1. Nature’s Miracle Non-Stick Jaw Scoop For Pet Waste
Key Features
Dog pooper scooper
Automatic scooping action
Made from durable plastic
Antimicrobial coating
Available in 2 sizes
The first dog poop collector to earn a spot on our list is this surprisingly sophisticated design by Nature’s Miracle. Known for their cleaning expertise – especially when it comes to pets – the company have set their sights on dog poop pick up with great success. This lightweight scoop is versatile, easy to use, and capable of picking up from any and all surfaces. Whether your pooch has relieved themselves on grass, gravel, or concrete, this handy scoop can pull up the mess in no time.
Thanks to the scoop’s lengthy reach, you can keep dog poop at arm’s length while you deal with it, reducing your exposure to potentially harmful bacteria – and keeping your nose away from any unpleasant odors. Made from sturdy plastic with an antimicrobial coating, the scoop is designed to inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria, preventing them from being absorbed into the plastic. The scoop is easy to use, too: simply position it over the poop, and pull the lever to open its jaws, position them over the mess, and release to close. Pull the lever again to release the poop into your trashcan. Available in standard and jumbo sizes, it’s the perfect way to keep lawns, yards, and patios hygienic and free from dog mess.
Pros
Lightweight and easy to use
Picks up from all surfaces – gravel, grass, concrete, and more
Antimicrobial protection keeps odors at bay
Cons
Not durable enough for outdoor storage
Some users may find the handle too long
2. Spotty Metal Tray Pooper Scooper
Key Features
2 piece pooper scooper set (tray and rake)
Lightweight for ease of use
Equipped with rubber handles for a comfortable grip
Made from durable, corrosion-resistant aluminum
Long handles make messes easy to reach without bending over
For something a little simpler, look no further than this dog poop shovel by Spotty. The two piece set consists of a tray and rake, allowing owners to scoop messes away in no time. Made from hardy but lightweight aluminum, it’s the perfect option for regular heavy-duty use. Not only is aluminum highly durable, it’s also totally rust-resistant, so there’s no need to worry about using your new scoop in wet or stormy weather.
Thanks to extra-long handles, it’s easy to pick up after your dog without bending over. As well as being easier on your legs and back, this pick-up position keeps you further away from unpleasant smells and potentially nasty bacteria. Thanks to rubberized handles, both tray and rake are comfortable to hold and use – even during longer jobs. When you’re done, the rake and tray can be easily snapped together for simple, effective storage. Owners say the kit is perfect for larger breeds, taking the hassle out of an often inconvenient task.
Pros
Ideal for larger dogs, or multi-dog households
Easy and comfortable to use
Highly durable and built to last
Cons
Can be challenging to use on grass
Label is difficult to remove, which can impede cleaning
3. Petmate Arm & Hammer Pooper Scooper
Key Features
Pooper scooper set featuring rake and bin
Pivoting design can access poop from any angle
Made from smooth, durable plastic
Long handles for an easy reach
Features attachment points for disposal bags
Petmate have also earned themselves a spot on our list, with this handy bin and rake scooping system. The bin features a swivelling design, making it easy to pick up waste from any angle. It’s also large enough to tackle a few messes between each trip to the trash can, making it an ideal option for homes with more than one dog. Meanwhile, the durable rake allows owners to gather up poop from virtually any surface – from grass, to dirt, to pavement. Thanks to long arms on both bucket and scoop, it’s easy to reach dog messes in awkward spots, without having to bend over.
For a cleaner experience, the bucket is equipped with hooks on either side, allowing users to insert a disposal bag of their choice. To get you started, each pooper scooper kit includes two waste bags, featuring odor-control technology for an overall more pleasant experience. When the scooping is done, it’s easy to clean the rake and bin thanks to their smooth, plastic construction. The tools also snap together for easier storage.
