A Pet Waste Program Budget That Passes the Board on the First Try

Budget season always seems to sneak up fast, and if you're a community association manager in Northern Virginia, the DC metro area, or Atlanta, you know how quickly a good proposal can get tangled in questions, concerns, and pushback from the board.

When it comes to adding or improving a pet waste management program, even the most reasonable proposal can stall out if it’s not packaged with the right numbers, context, and foresight.

At CoPS on Doody, we’ve helped hundreds of managers build pet waste budgets that make it through the approval process without a hitch. Here’s what works and how you can get it right the first time.

Start With the Problem, Not the Price

It’s tempting to lead with the cost, especially when you’re trying to be transparent. But most board members respond better when you start with what’s not working.

Is your maintenance team constantly stretched too thin? Are trash cans near pet stations overflowing on weekends? Have you had complaints about pet waste in common areas? Is the landscaping crew doing their best, but forgetting to refill bag dispensers?

When you lead with what’s happening now, you create a clear contrast between the current situation and the proposed solution. Board members in places like Reston, Alexandria, or Upper Marlboro don’t just want numbers, they want to understand the why.

Use Real Numbers That Speak Their Language

Instead of quoting vague cost-per-month figures, show how a full pet waste service program

actually helps save money:

• Reduced labor costs: If your team no longer has to monitor and refill dispensers or haul pet waste to dumpsters, that’s hours of labor you get back each week.

• Lower supply costs: At CoPS on Doody, we include USDA-certified 38% bio-based dog waste bags and liners in our service, so you don’t have to budget separately for those items.

• Avoided expenses: Overflowing pet waste stations can lead to pest issues, resident complaints, and even fines in certain jurisdictions.

By the time you present the price, it feels like a value, not an added cost.

Bundle in Sustainability Quietly

You don’t have to make it the headline, but more and more boards (especially in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and environmentally minded communities across Atlanta) are interested in sustainability metrics.

That’s why all of our services at CoPS on Doody include bio-based bags and liners made from renewable materials. They perform just as well as traditional plastic but have a significantly smaller carbon footprint. It’s an easy win to share when someone on the board asks, “Is this an eco-friendly program?”

Make It Visual and Easy to Approve

Board members have a lot on their plates. Keep your proposal simple and clean:

• A short paragraph describing the service

• A monthly or annual cost with what’s included

• A quick comparison to what you’re currently spending (or losing) by handling it in-house

And if you’re working with us, we’re happy to provide a branded one-pager with your community’s name, a sample service calendar, and optional add-ons. You can drop it straight into your budget packet or attach it to your board meeting notes.

Anticipate Their Questions

Every board has a skeptic or two. Here are a few quick responses you can keep in your back pocket:

• “Why can’t residents just bring their own bags?” Most do, but enough don’t that it creates problems. Providing stations and waste bags increases compliance and makes it easier for everyone to do the right thing.

• “What if people don’t use the stations?”

  When stations are clean, visible, and well-stocked, usage goes up dramatically. We also offer placement guidance based on dog traffic patterns and visibility.

• “Why not have the landscaping crew handle it?”

  Most landscapers aren’t trained for this kind of service and many don’t want to do it. In fact, when pet waste is added to their list, it often gets skipped or leads to missed communication (like running out of bags). It’s not their core skillset and their reputation can take a hit.

A Cleaner Community and a Simpler Budget Season

Building a successful pet waste program doesn’t have to be complicated. When you take the time to show the problem, explain the solution, and tie it to bigger community goals (like cleanliness, resident satisfaction, and sustainability), you’re much more likely to get the green light on your first try.

If you’d like help building a customized budget proposal for your community, the team at CoPS on Doody is here for you. We service communities throughout Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, Metro Atlanta, and the surrounding counties and we’re happy to help you get the support you need from your board.

Need a proposal for your board packet?

We’ll build one for you. Just reach out and we’ll take care of the rest—bags, service, cleanup, and peace of mind included.