Landlords and tenants unite in the fight against irresponsible pet ownership with innovative DNA solutions.

  • Landlords are using DNA testing to identify dog owners who don’t clean up after their pets.
  • PooPrints, a service by BioPet, has seen a significant increase in users, now serving over 9,000 apartment complexes.
  • The DNA testing process can identify a dog’s owner with up to 99% accuracy.
  • Fines for offenders can reach several hundred dollars, and repeat offenders may face eviction.
  • Residents are actively participating in the cleanup effort, with some turning in samples they find.

In a unique twist on pet ownership responsibilities, landlords are increasingly turning to DNA testing to track down dog owners who neglect to clean up after their pets. Sinie Beck, a 38-year-old stand-up comic and dog walker from Minot, N.D., has taken on the role of ‘poop patrol’ by collecting samples to help her landlord identify the culprits. This trend has emerged alongside the pandemic puppy boom, which has led to a surge in dog ownership and, unfortunately, an increase in abandoned dog waste. nnBioPet’s PooPrints service, which matches a dog’s DNA to its feces, has tripled its user base since 2019, now serving over 9,000 apartment complexes. The service boasts a canine DNA database with over one million profiles, and this year, it is expected to process around 180,000 samples. When a sample is found, a small portion is sent to BioPet’s lab in Knoxville, Tennessee, where results can identify the dog’s owner with up to 99% accuracy within one to two weeks. nnLandlords typically impose fines on residents whose dogs are identified, with penalties ranging from a few hundred dollars to potential eviction for repeat offenders. Devin O’Barr, a property manager in the Chicago area, likens the experience of catching a dog owner to a dramatic reveal on a talk show. nnWhile property managers usually handle the collection of samples, tenants like Jeffery Trujillo are also stepping up to help. Trujillo, who lives in a complex in Spanish Fort, Alabama, has been proactive in turning in samples he finds while walking his Siberian Husky, Lobo. He believes that accountability is essential for maintaining a clean community. nnThe DNA collection process is straightforward, involving a mouth swab of the dog under supervision to prevent any tampering. Some properties cover the cost of swabbing, while others add it to the rent. Despite the potential for hefty fines, some residents still contest the results, claiming their dog’s waste looks different. nnInterestingly, BioPet’s lab has encountered some unusual submissions, including samples containing a dollar bill and even goose feces. To promote responsible pet ownership, many communities host ‘poop parties’ to engage residents and encourage participation in the cleanup efforts. nnOverall, the implementation of DNA testing for dog waste is transforming how apartment complexes manage pet responsibilities, fostering a cleaner environment and promoting accountability among pet owners.·

Factuality Level: 7
Factuality Justification: The article provides a detailed account of the PooPrints service and its implementation in various apartment complexes, which is informative and relevant. However, it includes some anecdotal elements and personal perspectives that may introduce bias, and there are moments of light sensationalism in the way certain quotes and situations are presented. Overall, while the article is mostly factual, the inclusion of personal anecdotes and some subjective commentary detracts slightly from its overall objectivity.·
Noise Level: 7
Noise Justification: The article provides a unique and engaging look at the use of DNA technology to address the issue of dog waste in apartment complexes. It includes specific examples, data about the growth of the PooPrints service, and personal anecdotes from residents and property managers, which adds depth to the narrative. However, while it is informative and entertaining, it lacks a critical analysis of the broader implications of such practices and does not hold powerful entities accountable, which prevents it from achieving a higher score.·
Private Companies: BioPet Laboratories,PooPrints
Key People: Sinie Beck (stand-up comic and dog walker), Devin O’Barr (manager of a luxury Chicago-area property), Jeffery Trujillo (meat cutter for a grocery store), Kimberlee Ward (manager of a 190-unit property in Hickory Creek, Texas), J Retinger (Chief Executive of BioPet), Kehris Snead (manager of a 408-unit property in Harrisonburg, Va.)

Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Yes
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the financial implications of dog waste management services, particularly the PooPrints service by BioPet, which has seen a significant increase in demand and user base, indicating a growing market. The financial impact is evident as landlords impose fines on residents for dog waste violations, which can amount to hundreds of dollars, thus affecting rental income and property management costs.·
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: The article discusses a community initiative to manage dog waste through DNA testing, which does not constitute an extreme event.·
Move Size: No market move size mentioned.
Sector: All
Direction: Up
Magnitude: Medium
Affected Instruments: Stocks

Reported publicly: www.wsj.com