Our Story

What is PooPrints?

PooPrints is the first and largest commercial DNA Waste Management Program.

What does that mean?
We create a genetic database of dogs with DNA collected from cheek swabs. We then collect DNA from any unscooped pet waste and compare it to the database to identify who hasn’t picked up after their pet.

We are animal advocates. As an organization, we function off of three pillars:

• Promote responsible ownership
• Protect the environment
• Expand pet access

We understand the wonderful value that pets bring to ones life and a community, so our program allows more dogs to live more places.

Why do we do what we do?

• We are animal advocates. As an organization, we function off of three pillars: Promote responsible ownership, protect the environment, and expand pet access. We understand the wonderful value that pets bring to ones life and a community, so our program allows more dogs to live more places.
• We understand that a vast majority of pet owners are responsible. Our program establishes a proactive accountability method allowing us to focus on education.
• In the last 10 years, pet ownership around the world has rapidly increased. This presents growing concerns and challenges with how communities will deal with pet waste.
• Pet waste contains millions of bacteria that can be harmful to humans and other pets.
• Runoff from unscooped pet waste can make its way into water systems, contaminating drinking water and other water sources
• The EPA considers pet waste as one of the top 5 pollutants.

PooPrints by the numbers:

• The program was established in 2008 and expanded commercially in 2011.
• Today, the program is being used by over 9,000 communities.
• The program is used in 7 countries, but most prevalently in the US, Canada, Mexico, and the UK.
• PooPrints has registered more than 1M dogs.
• PooPrints DNA profiles are unique profiles specific to that dog alone based on 16 selected genetic markers.
• The scientists at PooPrints are able to extract valid DNA from 90% of waste samples submitted.
• PooPrints has a 21,000-square-facility that we own and operate in Knoxville TN. Our lab employs 10 DNA analysts, all of which have at least attained a 4-year Bachelor’s of Science degree.