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For HOAs & apartments

Common Area Cleaning for shared spaces.

We sweep the dog parks, walking trails and shared lawns on your property for pet waste, picking up what others leave behind on a set schedule.

A Trusty Tail scooper crossing an open lawn by a pond

What is common area cleaning?

Common area cleaning is pet waste pickup across the spaces residents share: dog parks, walking trails, the lawns between buildings and the green spaces around ponds, playgrounds and entrances. Even in a community with pet waste stations, not every resident picks up. We sweep those high-traffic spaces on a set schedule and pick up the landmines others leave behind, so the shared spaces stay pleasant for everyone.

Which areas do you clean?

  • Dog parks and fenced dog runs.
  • Walking paths and nature trails.
  • The lawns between buildings and along sidewalks.
  • Green spaces around ponds, playgrounds, pools and entrances.

We agree on the areas with you before service starts, so your plan covers the spaces that matter most and nothing you don't need.

How does a visit work?

On your service day we walk the agreed areas on a set route and pick up the waste we find, paying the most attention to the spots where dogs go first: the edges of paths, the corners of dog parks and the grass by building doors. Our tools and boots are sanitized between properties.

How often should common areas be cleaned?

It depends on how many dogs live on the property and how much the spaces are used. Busy apartment communities need more frequent visits than a quiet HOA greenbelt. We recommend a schedule after the property walk, and you can change it as your community grows or as the seasons change.

Why it matters for your community

Shared spaces are where residents notice pet waste most, and where complaints start. Waste left on a lawn also burns the grass and smells in the Texas heat, and when it rains, the bacteria wash into storm drains. In Sienna, the levee district's stormwater outreach runs a pet waste campaign titled "Never Forget to Pickup Your Pet Waste!", because what's left on the grass doesn't stay there. Source: Sienna Parks and Levee Improvement District.

What changes with the seasons?

The work changes through the year, and so can your schedule. In the fall, falling leaves hide waste on shared lawns and along trails, so a sweep takes more care. In the summer, waste left in the Texas heat starts to smell within days, which is when residents notice it most. After heavy rain, we pause for lightning and flooding and come back on the next clear day. We can add visits for the busy months and ease off when the grounds are quiet.

Dog parks deserve the same rules as public ones

Public dog parks around here all post the same rule: owners pick up. Pearland's Independence and Southdown dog parks ask owners to clean up after their dogs, and Friendswood's PetSafe Dog Park keeps pet waste stations by the gates. A private dog park in your community should be held to the same standard. Our sweeps cover the corners, the fence lines, the gates and the spots under the benches, where waste builds up first.

Pair it with pet waste station service

Common area cleaning works best alongside stations that stay stocked. We can empty, reline and restock your stations on the same route, or supply and install new ones. See pet waste station cleaning.

How much does common area cleaning cost?

Common area cleaning is quoted as part of a flat-rate monthly proposal built around your property's footprint and the schedule you need. Call us at (832) 981-1363 or send a request, and we'll set up a time to walk the grounds with you. Trusty Tail is veteran-owned, W-9 and vendor-ready, and insured with pet care business insurance.

What residents notice

Residents rarely see the visit itself. What they notice is a dog park they can walk into without watching their step, a path that's clear on the morning walk and a lawn by the door the kids can play on. For a property manager, it's fewer complaints about pet waste in the inbox, and one less job for the maintenance team.

Who does the work?

Sam and Margaret Martinez and the Trusty Tail team. Sam is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who brings the same routine to every property: arrive on schedule, walk the agreed areas in order, bag every pile, sanitize the tools before the next stop. You'll have one local, veteran-owned team to call, not a call center. Trusty Tail is certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration as a service-disabled veteran-owned small business, which can count toward supplier diversity goals. See our credentials.

Getting started

  1. 1Tell us about the property: the type of community, the shared spaces and roughly how many dogs use them.
  2. 2We walk the grounds with you and agree on the areas and the schedule.
  3. 3You get a flat-rate monthly proposal to review with your board or owner.
  4. 4Service starts on the agreed route, and you can adjust it as the community changes.

