Company picks up where Fido drops off

When nature calls, this franchise answers. Local entrepreneurs Bren and Reggie Mercado recently opened DoodyCalls in Simi Valley, becoming part of the first fullservice pet waste removal franchise.

The company also serves Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake, Moorpark, Agoura Hills and Malibu.

Equipped with rakes, shovels and bags, professional scoopers let pet owners wash their hands of the whole cleanup business.

For homeowners, the company offers weekly, biweekly, monthly and one-time cleanings to scoop the poop for about $17 per visit for an average-size yard.

Rates are based on the number of dogs, size of area to clean, frequency of service and amount of pet waste.

DoodyCalls can also clean, disinfect and deodorize decks, patios, dog runs and kennels, provide brown spot treatment to eliminate damaged areas of a lawn caused by pet waste and can exchange dirty litter boxes from cat owners' homes on a weekly basis.

"People don't realize the harmfulness of pet waste in our environments," said Reggie Mercado. "Rain can wash pet waste into water sheds, and it will eventually end up in our bays and rivers. Bacteria and viruses in the pet waste can stay in the soil for up to 10 years and be harmful to a human who sits in the grass a decade after the pet waste has disintegrated into the soil," Reggie said. "It's important that it is removed and disinfected properly to ensure our environmental and personal health."

In addition to residential services, the company offers a wide array of neighborhood pet waste removal options for homeowners associations, apartment complexes, parks and municipalities. DoodyCalls cleans and disinfects common areas, such as playgrounds, pool areas, paths or any place where dogs walk or play, to help keep communities sanitary and safe.

The company also provides pet waste stations, works with property managers to develop pet waste management plans and can even assist with the planning of a new dog park.

DoodyCalls was founded by Jacob and Susan D'Aniello in 2000 and began franchising in 2004. For more information, call Jacob D'Aniello at (800) DoodyCalls (366-3922) or visit www.DoodyCalls.com.