravel is a commonly used ground cover do to its durability and affordability. It offers excellent drainage, preventing mud and standing water.

    PROS: Excellent drainage, preventing muddy conditions. It’s also relatively affordable and readily available.

    CONS: Can be difficult to clean, as fecal matter can get trapped between the stones and waste can be stuck to gravel. Some dogs might be tempted to eat the gravel, posing a choking hazard. Gravel can get hot in direct sunlight.

  • Mulch - Mulch is a natural and often readily available. Provides a soft surface for your dog to walk and play on.

    PROS: Provides a soft and comfortable surface. It can also help suppress weeds and reduce moisture.

    CONS: Some type of mulch can decompose quickly and may harbor bacteria. Rubber mulch can get very hot in direct sunlight. Some dogs are allergic to wood mulch.

  • Artificial Grass - Artificial grass offers a low-maintenance and clean solution for dog runs. It looks and feels like real grass and requires minimal upkeep.

    PROS: Easy to clean and maintain. Provides a consistent and comfortable surface for your dog to play on.

    CONS: Can be more expensive that other ground cover options. It can get hot in direct sunlight. Proper drainage is essential to prevent urine odors.

  • Concrete - Concrete provides a durable surface.

    PROS: Very durable and easy to wash down with a hose.

    CONS: It can be hard to scoop waste off of concrete, as heat can bake it onto the concrete. It can be hard on your dogs joints as it doesn’t provide any cushioning. Proper drainage is essential.

  • Dirt - Dirt is generally the least desirable option for a dog run.

    PROS: Low cost.

    CONS: Quickly becomes muddy after rain, is difficult to clean, harbors bacteria and parasites and encourages digging. It offers no cushioning and can lead to unsanitary conditions.