Jim Williams starts dog poo removal subscription service business, Byron Bay to Gold Coast

A man devastated after his dog died from disease got himself a fetching job title to help prevent other canines from getting sick – and the stinky service has seen clientele barking mad for it.

Business owner Jim Williams, of Lennox Head, kickstarted a dog poo removal subscription service. Picture: Supplied.

A man devastated after his dog died from disease got himself a fetching job title to help prevent other canines from getting sick – and the stinky service has seen clientele barking mad for it.

Lennox Head business owner Jim Williams dreamed of working with animals and of escaping the nine to five grind – so he rolled over and kickstarted a dog poo removal subscription service.

And like a dog with a bone, Mr Williams didn’t waste any time. He launched his company, Scoopcrew, six months ago, with a roster of clients from Byron Bay to the Gold Coast.

Tragically losing one of his puppies, Zena, to canine parvovirus (CPV), prompted Mr Williams to start the business in a bid to prevent other animals from contracting the deadly disease.

CPV is easily spread by direct contact with infected dogs, contact with faeces (stool) from infected dogs, or contact with virus-contaminated surfaces.

Business owner Jim Williams with one of his dogs. Picture: Supplied.

“From having all the energy in the world to Zena being gone was scary fast and that was simply because I had no idea at the time dog poo contained so many infectious organisms,” he said.

“It made sense I create something to potentially help people keep their yards safe for their pets.”

Mr Williams said when some people first hear about his business, they think it’s a “silly idea”.

But he has bitten back, saying: “I think the bravest thing you can do is try (something new)”.

Mr Williams on board with his ‘paw patrol’. Picture: Scoopcrew website

“I’ve had a few comments that aren’t nice but there’s always going to be someone who looks down on you,” he said.

While also working part-time at a delivery company, Mr Williams said his work is piling up as Scoopcrew is “growing”.

When asked if he has any famous clients in the Byron area, Mr Williams said he was not sure. Either that – or he doesn’t scoop and tell.

Mr Williams said he has a diverse clientele ranging from those who are wealthy and short on time to those who are disadvantaged or elderly and can’t bend over.

Mr Williams hugging a dog. Picture: Scoopcrew website

And while Mr Williams said he isn’t able to protect all dogs from illness, he can ensure his client’s backyards are safe.

Mr Williams said the business has turned out to be “fun” and “lighthearted”, despite the dirty work.

“It’s proof anyone can make something out of themselves with what they choose to do,” he said.