Commercial proposal

Request a commercial proposal

Tell us about your property and we'll set up a time to walk it with you. Every commercial plan is a personalized, flat-rate proposal for your property.

Who we serve

Built for shared outdoor spaces.

  • HOAs

    Master-planned communities and neighborhood associations with shared lawns, paths and parks.

  • Apartment communities

    Pet-friendly complexes where the grounds between buildings see dogs every day.

  • Parks and trails

    Dog parks, walking trails and green spaces open to the public or to residents.

Every visit includes

Professional service, arrival to exit.

  • Dog parks and runs

    Swept for waste around the fences, benches and gates.

  • Walking paths and trails

    The edges of the routes residents walk every day.

  • Lawns between buildings

    The patches of grass right outside the doors.

  • Sanitized equipment

    Tools and boots disinfected between properties.

Reviews

What our clients say.

5.0 rating · 44 reviews(opens our listing in a new tab)
  • “recommend” × 23
  • “professional” × 11
  • “reliable” × 11
  • “communication” × 8
  • “treats” × 5
  • L A.

    “We've been so happy with Trusty Tails Pet Waste Removal! Booking is easy, and they always give us a heads-up before they come. They send photos after each visit so we know the job's done. They're friendly, professional, and efficient every time, and they seem like a really sweet couple. The price is fair for the great work they do. Highly recommend!”

  • Thanks for the five stars, from Casper and Ave!

  • David B.

    “Trusty Tail has been amazing! They are always responsible, reliable, and super friendly. They do a great job every time, and they’ve even brought little gifts for my dogs, which was such a nice touch. My dogs approve, and so do I! Highly recommend them to anyone looking for a dependable and caring pet waste removal service.”

  • Kydise A.

    “Been with Trusty Tail for about 6 months or so and they are the greatest! Through cleaning every visit and they even leave treats for my fur babies! 10 out of 10 would recommend!”

    Jay M.

    “Great customer service! Always punctual and reliable I strongly recommend!!”

  • Alexis H.

    “I had a wonderful experience with Samuel, the owner of Trusty Tail! I originally contacted the company just to ask about pricing and compare services. There was a misunderstanding, and Samuel came out even though I had not officially subscribed—but he still graciously completed the first poop pickup, sanitation, and deodorizing treatment at no charge. He was professional, responsive, knowledgeable, and incredibly kind. He also explained the products he uses and made sure I understood how the treatment works and that it would be safe for my dogs once dry. I truly appreciate his generosity and the care he puts into his business. If you’re looking for someone dependable to keep your yard clean and sanitized, I highly recommend supporting Samuel and Trusty Tail!”

  • Patricia A.

    “Sam is awesome!!! I have an 80 pound standard poodle Mr. Teddy and 70 pound labradoodle Lucy. We were displaced from our home and have been in Houston Air BnB. Got the notice my home is ready to move into Wednesday. Contacted Sam and he cleaned our yard on short notice and did a great job!!! Highly recommend.”

  • Mark F.

    “I would definitely recommend Trusty Tail. They are Professional, and reliable. They deliver Great customer service and are a pleasure to work with. They not only scoop they sanitize too.”

    Highkey S.

    “It was fast and undisturbed cleaning I ever inquired. Would I do it again yes. Though I’m only a low income mom, I can’t afford it but it definitely worth its price for its service”

  • Tracey B.

    “Upon meeting Sam for the first time, I found him to be pleasant and accommodating. He surprised me by presenting me with an unexpected gift for Bear, a toy that Bear continues to play with today. After cleaning the yard, I noticed Sam tying the bag containing the boogies. Since I only have weekly garbage services, I asked if he would take those with him, as I was concerned that the garbage can would become extremely smelly. Without hesitation, Sam agreed.”

  • Cynthia S.

