A resourceful father from Derby has turned an unpleasant chore into a lucrative small business, earning an impressive £24,000 a year from a dog waste removal side hustle that takes just 12 hours a week.
From American Idea to East Midlands Enterprise
Kyle Newby, 39, from Littleover, Derby, launched Pet Poo Pick in March after seeing the popularity of similar services in the United States. The tradesman and his friend were inspired by social media posts and decided to 'give it a whirl' in the East Midlands.
After placing a simple Facebook advert, the response was immediate. "We were stunned, the customers just started rolling in," Kyle said. He has since built a regular client base of 35 customers, with 20 of them being disabled or elderly individuals who struggle with the task themselves.
A Service Filling a Vital Need
Kyle's business model is straightforward but highly effective. He charges £30 for a first appointment, followed by a weekly fee of £15 per customer. With his current roster, this nets him approximately £2,000 per month, equating to nearly £44 per hour for his dedicated work.
His service is more than just a convenience; it's a vital support for his clients. "A lot are on crutches so it's hard for them to pick this poo up, we do this to help them," he explained. The process involves using a scooper to collect the waste and then sanitising the area with disinfectant to ensure thorough cleanliness and remove stains.
Expansion and Future Plans
Kyle's commitment to his clients has led to natural business expansion. Recognising additional needs, he has begun offering a grass-cutting service for some of his disabled customers who find maintaining their gardens difficult.
He currently services 15 customers on a Wednesday and 20 on a Saturday, spending around four hours driving and three hours actively cleaning across areas like Long Eaton. The venture has proven so profitable that Kyle admits he can earn more in one day of dog poo picking than during a 10-hour shift in construction.
Despite some online criticism, Kyle is proud of his official operation, which holds a waste carrier's licence. "It's about helping them keep their spaces clean," he stated. Demand is growing, with enquiries coming from as far as Liverpool and County Durham, and he has already travelled 50 miles to Newark for a job.
One satisfied customer, Peter Fisk, 48, who has a broken leg, has relied on Kyle since December. "With the way my leg is, I'll be using him for the rest of the year at least," Peter said. "Seeing him get the hose out after and doing it properly just proves he does a great service." With plans to grow the enterprise further this year, Kyle's unconventional side hustle is proving there's serious money to be made in mess.
