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7 Best Pooper Scoopers for Dogs (2024)

Pooper scoopers are a convenient tool for cleaning up your dog’s poop without getting too close and personal. In this guide, I review seven of the best pooper scoopers for dogs, along with tips for choosing the right option. 

Picking up your dog’s poop is a yucky, but necessary, part of responsible dog ownership. While there’s nothing wrong with just placing a poop bag over your hand, pooper scoopers can be a more convenient and pleasant alternative.

Some models have long handles so you don’t need to bend down, which is great if you suffer from mobility issues. Others can collect multiple poops before depositing them in a bag, making it faster to clear up your garden.

But all pooper scoopers have one benefit in common – less chance of accidentally touching poop! 

In this article, I’ve put together a list of the 7 best pooper scoopers for dogs. I’ve also included a buying guide, so you can find the right poo-picker for you and your pup.

Nature's Miracle Jaw Dog Pooper Scoop

Our #1 Pick: Nature’s Miracle Jaw Poop Scoop

Durable, non-stick finish, and easy to use

Our top pick for a pooper scooper is the excellent Nature’s Miracle Jaw Dog. It’s a sturdy claw-style scoop with an antimicrobial finish. It’s also available in two sizes and is suitable for a variety of different surfaces.

How to Choose a Doggie Pooper Scooper

Example of a simple dog pooper scooper

Deciding which pooper scooper is best for you and your dog can be surprisingly difficult. With so many different models and methods to choose from, it’s important to consider your circumstances before buying. 

In this section, I’ll walk you through the key features to keep in mind when choosing the best pooper scooper.

Scoop Size

Pooper scoopers come in a range of sizes, making it vital to choose the right option. Large dogs deposit more poop than little dogs, so keep this in mind when choosing. It’s nearly always best to choose a scoop that’s too big, rather than risk it being too small!

With that said, if you’re buying a rake for a small or toy breed, make sure it isn’t too large. This could allow the poop to fall between the prongs.

Types

There are two main types of poop scoop: rake/bin and claw grabbers. Here’s a quick overview of the pros and cons of each. 

Bin & Rake

Bin and rake designs are a great option for cleaning up your garden. The two-piece design makes them less portable, but they have a greater capacity than those with a claw design. This means you can collect multiple poops in one go.

They also often have longer handles, so you won’t have to bend down to pick up after your dog. 

On the downside, this type of poop scoop can be more difficult to keep clean. No matter how careful you are, there’s a good chance you’ll skewer some poop on the rake at some point.

Claw 

Claw-style poop collectors have a spring-loaded grabber. They close tightly around the poop and keep it secure until you can dispose of it in a bin.

One advantage is that claw-style scoops can generally be used in a single hand, which is useful if you take them on a walk with your pup.

These models also tend to be smaller, lightweight, and more portable, but you’ll usually have to bend down when picking up. Therefore, they’re less suitable for people who suffer from mobility problems. It can also be difficult to pick up multiple poops with a claw.

Handle Size

Pooper scoopers come in a range of lengths, usually between two to three feet, although they can occasionally be longer. 

Longer handles are great for convenience and comfort, as you don’t need to stoop down to collect the poop. However, they are less portable and may be more difficult to store. 

Short-handled versions are more portable and great for taking along with you on walks, but you’ll have to bend down to use them. 

Some models have extendable handles that give you the best of both worlds. 

Surface Type

It’s important to consider the surface you’ll be picking up from before buying your pooper scooper. 

Some models are designed specifically for use on grass, while others are more versatile. 

Poop scoopers for grass are shaped to “comb through” the grass and collect the poop without damaging your lawn. As a result, these models are unlikely to work as well on hard surfaces, and may just shunt the poop around. 

Claw style poop scoops, or those that come with a rake and a separate bin, are best suited for all-surface poop removal. 

Just make sure that they are made from tough materials that can withstand being scraped on concrete, asphalt, and gravel. 

Bag Design

Some pooper scoopers are designed to have plastic bags attached, so the poop goes straight into the bag and never touches the tool (or you!) 

This method is certainly more convenient, but there’s no denying that it isn’t good for the environment. 

Other models, like claw-style models or those that have bins but no bag attachment, will require you to transfer and dispose of the poop directly into a bin. 

This is messier and less convenient, but it does help to reduce plastic bag usage. 

Easy to Clean

Nobody likes dealing with poop (at least not anyone we know) but at some point it’s likely that you’ll have to clean your poop scooper. 

Some models have non-stick finishes, so you can tip out the poop without any nasty bits hanging on. Antimicrobial coatings are also a good choice to limit bacterial growth and keep things a little more hygienic. 

We also recommend looking for models that provide easy access to all the poop-touching areas. 