    “I highly recommend their service for keeping your yard clean and poop free. They are professional, reliable, and always take the time to provide helpful information. Their attention to detail and excellent customer service make the whole experience easy and stress free.”

  • Daisy G.

    “Very professional and punctual. I really appreciate the communication notice before arrival and post service ensuring gate lock. Highly recommend”

    Patsy J.

    “Highly recommend Trusty Tail Waste Removal! Reliable and get the job done swiftly! Their customer service, communication, and professionalism are outstanding!”

  • dionte H.

    “I absolutely love Trusty Tails! They come out every week to clean my yard, and they are always dependable, professional, and do a great job. Having them take care of this every week is one less thing I have to worry about, and I truly appreciate their consistency. What really makes them stand out to me is the little extra touch—they always leave treats for my dogs! 🐾❤️ My babies definitely know when Trusty Tails has been by! 😂 It may seem like a small gesture, but as a dog mom, it means a lot to know they think about my babies too. Reliable, thoughtful, and great service every single week. I definitely recommend Trusty Tails to any dog owner looking for someone they can count on!”

  • Diana C.

    “Great price, great communication. Their service and cleaning is Awesome. I truly recommend Trusty Tail! Thank you for your service.”

    Mark F.

    “I would recommend their service, they are professional, courteous, reliable, and customer focused. Great experience.”

  • Katie G.

    “Awesome local, veteran owned business! Sam and Margaret are super kind and do a great job! I wasn’t even sure if a pooper scooper service existed but after a quick google search I found trusty tail. Our yard is so clean and we actually want to spend time out there now! Highly recommend :)”

  • Katelyn T.

    “Incredible company with SUPERB customer service. The communication from my initial inquiry has been incredible, and the service is reliable and excellent. Trusty Tail sends you a message with their estimated arrival and alerts you when the job is done, always making sure the gate is secure for my pet’s safety. They even came by when my grass was out of control (as pictured) right after I moved into my home and didn’t have lawn service set up, then recommended a local lawn service company to me! Above and beyond. This service has given my life a major upgrade! The pups are still enjoying treats from the goodie bags provided at the first service. Thank you Trusty Tail! 10/10 would recommend!”

  • Daniela G.

    “We have loved having a clean yard thanks to Trusty Tails! They are quick, reliable and always do a great job.”

    Kimberly F.

    “I would recommend their service. They are professional, courteous, reliable and customer focused. Great experience!”

  • mike

    “Highly recommend this service! They are always on time, professional, and do an amazing job. My yard is spotless every time. It’s such a relief not having to worry about it anymore. If you have dogs, this service is a game changer!”

  • Rosita H.

    “Very Professional and did a great job. Even provided a picture of get closed gate when they were done!!!”

    Brandy A.

    “Very communicative on when they would arrive and did a wonderful job in cleaning up the yard”

  • Yomaira B.

    “Great service! They are very friendly, professional, and right on time. Communication is spot on—super clear and easy to work with. Rain or shine, they show up and get the job done without any hassle. Really respectful team that makes the whole process smooth and stress-free. Highly recommend if you want reliable and top-notch service!”

Frequently asked

Common Areas questions, answered.

Which common areas do you clean?

The high-traffic green spaces residents share: dog parks, walking trails, the lawns between buildings and along paths, and anywhere else dogs are walked every day.

Can common area cleaning be combined with station service?

Yes. Stations catch most of the waste on a property, and common area cleaning picks up what doesn't make it into a bin. Both can run on the same route and go in one monthly proposal.

How long does a common area visit take?

It depends on the size of the grounds and how many dogs use them, which is why we walk the property before we send a proposal. On each visit we sweep the green spaces, dog parks and trails in a set pattern so nothing is missed.

See all questions

Still have questions? A real person answers.

Call (832) 981-1363

Service areas

Southeast Houston, Pearland and nearby towns

Reclaim your weekend

Request a commercial proposal

Tell us about your property and we'll set up a time to walk it with you.

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