Pros
Swivelling design makes pick-up easier
Easy to clean and store
Relatively large bin capacity
Great for homes with multiple dogs
Pick up easily on most surfaces
Cons
Disposal bags required for best results
Some owners found smaller pieces difficult to manoeuvre with the rake
4. Four Paws Wee Wee Pooper Scooper
Key Features
Long handled pooper scooper
Rake-like design
Made from rust-resistant wire
Picks up waste on a wide array of surfaces
Available in 2 sizes
The next long handled pooper scooper to earn a spot on our list is this device by Four Paws. The versatile scooper makes it quick and easy to clear away your dog’s mess, without getting unhygienic substances anywhere near your hands. The scoop is constructed from rust-resistant wires, strategically curved for maximum scooping action. The rake-like prongs allow users to collect even smaller pieces of waste from a wide range of surfaces, including grass, gravel, and tarmac.
On top of all this, the scoop is lightweight, making it easy to manoeuvre. Thanks to a grippy rubber handle, it’s comfortable to use, too. Owners across the board were impressed with the scoop’s longevity, and note that it’s incredibly easy to use. With its extra-long handle, it’s the perfect clean-up option for taller pet parents, providing a safe and hygienic way to deal with canine leavings in the yard or garden. Available in both regular and extra large sizes, it’s suitable for any breed of dog.
Pros
Great for larger dogs
Rake-like design is suitable for use on grass, gravel, sand, tarmac, and more
Durable and rust-resistant design
Long handle for an easy reach
Lightweight design with rubber handle for comfortable use
Cons
Handle may be too long for some users
Rake only – some users may prefer to have a bin
5. Dogit Jawz Dog Waste Scooper
Key Features
‘Jaw’ style pooper scooper
Handle encloses poop for easy disposal
Suitable for use on a range of surfaces
Long arm allows you to reach into awkward spots without bending
Dogit have also earned themselves a place on our list, with this super lightweight waste scooper. Its practical design is incredibly easy to use, featuring a jaw scoop design, that tucks away dog waste with ease. Simply pull the soft-grip handle to open the ‘jaws’, position above the poop, and release to close. A series of sharp teeth help to lift the mess from a wide range of surfaces; from grass and gravel to concrete and sand.
Thanks to its long arm, the scoop makes it easy to reach those awkward spots without bending down, saving your back and legs. The design can also be used one-handed, so it’s easy to use without having to drop your dog’s leash (or favorite tennis ball). Owners say that the reliable design is comfortable to use, easy to clean, and works well even when picking up on grass.
Pros
Easy and comfortable to use
Picks up from grass very well
One-handed use
Long-handled design allows you to reach awkward spots
Cons
May be too small to accommodate for larger breeds
Less durable than metal scoops
6. Petmate Clean Response Swivel Bin & Rake Pooper Scooper
Key Features
Pooper scooper with bag
2 piece design with bin and rake
Extendable handles feature rubber grips
Made from smooth, durable plastic
The next pooper scooper to make it onto our list is by Petmate. Their sturdy two-piece design is the perfect way to clean up dog mess from yards, gardens, and more. The set contains a swivelling bin and rake, both constructed from smooth and durable plastic. Thanks to the bin’s pivoting design, it’s simple to pick up poop from any angle, any time. The bin’s large capacity, it’s easy to cover your entire lawn without multiple trips to the trash can.
For comfortable use, the rake features an extendable handle. This handy design feature makes the kit easy to use no matter your height, and allows you to reach dog messes in any awkward spot. For improved hygiene, the bin can be fitted with a plastic bag – a pair of hooks on each side of the bin makes bags easy to secure. With its grippy ergonomic handles, the kit is comfortable to use. When you’re done, the rake and bin can be clipped together for easy storage.
Pros
Extendable handles for comfortable use
Pivoting bin can scoop messes from any angle
Durable design
Rake and bin clip together for easy storage
Suitable for use on a wide range of surfaces
Cons
Requires a waste bag for best results
May be less durable than metal options
7. Flexrake Standard Pooper Scooper
Key Features
Aluminum pooper scooper set
Includes 2 pieces: rake and scoop
Lightweight and incredibly durable
Large scooping capacity
Flexrake have also earned themselves a spot on our list, thanks to this durable aluminum scoop. Each two piece set is made in the USA, with superior materials selected to last a lifetime. The set consists of a spake and rake, constructed from Aluminum, which is known for being lightweight, strong, and resistant to corrosion. These properties combine to make the perfect scoop, allowing it to stand up to use after use.
