06/11/2026
TODAY WE LOST A CUSTOMER OVER OUR PET WASTE POLICY.
While we never enjoy losing customers, some standards are not negotiable.
We have a strict rule requiring customers to pick up pet waste before service. This isn’t just because it smells bad. It isn’t just because we don’t want to step in it. It isn’t just because we don’t want it splattered on us by the string trimmer, run over by mowers, or tracked onto trailers, driveways, sidewalks, and other properties we service. It isn’t just because it’s unsanitary for our team members.
All of those reasons alone should be enough for customers to respect the policy.
The biggest reason, however, is to protect pets.
Several illnesses can be spread through dog f***s, including Parvovirus, which can be fatal to dogs. When waste is run over by mowers or tracked on tires and equipment, it can potentially be carried from one property to another. We take that responsibility seriously.
For that reason, we will continue enforcing our pet waste policy every time it becomes an issue, regardless of whether it costs us customers. Protecting our team, our equipment, our customers, and their pets is more important than retaining a customer who chooses not to follow our policies.
To be clear, the goal of our pet waste fees is not to make money. In fact, we’d prefer never to charge them at all. The fees exist as deterrents and incentives to ensure service areas are ready when we arrive.
The same principle applies to all of our policies. Housekeeping is not part of lawn maintenance. Customers are responsible for removing pet waste, toys, trash, debris, and other obstacles before service so we can perform our work safely, efficiently, and professionally.
We would rather lose a customer than compromise the health of pets, the safety of our team, or the standards of our company.
We appreciate the many customers who respect these policies and help us maintain a safe, professional service for everyone.
— Bedford’s Lawn Care
