Serving Gilbert, Gaston, Pelion, Lexington & Beyond: Where K-9 Cleanup Unit Operates
If you've been searching for a reliable dog waste removal service in Lexington County and wondering whether we come to your neighborhood — this post is for you.
K-9 Cleanup Unit LLC is based right here in Gilbert, SC, and we're proud to serve families and their pups across Lexington County. Here's a breakdown of where we operate and what we offer in each area.
Our Home Base: Gilbert, SC
Gilbert is where it all started including where we grew up and went to Gilbert schools. As a family-owned and locally operated business, we know this community well — the neighborhoods, the yards, the families, the peaches, and yes, the dogs. If you're in Gilbert, you're in our backyard (literally).
We offer weekly, bi-weekly, and one-time cleanup services throughout Gilbert and can typically get you started quickly.
Gaston, SC
Gaston residents — we've got you covered. Whether you have one dog or a whole pack, our team makes regular trips to Gaston to keep yards clean, safe, and smelling fresh.
Dog waste left in a yard can take up to a year to decompose and carries harmful bacteria the whole time. Regular professional cleanup is the easiest way to protect your lawn and your family.
Pelion, SC
Pelion is a tight-knit growing community, and we're honored to serve it. Our no-contract policy means you can try our service without any commitment — and most Pelion customers stick around because the results speak for themselves.
A clean yard means more time enjoying the outdoors with your pets, not cleaning up after them.
Batesburg-Leesville, SC
We extend our service all the way to Batesburg-Leesville. If you're in this area and have been struggling to keep up with waste cleanup — especially with multiple dogs or a larger yard — our recurring plans are built for exactly that.
We handle the dirty work so you don't have to.
Lexington, SC & Surrounding Areas
Beyond our named service towns, we serve additional communities throughout Lexington County. If you're not sure whether we come to your area, the best thing to do is reach out — we're happy to let you know and get you on the schedule.
What Every Customer Gets — No Matter Where They Live
Regardless of which town you're in, every K-9 Cleanup Unit customer gets the same great service:
Weekly, bi-weekly, or one-time cleanup plans — flexible to fit your schedule
Waste haul-off included — we remove the waste entirely, not just scoop and leave
No contracts — cancel anytime, no questions asked
Pet First Aid certified team — because your pets' safety matters to us
Family-owned and locally operated — you're supporting a neighbor, not a national chain
Why Local Matters
When you hire K-9 Cleanup Unit, you're not calling an 800 number or dealing with a franchise. You're working with a local family that lives and works in the same communities you do. We show up, we do the job right, and we treat your yard like it's our own.
That's the K-9 Cleanup Unit difference.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you're in Gilbert, Gaston, Pelion, Batesburg-Leesville, or anywhere else in Lexington County — we'd love to help keep your yard clean.
[Contact us today to get a quote]
No contracts. No hassle. Just a cleaner yard.
K-9 Cleanup Unit LLC is a family-owned dog waste removal company based in Gilbert, SC, serving Lexington County with weekly, bi-weekly, and one-time cleanup services.
Is Dog Poop Really That Bad for Your Lawn?
You've probably heard it before — "just leave it, it'll decompose and fertilize the grass." It sounds reasonable. After all, isn't dog waste just... natural?
Short answer: No. Dog poop is not fertilizer, and leaving it in your yard is doing more damage than you think.
Here's the full scoop (pun intended).
It's Not Fertilizer — It's a Pollutant
Cow manure works as fertilizer because cows eat a plant-based diet. Dogs eat protein-heavy food, which means their waste is highly acidic and full of bacteria. Instead of feeding your grass, dog poop actually burns and kills it — leaving those ugly brown dead patches you've probably noticed.
The EPA has officially classified dog waste as a pollutant, putting it in the same category as toxic chemicals and oil spills when it comes to water quality. That's not an exaggeration — it's science.
It Takes Longer to Break Down Than You Think
In South Carolina's heat and humidity, you might assume waste breaks down fast. But a single pile of dog poop can take up to a year to fully decompose — and during that entire time, it's leaching bacteria and parasites into your soil.
If you have multiple dogs or skip cleanup for even a few weeks, the buildup compounds quickly.
The Health Risks Are Real
Dog waste carries a long list of harmful pathogens, including:
E. coli — can cause serious illness in humans
Salmonella — spreads easily, especially to children who play in the yard
Roundworms & hookworms — can survive in soil for years
Giardia & Parvovirus — dangerous to other dogs
Kids playing in the yard, bare feet on the grass, pets rolling around — all of it creates exposure risk. And because these pathogens can survive in soil long after the waste is gone, the danger doesn't disappear when the pile does.
It Affects Your Neighbors (and Local Waterways)
When it rains — and in Lexington County, it rains — dog waste runoff flows into storm drains, ditches, and eventually into local creeks, ponds, and lake. This contributes to algae blooms and elevated bacteria levels in waterways that families and wildlife depend on.