Scoopers that have tight nooks and crannies will be difficult to clean, so there’s a good chance some poop will hang out there no matter how hard you try to get it out. 

7 Best Dog Pooper Scooper Reviews

Here are my picks for the top 7 best pooper scoopers for dogs. I have included a range of models that use a variety of methods, so you can find the best option for you and your pooch.  

1. Best Overall: Nature’s Miracle Jaw Dog Poop Scoop

1. Best Overall: Nature's Miracle Jaw Dog Poop ScoopVIEW PRICE

My overall favorite poop scoop is the Nature’s Miracle Jaw Dog Poop Scoop. 

This model is constructed from super durable, industrial-grade plastic, and features strong, spring-loaded jaws for easy operation. It comes in a choice of two sizes – medium or jumbo – so you can collect even big poops with ease. 

The Nature’s Miracle Jaw Dog Poop Scoop uses a claw-grab method, so you can pick up doggy deposits single-handedly. The jaws are easy to clamp tightly around the poop and stay firmly closed, so no poo can escape enroute to the bin. 

The jaws of this poop collector have antimicrobial qualities and a non-stick finish. This makes it easy to unload in one go, without having to shake or scrape stubborn pieces of poop out. The capacity is large enough to collect several piles of poop in one session, too, so you can clear your lawn in just a few minutes – although you’ll need to be careful that the “old” poop doesn’t fall out when picking up a new pile. 

This poop grabber is suitable for use on grass as well as other surfaces. The serrated teeth comb through grass smoothly causing little to no damage, but they are also tightly packed for effective pickup on hard surfaces like asphalt or patio tile. 

Why We Recommend It:

The Nature’s Miracle Jaw Dog Poop Scoop is a great option for collecting doggy doo doos of all sizes. With its highly-durable construction, this model is tough enough to collect poop from any surface, while the strong claw and non-stick finish keeps the poo secure until you can dispose of it.

Key Features:
  • Type: Claw
  • Brand: Nature’s Miracle
  • Sizes Available: Medium, Jumbo
Pros:
  • Super-durable construction can be used on all surfaces
  • Strong, clamping mechanism grabs poop tight and keeps it secure
  • Antimicrobial and non-stick design
  • Comes in two sizes suitable for every pile of poop
Cons:
  • Quite expensive
VIEW PRICE

2. Best With Bag: Petmate Clean Response Swivel Waste Management System

Petmate Clean Response
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If you’re looking for the best pooper scooper with a bag, then the Petmate Clean Response is our top pick. 

The Petmate is a two-part product that comes with a long-handled rake and a swivel bin for removing piles without touching them. 

Both pieces are made from durable plastic, so they won’t crack or fade in strong sunshine or freezing winters. The handles are extendable to over 3-feet in length, making them perfect if you struggle to bend down when cleaning up poop. 

The claws on the rake are designed for use on all surfaces, so you can use this model to clean up on grass, gravel or asphalt without any issues. Both pieces have soft grips on the handles and they are very lightweight, which makes them comfortable to use. 

The swivel bin has an antimicrobial coating and a large capacity, so it’s great if you have a large dog who leaves hefty deposits. It’s designed to be used with normal plastic grocery bags for convenience, and there’s a handy hook on the side to keep the bag in place as you scoop. 

Both the rake and the swivel bin snap together to save space and you can even hang them on the wall for easy storage. 

The only drawback to this model is that the handles are prone to coming loose where they are screwed together, so you may have to tighten them up regularly. 

Aside from this, the Petmate Clean Response Swivel Waste Management System is a great option for removing doggy doo doos from any surface while keeping your hands clean. 

Why We Recommend It:

The Petmate Clean Response Swivel Waste Management System is a two-part model that is suitable for poop-picking on all surfaces. The swivel bin can be used with ordinary grocery bags for convenience, while the long-handled design and soft grips make it comfortable to use.

Key Features:
  • Type: Bin & Rake
  • Brand: Petmate
  • Sizes Available: One Size Only
Pros:
  • Lightweight and durable design
  • Swivel bin can be used with ordinary grocery bags
  • Suitable for all surfaces
  • Long handles prevent back strain
Cons:
  • Handles are prone to loosening where connected
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3. Best Metal Scooper: Four Paws Rake Set

Four Paws Rake Set
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Another great option is this rake and bin set by Four Paws. 

The handles are made from wood with a plastic coating, so they are lightweight and strong, but the rake and bin are made from metal for ultimate durability. 

This set has long, 3.5-foot handles, which allow you to rake up the poop without straining your back and legs. The metal bin has a large capacity so you can collect lots of waste before you need to empty it, and it sits flush to the ground for easier loading. 

