A Station Dog Named Hunter Takes the Spotlight at Daytona

by PetGuide Staff

Published: September 1st, 2026

(photo credit: Sergey Mironov/shutterstock.com)

A therapy dog who comforts first responders shared the spotlight with NASCAR at Daytona, as Global Industrial, Richard Childress Racing and K9s For Warriors joined forces to celebrate the organization's Station Dog Program during race weekend.

Global Industrial Company, a national distributor of industrial equipment and supplies, partnered with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and K9s For Warriors over the recent NASCAR race weekend in Daytona. The goal was to highlight the work these trained dogs do for Veterans and first responders. The effort reached both the racetrack and the local community. It put a heartwarming pet story in front of a passionate racing fan base.

At the center of the initiative was a visit from RCR driver Austin Hill to the Daytona Beach Shores Department of Public Safety. There, he met Hunter, the department's Station Dog and Emotional Support Animal. Hunter joined the department through K9s For Warriors back in 2021. Since then, he has become a fixture of the team's daily life, providing companionship and comfort to first responders while also participating in community events and visiting a local elementary school.

"Hunter has become an important part of our department's overall health and wellness program and brings a unique level of support to our team every day," said Mandy Nice, Health and Wellness Coach with the Daytona Beach Shores Department of Public Safety. She described how Hunter "expands our wellness efforts by bringing a mental and emotional wellness component through his role as an emotional support animal, providing comfort, connection and a positive presence for our officers when they need it most." Any of us with dogs already know how intuitive they can be when we need it most, right?

Hill, driver of the No. 21 Global Industrial Chevrolet, called the meeting a standout moment. "Getting to meet Hunter was a meaningful experience and it was cool to see firsthand how the Station Dog Program benefits first responders," he said. Hill added that Global Industrial's charitable work had allowed him to meet multiple K9s and their companions directly impacted by the organization.

The partnership carried onto the track as well. The K9s For Warriors logo was featured on Hill's No. 21 Global Industrial Chevrolet during the Winn-Dixie 250 Powered by Coca-Cola on August 28. The placement put the organization's mission in front of NASCAR fans and the broader racing community.

"This partnership brings together the power of our relationships, our resources and our shared commitment to making a difference," said Anesa Chaibi, Chief Executive Officer of Global Industrial Company. Chaibi said the company was proud to help "shine a light on the important work K9s For Warriors does for Veterans and first responders."

The Daytona events build on Global Industrial's ongoing relationship with K9s For Warriors through its Partnerships With Purpose initiative. As part of that work, the company is donating multiple sets of outdoor patio furniture to K9s For Warriors' Florida residential training facilities. That is where Warriors meet, train and bond with their Service Dogs. The furniture is meant to create welcoming spaces that strengthen a bond carrying into life after graduation.

K9s For Warriors is best known for providing trained Service Dogs to military Veterans at no financial cost to the Veteran. Those Veterans live with PTSD, traumatic brain injury and other service-related trauma. Through its Station Dog Program, launched in 2021, the organization also places trained therapy dogs with law enforcement and first responder agencies at no cost. According to K9s For Warriors, the program has placed more than 100 therapy dogs with agencies nationwide since then.

"Station Dogs play a unique role in helping create a healthier, more supportive environment for first responders," said Lindsay Grayson, Chief Revenue Officer at K9s For Warriors. Grayson thanked Global Industrial and RCR for bringing greater visibility to the effort.

PetGuide Staff

More by PetGuide Staff

Pet Hair and Dander: What’s the Difference and How to Control Them

View Article

How to Help Wildlife During a Heatwave

When temperatures soar, it’s not just our pets that need a little extra help staying cool. Wildlife can also struggle to find enough water, shade, and food during a heatwave.Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do in your yard or garden to give birds, mammals, and insects a helping hand.