The scoop is comfortable to use, too, thanks to a pair of long handles equipped with non-slip vinyl grips. These handles make it easy to reach your dog’s business in hard to reach spots, without having to bend over. The scoop’s large capacity makes it ideal for larger breeds, or multiple dogs, allowing you to clean the whole yard and garden in one fell swoop.
Pros
Ideal for large breeds, or covering large areas
Resistant to corrosion and rust
Lightweight and comfortable to use thanks to vinyl handle grips
Long handles save you from bending over
Cons
Less cost-effective than other options on the list
Picking up from the grass may be difficult without ‘teeth’
8. Pik-a-poo One-Handed Pooper Scooper
Key Features
Automated pooper scooper
Made using aluminum alloy and fiber-reinforced nylon
Long arm improves reach without the need to bend over
Suitable for use on uneven surfaces
Filling the penultimate spot on our list is this unique design by Pik-a-poo. Its unusual ‘Scorpion Scooper’ build works to close around your dog’s business with the pull of a lever. Each scoop is made from sturdy, lightweight materials – a mix of aluminum alloy, and fiber-reinforced nylon – so you can rest assured it’s built to last. Both materials are resistant to corrosion, making them ideal for outdoor use.
Thanks to the scoop’s extra-long, arm, it’s easy to pick up after your dog without putting strain on your back or legs. The motorised design is ideal for users without a strong grip, closing around dog waste at the gentle pull of a trigger. For improved hygiene, it’s easy to attach a waste bag to the scoop, pulling it safely out the way, totally touch-free. The scooper also features serrated ‘teeth’, making it easy to scoop poop from uneven surfaces such as grass, gravel, and sand.
Pros
Motorised grip is effortless to use
Made from sturdy, corrosion resistant materials
Picks up on a wide array of surfaces
Great for outdoor use
Cons
Batteries required
Waste bags required
May be unsuitable for larger breeds
9. Four Paws Wee Wee Dog Poop Rake & Spade Set
Key Features
2 piece pooper scooper set
Rake and tray included
Extra large size
Soft and comfortable grip
Ideal for large backyards and gardens
Last, but not least, comes this versatile pooper scooper by Four Paws, Featuring a large tray and matching rake, the scoop is a great option for cleaning up after heftier breeds. Each implement is made using durable, rust-proof materials, allowing it to stand up to regular outdoor use and storage. Thanks to its slightly curved prongs, the rake makes it simple to flick wate into the tray – even on tricky surfaces like gravel or grass.
With a long, 43 inch handle, the extra-large design makes it easy to reach poop in awkward spots, and can be used by taller owners without requiring them to bend over. It’s comfortable to use, too – rubber coated handles allow for a soft, easy grip. Overall, it’s the perfect clean-up solution for large backyards and gardens, helping you to pick up after your pooch safely and effectively.
Pros
Large tray size is ideal for larger dogs
Durable materials last a lifetime
Simple design is unlikely to break
Extra-long handle for improved reach
Cons
Heavier than plastic option
May be too high for some owners
Best Pooper Scooper Buying Guide & FAQ
These pooper scoopers are the best of the bunch, and we’re confident that you’ll find the perfect solution for your pet somewhere on the list. With so many options, though, choosing the ideal scoop can be something of a challenge. To help you make up your mind, and get the most out of this handy piece of kit, we’ve put together this handy buying guide.
Here, we run through what to bear in mind when buying your scooper, how to effectively use one, and why picking up after your pooch is so vital.
What to Consider When Buying a Dog Poop Scooper
When it’s time to choose a pooper scooper for your pet, it’s a good idea to consider the following factors:
- Design
When choosing a pooper scooper for your pet, it’s important to choose the right design for you. You’ll have two main options: ‘claw’ style designs, and rake and bin sets. Which option you select will depend upon the type of use you have planned. We’ll discuss this in more detail below, but generally speaking, claw scoopers are best for lighter, on-the-go usage, while tray and rake sets thrive under heavy-duty use.
- Materials
Most pooper scoopers are made from plastic, or aluminum. Both materials have the advantage of being lightweight and resistant to rust, but aluminum is less brittle, and better for heavy duty use, while plastic is easier to clean, and sometimes features an antibacterial coating. Which option is right for you will depend on your priorities.