The rake has strong claws that are resistant to bending or breaking, so you can use it on all surfaces without any worries. You may have to be gentle on your lawn, though, as the metal claws could cause some damage to the grass if you’re not careful. 

You probably won’t want to bring a poopy rake in the house if you can help it, so we like that both the rake and the bin can be stored outside, thanks to its weather and rust-resistant metal construction.

Why We Recommend It:

The Four Paws Rake Set is a good choice if you want to clean up poop without having to bend down. The metal rake and bin are highly durable and suitable for use on all surfaces, while the wooden handle is comfortable to hold.

Key Features:
  • Type: Bin & Rake
  • Brand: Four Paws
  • Sizes Available: One Size Only
Pros:
  • Wooden handle with metal rake and bin for durability
  • Long, 3.5-foot handles so you don’t have to bend down
  • Strong claws are suitable for all surfaces
Cons:
  • May damage your lawn if you’re not careful
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4. Best for Grass: Four Paws Wire Rake Scooper

Four Paws Wire Rake Scooper
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If your lawn is your pride and joy, this wire rake pooper scooper will help you keep it looking its best. 

This model is specially designed for use on grassy surfaces, so you can scoop the poop without damaging your grass. The claws are positioned to sweep underneath the poop without catching the surface below, so you can comb through grassy surfaces without tearing up your lawn. 

Although the rake is made from aluminum for strength, the handle has a rubber grip which makes it more comfortable to hold, especially on cold days. You can store this rake outside as it’s resistant to rust and the wide-spaced teeth make it easier to clean.

One drawback to this pooper scooper rake is its length. At 2.4-feet, it’s quite short, so you’ll have to bend down when picking up. Also, as it’s designed for use on grass, it’ll be less effective on hard surfaces.

Why We Recommend It:

The Four Paws Wire Rake Scooper is a great choice for keeping your lawn poop-free without the risk of damaging it. Although you’ll have to bend while using it, the wide teeth are positioned at right angles so you can sweep underneath the poo and leave your grass intact.

Key Features:
  • Type: Rake
  • Brand: Four Paws
  • Sizes Available: One Size Only
Pros:
  • Made from durable aluminum that won’t rust
  • Specially designed for use on grass
  • Rubber grip on handle makes it comfortable to hold
Cons:
  • Handle is quite short, so you’ll have to bend down when scooping
  • Less effective on hard surfaces
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5. Pooch Approved Products GoGo Stik Pooper Scooper

GoGo Stik Pooper Scooper
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If you prefer a single-handed approach to poop-scooping, then the Pooch Approved Products GoGo Stik Pooper Scooper could be just what you need. 

Thanks to its 3-foot telescoping handle, this model enables you to pick up your pup’s poop without having to bend down – making it great if you have a bad back.

The base of the scooper is designed to hold any type of plastic bag, so the scooper itself never comes into contact with the poo and won’t get dirty. The bag can be secured tightly around the looped “blades” at the end of the handle, which are supposed to keep it firmly in place while you scoop. This works pretty well, but the bag can slip out if you’re collecting big, heavy poops.  

This scooper is great for use on all surfaces, so whether you pooch poops on the lawn or on the sidewalk, you can pick it up easily without touching it. One side of the scooping blades is rounded for use on uneven surfaces such as grass, snow or sand, while the other side has a flat edge for use on hard surfaces like asphalt. 

Because this model can be used with any type of plastic bag, you can choose to bin the poo after each pickup, or wait until the bag is full to save plastic waste. We like that it’s made from a combination of tough plastic and aluminum, so it is lightweight, durable, and resistant to rust.

Overall, this is a great product if you need to pick up from multiple surfaces and would prefer the tool to stay clean. It can take some time to get the hang of using it on different surfaces, though, so expect a little trial and error to begin with. 

Why We Recommend It:

The Pooch Approved Products GoGo Stik Pooper Scooper is great for collecting poop from any surface without bending. The clever design means you don’t need a separate rake to pick up and it can be used with any type of plastic bag so the tool stays clean.

Key Features:
  • Type: Scoop/Bin
  • Brand: Pooch Approved Products
  • Sizes Available: One Size Only
Pros:
  • Extendable design means you can scoop without bending down
  • Fits any type of plastic bag
  • Can be used on any surface
Cons:
  • Bag can slip when picking up heavy poops
  • Takes some time to get used to using it on different surfaces
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6. Dogit Jaws for Grass Waste Scooper

Dogit Jaws for Grass Waste Scooper
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If you don’t like to use rakes on your lawn and would prefer to avoid plastic bags filled with poop – the Dogit Jaws for Grass Waste Scooper is worth a look. 