New Bunny? Here’s Everything You Need Before Bringing Them Home

Bringing home a new bunny is exciting, but rabbits need more care and preparation than many people realize. Having everything ready before they arrive will help them settle in safely, feel more secure, and make those first few days far less stressful for both of you.

New Research Sheds More Light on Kidney Disease in Cats

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common in pet cats, and recent research from the University of Nottingham has uncovered something unique about cats—something that might help explain why cats are prone to this condition. With a better understanding of the early signs and causes of this disease, experts might be able to improve diagnostics and treatment options.

5 Brachycephalic Dog Breeds—And What To Consider for Flat-Faced Dogs

Brachycephalic, or flat-faced, dog breeds are popular for many reasons, including their cute faces and charming personalities. But, because of their anatomy, they can be prone to some health concerns that you should be aware of before you decide if one of these canines is right for you.

She Survived a Trash Pile. Now Phoenix Needs the Right Home

Discovered in a pile of trash near a homeless encampment in North Carolina, a young dog named Phoenix survived facial trauma no one can fully explain — and now she is searching for the family her rescuers know she deserves.These are the stories that make us all want to open our doors and make room for a rescue, right?You see, while the early life of this little dog - aptly named Phoenix - remains largely a mystery, the volunteers who took her in knew enough to understand she had already endured far more than any dog should. According to Longleaf Animal Rescue, a small, volunteer-run organization that rescued her, she was found with unexplained, significant trauma to her face. Even worse, while they didn't know what had happened to cause the injury, they also didn't know how long she had been living with it. To her rescuers, what mattered most was getting her somewhere safe.A Sweet Personality Emerged as She HealedWhile you might expect such an ordeal to have left the wee dog feeling fearful and wary, upon recovery she surprised her rescuers by turning into a playful, people-loving pooch that they estimated to be around two years old."After everything she has endured, Phoenix is still one of the sweetest, most loving dogs you could ever meet," Longleaf Animal Rescue shared.By the time she was ready for adoption, Phoenix was healthy, house-trained, crate trained, quiet, affectionate, and especially fond of children. Most importantly, the facial injuries that had once been such a visible reminder of her past had healed.Now, this happy girl still needs a little extra work on leash training, and the rescue team admit that her enthusiasm occasionally gets the better of her, leading her to jump up, but these are manageable personality quirks for a young dog that is still learning what is expected of her.But due to some important-for-her caveats, this lovely gal is still available for adoption.Finding the Right Type of Home for PhoenixAccording to the rescue, Phoenix is chill with other dogs, though her preference is for smaller, submissive pooches that respect her personal space. So, potential adopters that already have larger dogs or hyper pups that are known to "get in the face" of other dogs wouldn't be considered a suitable match for the affable rescue. I mean, ensuring a good fit for the rest of her life, is the least this little pooch deserves, right? So, if it takes time, it takes time.A Week With Zero Applications, Then a Sudden ReversalNow, when the rescue first announced Phoenix was available, her caregivers naturally expected people would quickly see what they saw in her. But alas, an entire week passed without a single application arriving or even a casual meet-and-greet being requested. Boo!Ah, but then her story made it to social media. The rescue organization's plea for people to share Phoenix's search for her forever home reached a far, far larger audience, and the dog who had gone a week without a single inquiry suddenly had people across the internet asking about her. Longleaf Animal Rescue later posted that its inbox had become overwhelmed, so much so that the small operation — which has just one person managing its messages — could no longer respond to everyone.Going Viral Did Not Solve the ProblemWhile all that attention was encouraging, the flood of applications that followed still didn't find Phoenix the right home. Some inquiries came from people who lived too far away, and others came from households with dogs simply too large for her comfort.And with a home-base of North Carolina, the small rescue wasn't set up to safely transport Phoenix across the country. Further, those all-important meet-ups would need to happen in places closer to the rescue's locale - meaning central to the state - and they couldn't consider potential adopters beyond their neighboring states - meaning anything further than South Carolina, Tennessee, or Virginia.In spite of these restrictions, Phoenix has plenty working in her favor. She loves children, is house-trained and crate-trained, and has shown herself to be loving and social. The rescue says she has no current medical problems related to her facial trauma, though she was scheduled to have a cherry eye repaired. For a dog whose life once began in a pile of trash, forgetting her manners when she gets excited feels like a wonderfully ordinary problem. Agreed! And if I lived closer to North Carolina....