- Bagged or Bagless
Many pooper scoopers can be equipped with a plastic bag, allowing you to contain your dog’s waste in one easy step. Although this improves hygiene and convenience on the go, having to use a bag every time may be irritating if you’re using the scoop at home, where there’s always a readily available trash can.
Check out our guide on Dog Poop Bags.
Why Use a Pooper Scooper
Using a pooper scooper comes with a whole host of benefits:
- Using a pooper scooper is more hygienic than the conventional bag method
- Pooper scoopers remove the need for you to bend over, saving your back
- Many pooper scoopers can be equipped with bags, for all-in-one disposal
- Using a pooper scooper keeps you (literally) at arm’s length from odors
Good quality scoops are lightweight and easy to use.
Head over to our review of Dog Diapers for more options.
Shovel vs Claw Style Dog Poop Scooper
As mentioned earlier, pooper scoopers typically fall into the following two designs:
- Claw Style
As the name suggests, this type of scoop employs a ‘claw’ to lift dog poop off the ground. They feature a lever activated mechanism which opens and closes the claw around the poop, making it easy to transport to the nearest trash can or toilet. Some claw style scoops place dog waste straight into a bag for easier disposal on the go. Claw scoops are more compact than their shovel style counterparts, consisting of a single piece that makes for easier transport. However, they can usually only scoop one poop at a time, so cleaning an entire yard or garden in one go could be awkward.
- Shovel Style
Shovel style scoops usually consist of two parts - the shovel or bin, and a rake. They work in the same manner as a dustpan and brush; poop is manoeuvred into the bin with the rake. They’re not the most compact option, making them harder to transport than a claw scoop. On the other hand, without any moving parts they tend to last for longer, and it’s easy to scoop more than one poop in a single trip. Some shovel style scoops can also be fitted with a waste bag, for more convenient use.
For more options, check out our detailed review of Dog Proof Trash Cans.
Metal or Plastic Dog Scooper
Pooper scoopers can be made from plastic, metal, or a combination of both. Each material has its own advantages and drawbacks:
- Plastic
Plastic scoops are lightweight and cost-effective, making them the best option to pick if you plan on using the scoop during dog walks or park trips. Plastic can also be treated with an antimicrobial coating, for improved hygiene. On the other hand, plastic scoops aren’t as tough as their metal counterparts, so will need to be handled more carefully.
- Metal
For heavy-duty use, metal is usually your best bet - just be sure to choose stainless steel or aluminum, to prevent it from rusting when kept outdoors. Metal is less brittle than plastic and typically lasts for longer. On the other hand, metal scoops are usually heavier, and more difficult to transport. Essentially, they’re best for use around the home, but not so good on a walk.
The Importance of Dog Poop Pick Up
We all know that it’s only polite to pick up after our pets, but unchecked poop can be more than a nuisance - it can actually pose a danger to local people and the environment in a few ways:
- Dog waste can carry pathogens that are harmful to humans, such as heartworms, whipworms, and tapeworms, along with E. coli. Find out more about heartworm medicine for dogs and dewormers for dogs here.
- It’s a common misconception that dog poop is a natural fertiliser - it’s actually so high in nitrogen and phosphorous that is can ‘burn plants’. Dog poop can only be used as fertiliser when properly composted with other materials.
- When dog poop degrades, the bacteria it contains can seep into local lakes, streams, and even drinking water supplies.
- Children are especially at risk of contracting diseases from dog poop, because of their curious nature.
Our Top Pick
This hygienic and effective design by Nature’s Miracle has to be the best dog poop scooper you can buy right now. Its long yet lightweight design gives owners the reach they need to tackle dog messes without the unpleasantness of the traditional inside-out bag technique.
Made from durable plastic with an antimicrobial coating, the scoop can keep harmful bacteria - and the odors they cause - at bay for years to come. Meanwhile, the simple scooping mechanism makes it easy to pick up messes from afar, and deposit them into the trash without the need for a separate bag. Thanks to its rubber-grip handles, it’s comfortable to use agains and again, making it ideal for homes with more than one dog. Owners say this super scooper is incredibly sturdy, and were impressed with the effectiveness of its jaw mechanism. Available in standard and jumbo sizes, the scoop can be used to tackle messes from pooches great and small.