This model uses a spring-loaded, claw-style design that closes around the poo so you can pick it up without any bags. It is made from tough plastic for durability, but it is still lightweight and comfortable to use single-handedly. 

The serrated edges of the claw poop collector are made from hard-wearing plastic and are specially designed to pick up poop from gravel or grassy surfaces without damaging your lawn. The calibrated springs close the jaws tightly around the waste, to reduce the risk of any unpleasant spillages as you lift it up. 

The handle has a soft, contoured rubber grip that’s comfortable to hold, but this scooper is pretty short at just over 2-foot in length. This means you’ll need to bend over a little bit to collect your dogs’ doo doo, so it may be unsuitable if you have backache or joint problems.

Once you have deposited the poop in the bin, the claws can be rinsed off for easy cleaning. It’s probably best to wash it after each use, though, as once the poop dries it may be more difficult to get off with water alone. 

Why We Recommend It:

The Dogit Jaws for Grass Waste Scooper is a good alternative to rakes or models that use plastic bags for poop collection. The spring-loaded jaws close tightly around the poop so you can remove it without damaging your grass, and the lightweight, durable design is comfortable to hold.

Key Features:
  • Type: Claw
  • Brand: Dogit
  • Sizes Available: One Size Only
Pros:
  • Great for use on gravel or grass without damaging your lawn
  • Claw-like design closes securely around the poop, so you don’t need any bags
  • Durable, lightweight and comfortable to hold
Cons:
  • Handle is quite short at just over 2-foot, so you’ll probably need to bend to use it
  • Requires frequent washing to prevent poop build-up
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7. MidWest Handy Doody Dog Waste Rake

MidWest Handy Doody Dog Waste Rake
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Looking for something strong, yet simple? The MidWest Handy Doody Dog Waste Rake could be just what you need. 

This basic metal rake is made from coated steel, so it’s highly durable, rust-resistant, and can be stored outside all year around.

The long prongs don’t bend under pressure and are suitable for use on all types of surfaces, including sand, long grass, and snow. The clever design means you can even use it one-handed, for effortless poop scooping on the go.

This model weighs just 9.2 pounds, so it’s comfortable to use for long periods if you have lots of dog waste to clean up. 

However, it’s worth keeping in mind that, at 2.4 feet, the handle is a little shorter than some of the other models we have reviewed. Therefore, if you’re tall, you may still have to bend down to pick up the poop, which may become uncomfortable over time. 

Also, this model doesn’t come with a separate bin, so you may have to make several trips to dispose of poop when clearing your yard. 

Why We Recommend It:

This model is a simple solution to picking up dog doo doos from any surface. The durable metal prongs won’t bend under pressure, and it won’t rust if you leave it out in the yard. This rake is lightweight, well-made, and designed to be used one-handed, but it’s a little shorter than some other models we have seen.

Key Features:
  • Type: Rake
  • Brand: Midwest
  • Sizes Available: One Size Only
Pros:
  • Simple, hard-wearing, yet lightweight design
  • Can be used on all surfaces
Cons:
  • At 2.4 foot long, you may still have to bend over to pick up poop
  • No bin or bag attachment for collection
VIEW PRICE
Blue paw

Why It’s Essential to Pick Up After Your Dog

Picking up your dog’s poop is common courtesy. Nobody likes dodging poo on the sidewalk, and those who don’t pick up can foster resentment against dog owners in general. 

But aside from being yucky, dog poop also poses a danger to human health, canine health, and the wider environment. Dog feces can spread disease-causing bacteria and viruses such as e.coli, salmonella, and parvovirus – as well as nasty parasites like roundworms. 

Dog poo can also contaminate local waterways, leading to dangerously high levels of bacteria that can render them unsafe to use. In short, you should always pick up after your dog, regardless of whether you’re on a street or walking in woodland.

Summary & My Top Poop Picker Upper

A doggy pooper scooper can make cleaning up your pup’s smelly presents a little more bearable. 

My favorite pooper scooper is the Nature's Miracle Jaw Dog Poop Scoop. With its clever claw-like design, this pooper scooper will pick up poop from all surfaces and can be used single-handed for comfort and convenience. 

Its antimicrobial qualities help to reduce bacterial build-up and the non-stick finish ensures that the poop slides right off into the bin. 

What do you think? Will you be buying a pooper scooper or are you content with the “hand, bag and grab” method? Be sure to let me know in the comments below!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelly Rowett

Kelly is a full-time freelance writer who’s passionate about pets and animal welfare. In the past, she has volunteered at shelters and veterinary clinics, worked as a part-time pet-sitter/dog walker, and played a hands-on role in rehoming street animals from the Middle East to forever homes in Europe. When she’s not writing about pets, you’ll find her hiking coastal trails with her rescue pup, Sidney.