This Baby Cow Has the Sweetest Morning Routine

For this baby cow, mornings are all about cuddles, adventures, snacks and plenty of attention.In a video shared by The Husky Fam, viewers get a look at the adorable little cow's morning routine, and it sounds like she has a pretty great start to the day.

A Simple Weekly Cleaning Routine for Pet Owners

Living with pets brings plenty of joy, but it also comes with fur-covered furniture, stray pieces of litter, dirty paw prints and odors that seem to appear from nowhere. A short cleaning session each week can keep these everyday messes under control before they become a much bigger job. Focus on the spaces your pet uses most, and the routine should remain practical and manageable.

Want to Enrich Your Dog's Life? Here's How!

Simple, minor changes that respect daily routines while adding a hint of the unexpected are the way to go.

How to Protect Your Dog on Hot Summer Walks

You take your dog for a walk every day to keep them active and happy, but this can actually become risky in the summer heat. Before heading out with your dog on a hot day, take some steps to keep them cool and comfortable and protect them from heatstroke.

Bully Stick Sizing: How to Match the Chew to Your Dog

If your dog polishes off a bully stick in the time it takes to pour a cup of coffee, the chew is not the problem. The size is. The general rule of thumb is that there are four standard lengths: 5 inches for small dogs, 7 inches for medium dogs, 9 inches for large dogs, and 12 inches for power chewers. When your dog falls between two sizes, simply choose the larger one.Now, that's the simple, industry-recommended suggestion. And for many pet parents, it's the only one they need. However, dogs chew at different speeds, and the right stick depends on more than just a number on the scale, right?So, how do you determine what's best for your little guy? Well, we're sharing a slightly more nuanced approach that includes your dog's weight as well as their gnawing style. You see, how long they get to enjoy their bully stick matters for your dog and for you - because a longer chew time means fewer replacements. And dog treats don't come cheap, right?Now, let's start with your dog's weight with a tweak to cover how hard they work at their chew sticks. Typically, a small dog under 25 pounds who chews lightly to moderately does well on a 5-inch stick, while a medium companion of 25 to 50 pounds suits 7 inches. A large dog of 50 to 90 pounds fits a 9-inch length, and a power chewer of any weight needs 12 inches.The big "however" in all of this is that there is a much greater range of options beyond that. And some may be a better fit for your pet. For example, Redbarnmakes 3-inch to 4-inch pieces for very small breeds and puppies, along with 24-inch and 36-inch sticks that are more of an event than a snack. The full line runs from 3 inches to 36 inches and from 0.3 ounces to 2.7 ounces per stick.Further, for seriously heavy chewers, there are extra-thick bully sticks as well as braided options to extend your dog's chewing enjoyment.And because chewing is one of the better boredom busters available to a dog, the right type of bully stick - one that lasts a good long time - can draw restless, stress-driven behavior that might otherwise be directed to your shoes, baseboards, furniture legs... you get the picture.So, understanding how vigorous your dog chews - regardless of their size and weight - will help your choose the right size and type of stick. It will also make it easier for you to supervise (think choking on a too-small chew) according to Redbarn who recommend the chew be larger than your dog's mouth and that gnaw time should always be monitored. A well-matched stick keeps more of the chew outside the jaw, which helps you keep an eye on things and step in when the session should end.Which leads to this. The recommended length of time your pet should be allowed to chew their bully stick is around 10 to 15 minutes. That ensures they have broken it in, had time to enjoy it, and maximized the dental benefits without going overboard. And yes, I fully understand how difficult it is to remove your pet's new favorite treat before they feel they're finished.While daily access isn't considered a problem given these high-protein chews won't splinter or add unhealthy calories to your pet's diet, limiting access to three or four times a week will help keep their bully stick a special treat while also making it an affordable one.Weight is where you start. Yet chewing style is what separates two 40-pound dogs. One settles in for a long, methodical session, while the other treats the stick as a race. As BullyStick.com notes, even dogs of the same size, weight, age, or breed can chew differently. Therefore, match the description to your pup rather than the scale alone.