Leaving waste in your yard isn't just a personal choice. It has a real impact on the community around you.
So What's the Solution?
Regular, consistent cleanup is the only way to protect your lawn, your family, and your neighborhood. That means scooping at least once a week — more often if you have multiple dogs or a smaller yard.
We know that's easier said than done. Life gets busy. That's exactly why K-9 Cleanup Unit LLC exists.
We serve homeowners across Lexington County, SC — including Gilbert, Gaston, Pelion, Batesburg-Leesville, and surrounding areas — with:
Weekly and bi-weekly cleanup plans
One-time deep cleanups for yards that need a fresh start
Waste haul-off included — we don't just scoop and leave it at the curb
No contracts — cancel anytime
Pet First Aid certified team
Your yard should be a place your family and pets actually want to spend time in. We make that happen.
Ready for a Cleaner Yard?
Get in touch with K-9 Cleanup Unit LLC today to get a quote for your yard. Whether you need a one-time cleanup or a recurring plan, we've got you covered — no mess, no stress, no contracts.
K-9 Cleanup Unit LLC is a family-owned, locally operated dog waste removal company based in Gilbert, SC, proudly serving Lexington County.
Crates Of Love
We’re so excited to announce the start of something great. We have started something we’re calling Crates of Love! It’s our way of helping get dogs adopted out of shelters. We decided to work on getting long-term shelter residents out of their kennels and into loving homes — one Crate of Love at a time.
What is a Crate of Love?
A Crate of Love is a fully packed dog crate given to a newly adopted dog in honor of that animal while they’re still at the shelter. Each crate includes the basics a new family needs to welcome a dog home: a comfy bed or blanket, a supply of the food the dog is already eating, food/water bowls, a leash and collar, waste bags, a few favorite toys, treats, and a little more.
How we pick the dogs
We’re starting by focusing on the longer-term residents — the dogs who’ve waited the longest for a forever family. We partner directly with the shelter to learn about each dog’s preferences and needs: what food they’re eating, which toys make them wag, and personality notes (shy, playful, great with kids, crate-trained, etc.). That information lets us personalize each crate so it feels like a thoughtful, practical gift for both dog and adopter.
Why it helps
New adoptions can be overwhelming. An already-stocked crate removes friction for potential adopters — no last-minute trips to the pet store, no uncertainty about what to buy, and no worry about changing the dog’s routine that first night. The crate also serves as a tangible introduction to the dog’s personality and needs, helping people feel confident to say “Yes.”.
How you can help
Donate items for crates: blankets, toys, collars, leashes, bowls, and unopened bags of dog food.
Sponsor a Crate of Love: cover the cost to assemble and deliver a personalized crate for a specific dog.
Share the story: spread the word about Crates of Love and the dogs we’re highlighting — social shares and local community support make a big difference.
A playful nudge from K-9 Cleanup Unit LLC
We scoop the yard so you don’t have to — now we’re helping dogs scoop up new homes! Crates of Love is our heartfelt way to give shelter dogs a better chance at finding the families they deserve.
By choosing K-9 Cleanup Unit you’re helping us continue this project and supporting local shelters all while you get your yard clean.
We’re just getting started, and we can’t wait to see tails wag when these crates find their new homes. If you’d like to learn more or get involved, reach out to K-9 Cleanup Unit LLC and ask about Crates of Love. Together, we’ll make adoption easier and hearts fuller.
Dog Poop, Environmental Problems
Dog poop: it’s more than a backyard nuisance — it’s an environmental problem.
Why it matters
Bacteria and parasites: Dog waste can contain harmful bacteria (like E. coli and Salmonella) and parasites (such as roundworms and Giardia). When left on the ground, these pathogens can wash into storm drains, streams, and ponds during rain, contaminating water used for recreation and wildlife habitat.
Nutrient overload: Dog poop is rich in nitrogen and phosphorus. Large amounts deposited in parks and yards can lead to nutrient runoff that fuels algal blooms in waterways. Algal blooms reduce oxygen levels, harming fish and aquatic life and degrading water quality.
Soil and plant damage: Fresh waste can burn grass and garden plants due to its high nitrogen concentration. Over time, repeated deposits create unpleasant patches and compacted soil that discourage healthy turf.
Public health risks: Children playing in yards and parks can come into contact with contaminated soil or sand, increasing the risk of infection. Pet owners and neighbors can also be exposed when walking or gardening.
Wildlife impacts: Human and pet waste can alter local ecosystems. Pathogens and excess nutrients can stress native species and encourage opportunistic scavengers.
How to help
Scoop it: Regular removal is the simplest and most effective step. Weekly cleanups prevent buildup and reduce runoff and pathogen spread.
Bag and dispose properly: Use biodegradable or compostable bags when possible, and put waste in the trash unless your community has a pet-waste composting program.
Pick up on walks: Carry waste bags during walks and dispose in designated bins.
Educate neighbors: A community that picks up keeps parks and waterways healthier for everyone — people, pets, and wildlife.
