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

Britt
by Britt
Published:  July 17th, 2026
Photo credit: New Africa / Shutterstock.com

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.


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Britt
Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 2 cats – Jinx and Theia. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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