Why Is My Cat Suddenly Grumpy?

If your usually affectionate cat has suddenly become irritable, withdrawn, or quick to hiss or swat, there's often a reason behind their behavior. From health issues to changes at home, understanding what might be bothering your cat is the first step toward helping them feel like themselves again.

Heat Stroke in Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention Tips

Cats can experience heat stroke, and because this condition can be life-threatening, pet parents should be aware of the risks, as well as the symptoms and treatments for it. Here’s a brief guide to heat stroke in cats so you can better understand what it is and how to prevent it.

What Are Cat Zoomies and Why Do They Happen Late at Night

Every cat parent knows the feeling when a quiet evening turns into an impromptu racetrack. One minute, your cat is resting peacefully, and the next, they are launching off the back of the couch and sprinting down the hallway with wide eyes and a puffed tail. This sudden explosion of energy is incredibly common, yet watching your cat transform into a blur of motion without warning can leave you wondering what exactly caused the outburst.Known scientifically as Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs), or more commonly as “the zoomies,” this behavior is completely natural. By understanding the instincts and triggers behind these sudden sprints, you can learn how to safely channel that extra energy, protect your home, and ensure your cat is living their best life.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article, but at no cost to you.The Science Behind the Blur To truly understand why your cat experiences these bursts of speed, it helps to look at their evolutionary blueprint. Even though today’s domestic cats live comfortable indoor lives with full food bowls and cozy sleeping spots, they still hold on to the biological wiring and predatory instincts of their wild ancestors. When it comes to hunting, cats are solitary ambush predators. In the wild, their survival depends on short, explosive releases of energy to stalk, chase, and capture their prey. Because they don’t hunt in packs or run long distances over hours, their bodies are designed for short, rapid sprints rather than endurance running. With no need to hunt for their food, an indoor cat conserves this energy all day long. Between napping for up to 16 hours and lounging in their favorite spots, a massive build-up of both physical and mental power accumulates. When they can no longer contain that energy, the cat experiences a FRAP. In short, the zoomies are a safe, efficient physical release valve for that stored-up power. When an episode is about to begin, you can often see the physical signs of this energy starting to take over your cat’s body. Their pupils will dilate significantly, allowing them to absorb more light and focus on their surroundings, and their ears may twitch forward or pin back slightly. They will often crouch low, and their tail may quiver briefly just before the launch, signaling that the pressure valve has opened and the sprint is underway. Understanding this helps reframe the behavior entirely. It’s not a sign of a behavioral problem or a lack of discipline, but rather a reflection of a healthy animal responding to excess energy and their biological programming. Common Triggers for the Zoomies While a zoomie episode can happen at any time, you have likely noticed that your cat tends to sprint around the same time each day. These episodes are rarely random. Instead, they are usually sparked by specific shifts or environmental cues that signal it is time to move. The Post-Litter Box Rush One of the most common triggers for this behavior is the post-litter box sprint. Many cats will do their business and immediately launch into a high-speed lap around the house. This is a daily routine in our house for my youngest cat, Theia. There are two primary reasons for this sudden burst of movement: Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Passing waste stimulates the vagus nerve. In cats, this stimulation can cause a brief drop in blood pressure followed by a sudden rush of endorphins, leading to a physical feeling of high energy or mild euphoria. Survival Instinct: In a wild environment, waste leaves a distinct scent trail that could give away their position to larger predators. Sprinting away from their elimination site is an instinctual survival mechanism to put immediate distance between themselves and the spot. The Twilight Hour Cats are crepuscular, which means that they are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. This is the exact time their wild ancestors would naturally hunt, as prey animals are active and the lower light provided them with natural camouflage. When dusk hits, your indoor cat’s biological clock signals that it’s time to hunt, often resulting in a severe case of the evening zoomies. Environmental Triggers Sometimes, a minor shift in your cat’s environment can trigger an episode. The scent of fresh air from an open window, the sound of a bird outside, a sudden shaft of light moving across the floor, or even a brief, playful interaction with another pet can provide just enough mental stimulation to set off a physical burst of energy. Distinguishing Play from Signs of Trouble For most cats, a quick sprint around the living room is a sign of a thriving, happy animal who feels secure enough in their environment to let loose. However, it is important to understand when hyperactive behavior crosses the line from a healthy release of energy into a sign of discomfort or stress. Healthy zoomies generally last for a few minutes before the cat settles back into a relaxed state. Your cat’s body language afterward should be calm, with normal breathing resuming quickly. These bursts of energy typically align with the triggers discussed earlier, such as the dawn and dusk hours or a successful trip to the litter box. When the frantic behavior becomes frequent, prolonged, or is accompanied by other unusual warning signs, it warrants a closer look. Signs of Anxiety or Frustration: If your cat is pacing constantly, vocalizing with loud, distressed meows, or sprinting away from a specific spot in a panicked way, the zoomies may actually be a manifestation of chronic boredom, environmental stress, anxiety, or frustration from an unmet need. Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (FHS): This neurological condition can cause sudden, painful nerve sensations along the spine. A cat with FHS might suddenly bite at their tail, ripple the skin on their back, and bolt across the room as if they are trying to run away from their own skin. Underlying Health Conditions: Flea infestations, severe skin allergies, or an active thyroid ( hyperthyroidism), which his particularly common as cats age, can all cause sudden, uncharacteristic bursts of energy. If your cat’s zoomies appear to be frantic, painful, or out of character, a thorough exam with your veterinarian is always the best step. They can rule out physical discomfort or medical conditions that may need medical help to resolve.