At K-9 Cleanup Unit LLC, we make scooping simple so your yard stays clean and your neighborhood’s environment stays healthy. A small habit — picking up after your dog — has a big positive impact.
Don’t Step In It
Stepping in dog poop: the universal small catastrophe. It’s sticky, it’s gross, and it always happens when you’re in a hurry. Good news: you don’t have to carry that mess around all day. Here’s an easy, practical guide to getting dog poop off your shoes fast — plus tips to avoid future encounters.
What to do immediately
Don’t panic. Rinse your shoes off as soon as you can.
Remove excess with a stick, old paper towel, or a disposable plastic bag turned inside out (use the bag like a glove). Scrape from the edges toward the center to keep the bulk contained.
Avoid dragging poop across clean surfaces or into your car
Quick removal methods (on the go)
Water + paper towel: If you’re near a hose, faucet, or public water spigot, rinse the sole and use paper towels to wipe away the softened mess. Repeat until clean.
Wet wipes or baby wipes: Great for emergency cleanup when water isn’t handy. Use several wipes and discard them in a trash can.
Plastic bag + scraping: Slide your hand into a sturdy plastic bag, use it to scrape off the bulk, then invert the bag to trap the mess and tie it closed.
Deeper clean at home
Rinse: Use a hose or bucket of water to wash away remaining residue. Aim the water flow along the treads to push debris out.
Soap and scrub: Mix warm water with dish soap or laundry detergent. Use an old toothbrush or a firm-bristled brush to scrub soles and grooves. Repeat for stubborn bits.
Disinfect (optional but recommended): Spray or wipe with a diluted disinfectant (one part household bleach to ten parts water for sturdier shoes; or use a store-bought disinfectant safe for footwear). Let sit briefly, then rinse.
Dry: Wipe with a towel and air-dry in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct, high heat that could warp shoe materials.
Cleaning different shoe types
Sneakers/rubber-soled shoes: Most forgiving. Rinse and scrub the soles, spot-clean uppers with a damp cloth.
Leather shoes: Don’t soak. Gently remove debris with a soft cloth, use a leather-specific cleaner, then condition afterward.
Suede: Very delicate. Remove dried matter gently with a soft brush. For fresh mess, dab with a slightly damp cloth (not saturated) and let dry, then brush. Consider professional cleaning for major stains.
Work boots: Hose and scrub; if waterlogged, stuff with newspaper to absorb moisture and reshape.
Stain and odor tips
Baking soda: Sprinkle inside to absorb lingering odors. Leave several hours or overnight, then vacuum or shake out.
Vinegar spray: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar and lightly spray soles to neutralize odors. Rinse after a short dwell time if concerned about vinegar smell.
Sun and air: Fresh air and sunlight help remove odors — but avoid direct sun for delicate materials.
Prevention strategies
Keep spare shoes in your car or near the door for walks and visits to dog-friendly areas.
Stay alert on the sidewalk and watch for piles — look ahead and steer clear.
Consider shoes with simpler soles (less tread) to make cleanup easier.
If you live in an area with frequent messes, schedule regular yard cleanups — your lawn (and your shoes) will thank you.
When to call a pro If the mess is frequent, your yard is the problem area, or you’d rather never deal with poop again, call K-9 Cleanup Unit LLC. We offer weekly, bi-weekly, and one-time yard cleanups in Lexington County, SC — leaving your yard spotless and your shoes safe from surprise landmines.
Final thought Stepping in dog poop is annoying, but it’s fixable. With a few supplies, some quick moves, and one of the cleaning methods above, you’ll be stepping clean again in no time.
Partnering with a Shelter
K-9 Cleanup Unit LLC is proud to announce we’ve decided we want to partner with a local animal shelter to help ease overcrowding and support pets in need.
What we'll be doing
Donating 25% off all proceeds from new client services directly to the shelter.
Donating 5% of all proceeds from recurring services to the shelter.
Providing one month of complimentary bi-weekly yard visits to anyone who adopts from the shelter, helping new pet parents through those hectic first weeks.
Why this matters Shelter overcrowding puts stress on animals and staff. By directing a portion of our revenue and offering hands-on support to adopters, we hope to:
Reduce financial strain on the shelter.
Give adopters breathing room during the critical transition period.
Improve the well-being of newly adopted dogs while they settle into their forever homes.
How it will work
New clients: 25% of your service payment is donated. You get a clean yard, and shelter pets get help.
Recurring clients: 5% of each recurring service payment is donated.
Adopters from chosen shelter can bring proof of adoption to K-9 Cleanup Unit LLC and receive one month of bi-weekly visits at no charge.
Transparency We’ll keep donation records and share regular updates so clients can see the impact of their support — number of dollars donated, number of adoptions assisted, and stories from the shelter.
Join us Help us make a difference in our community. Book a service, adopt a pet, or spread the word — together we can give more pups a better start more to be announced soon as we search for a pawfect candidate.