These Baby Goats Are Seriously Excited for Feeding Time

These baby goats couldn’t be more ready for feeding time. In a video shared by Goat Daddy's Farm, the little kids get seriously excited when it’s time for their next meal.

Pet Hair and Dander: What’s the Difference and How to Control Them

If you find yourself constantly reaching for the lint roller while quietly taking your antihistamines to control your pet allergies, you’re not alone! As loving pet parents, our priority is always to give our best friends the happiest, healthiest lives possible, but sharing our living spaces often comes with an invisible tug-of-war between daily comfort and clean air. Many assume the visible tumbleweeds of fur in the hallway are the only reason for itchy eyes and morning congestion. In reality, the true culprit is microscopic pet dander, with shed hair simply acting as the carrier. Understanding the difference between the two is key to creating a healthier home environment, letting you target allergens at the source without compromising quality time with your best friend. Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article, but at no cost to you.Understanding the Differences Between Pet Hair and Pet Dander To tackle indoor allergens effectively, it helps to understand what happens when your pet sheds. While hair and dander often travel together, they are each their own distinct concern, and they affect your home (and respiratory system) in completely different ways. What is Pet Hair? Pet hair (or fur) is made of keratin, the same tough, fibrous protein that makes up human hair and nails. It grows from hair follicles within the skin and follows a natural life cycle of growth, resting, and shedding. This is the visible aspect of your pet’s coat that you see. Shed hair is large, visible to the naked eye, and heavy enough to fall directly onto your floors, carpets, and furniture. Keratin itself is not an allergen. However, pet hair acts like a magnet and transport system. As your pet moves through the house or out in the yard, it traps dust, pollen, and microscopic skin proteins. What is Pet Dander? Pet dander consists of microscopic specks of dead skin that are naturally shed by all warm-blooded animals, including dogs, cats, and birds. Just like humans, pets continuously renew these skin cells, with older layers shedding or falling off to make room for new growth. These dander particles are tiny, often as small as 2 to 10 microns, making them completely invisible. Because they are lightweight, they do not simply drop to the floor. Instead, they stay suspended in the air for hours at a time, circulating through your home ventilation systems. Dander has jagged microscopic edges that cling stubbornly to walls, curtains, mattresses, and upholstery long after your pet has left the room. It also clings to the hair follicles, traveling with the piles of hair you see throughout your home. The Real Source of Allergies The true trigger for allergic reactions is not the hair, or even the skin flakes alone, but specific proteins that are produced in your pet’s body. In dogs, the primary culprit is Can f 1, while cats produce Fel d 1. These proteins originate in your pet’s saliva, sebaceous (oil) glands, and urine. When your pet grooms, their saliva dries on their fur and skin, bonding with the shedding dander. As dander flakes off and hair sheds, these proteins are released into your home, triggering unwanted immune responses in those living with allergies or sensitivities. Why This Difference Matters Recognizing the difference between visible pet hair and invisible dander changes how you clean, care for your home, and manage allergies. When you know what you are actually fighting, you can stop wasting energy on methods that fail to address the real problem. If you focus entirely on sweeping up visible fur, you might end up with spotless floors while your allergy symptoms continue to rage on. Because dander is lightweight and microscopic, it easily bypasses most standard cleaning routines and enters your respiratory system despite your best efforts. Recognizing this is the first step toward choosing the right tools for the job: Hair removal requires mechanical action: friction, specialized brushes, and strong suction to lift the fur from surfaces. Dander control requires filtration and containment: capturing invisible airborne particles before they settle and preventing these microscopic allergens from being recirculated back into the room. By treating these as two separate challenges, you can streamline your routine, spend less time cleaning, and create a genuinely healthier living space for everyone. After all, managing dander benefits more than just people with allergies or sensitivities. Stagnant indoor air loaded with dander, dried saliva proteins, and accumulated dust can also irritate your pets' sensitive respiratory systems. Prioritizing better indoor air quality by actively filtering out these microscopic particles helps everyone breathe easier and enjoy better long-term health, human and pet alike.Managing Pet Hair Keeping pet hair under control requires consistent, intentional cleaning and maintenance. Because shed fur easily embeds itself into fabrics and clings to hard surfaces through static electricity, basic cleaning techniques may fall short. Here are some tips and tricks I use to keep the shed hair in my multi-pet home under control: Surface and Upholstery Care Pet hair weaves tightly into upholstery, bedding, and carpet fibers. Just wiping the surface rarely lifts these embedded strands. Instead, you need mechanical friction to work the stubborn hair loose. Dragging a simple rubber window squeegee or a slightly damp rubber cleaning glove across sofas and car seats works wonders to remove pet fur. Avoid using standard bristle brooms on hard floors. Dry bristles tend to flick hair into the air and spread dander around the room. Instead, use electrostatic microfiber mops that attract and hold the hair directly against the pad. Upgrading Your Vacuuming Routine While surface tools are great for daily touch-ups, vacuuming is the cornerstone of pet hair management in your home. However, not all vacuums are built to handle the unique demands of a pet home. Standard models frequently suffer from two major flaws: hair wrapping tightly around the brush roller, reducing suction, and unsealed exhaust systems that blow microscopic dander back into the air. To truly clear pet hair and avoid redistributing these harmful allergens, it’s worth investing in a high-performance vacuum designed specifically for pet households. When choosing a vacuum, there are three key factors to look out for: A completely sealed HEPA filtration system, trapping dander, dust mites, and dried saliva proteins from escaping through the exhaust ventsTangle-free brush rollers Dedicated motorized upholstery attachments to make it easier to remove pet fur from furniture, staircases, cat trees, dog beds, and vehicle interiorsWe recently upgraded to the Levoit VortexIQ Pro Cordless Vacuum and can’t recommend it enough. The 5-stage HEPA filter removes 99.99% of allergens, trapping them and removing them from the home entirely. The brush has their Anti-Tangle TripleStrike Technology, preventing pet hair from getting trapped and tangled. Even with multiple pets, we’ve never had a tangle needing to be cut free.

What Time Should You Feed Your Dog?

There's no single magic hour on the clock for feeding your dog, but there is a strong case for splitting the day into at least two regular meals rather than one big bowl.The most common recommendation is to feed your dog at least two meals per day, and the reasoning comes down to how a dog's body works. Dogs have a simple stomach anatomy, much like ours. Once the stomach fills, it empties within a few hours as food moves into the small intestine. After about 8 to 10 hours, an empty stomach starts sending hunger signals to the brain. Leaving your dog on a single daily meal means their belly sits empty far longer than that, which is why a breakfast-and-dinner rhythm — a meal in the morning and another in the evening — tends to keep a dog more comfortable across the day.

Scientists Edited Beagles’ Genes to Make Them Hypoallergenic

If you or someone you know has dog allergies, this news is sure to catch your attention: a pair of beagles were genetically edited to make them hypoallergenic pooches who wouldn’t trigger reactions in people who are allergic to dogs.

How Landlords Are Using Dog Poo DNA Testing to Keep Grounds Clean

As a responsible dog parent, keeping your neighborhood clean is about more than just following the rules. It’s about community health, respect for your neighbors, and creating a neighborhood where everyone is comfortable and welcome, including both humans and our furry companions. Unfortunately, we have all stumbled upon that one spot in a shared space where someone simply didn’t do their part. However, a new trend might be changing the game for good: DNA testing for pet waste. One apartment building in Langford, British Columbia, is using the “PooPrints” program to keep their property looking immaculate. Residents are required to provide a cheek-swab DNA sample for their dogs before moving in. If any waste is left sitting out on the property, management can have it tested and, with the DNA database they have created, trace it back to the specific dog and its guardian. It might sound like something out of a science fiction movie, but it is proving to be a reliable and effective way to hold people accountable. “The program works very well,” a spokesperson from the City Gate, an apartment building that has implemented the program, told members of the media. “The goal is to help eliminate pet waste that owners may leave behind. … We find that people are very intrigued by the program and don’t mind participating in the program to help keep their community clean.”But why go to such lengths? Beyond the obvious cleanliness factor, there is a strong argument to be made for the health and safety of residents. Many pet parents don’t realize that pet waste is not fertilizer. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), pet waste is classified as a source of pollution, much like oil or toxic chemicals. It is packed with pathogens, including Salmonella, E. coli, and various parasites like roundworms and hookworms, which can linger in the soil for years. And the risk doesn’t stop at the exact area where the waste was left. Rainwater washes these pathogens into storm drains, which often flow directly into local creeks, rivers, and lakes without being treated. This can contaminate water supplies and harm the delicate local ecosystem. By picking up after our furry friends every single time, we are doing our part to keep everyone safe. Some might view DNA registries as a bit excessive, but supporters of the program argue that it actually encourages landlords to be more pet-friendly. When management has a reliable system in place to ensure that their property stays clean, they are often more willing to allow pets in their rental units. It’s a great example of how technology can act as a bridge, allowing for better relationships between property managers and pet parents. Ultimately, these programs are just a high-tech reminder of a very low-tech responsibility. Whether your building uses DNA testing or not, the commitment remains the same: scoop the waste every time, and keep your community clean.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Top stories

A Station Dog Named Hunter Takes the Spotlight at Daytona

Pet Hair and Dander: What’s the Difference and How to Control Them

2026 Library Cat Contest Winner Still Waiting for Forever Home

Top stories

A Station Dog Named Hunter Takes the Spotlight at Daytona

Related articles