DoodyCalls, a successful pet pooper scooper service based in Charlottesville, Virginia, is now franchising nationwide.

Susan and Jacob D'Aniello, owners of DoodyCalls, began their pet waste cleanup service in 1999 working the backyards throughout Northern Virginia and Maryland, and expanded later into Massachusetts. In December 2004 they sold their first franchise.

Their success is not a surprise. Consumers are spending more money than ever on pet products and services. "There are at least 65,000,000 dogs in the U.S. and about 40 percent of households own at least one dog," says Jacob. "Pet care spending has doubled in the past decade, and Americans have less and less time to spend taking care of their pets. They'd rather play with their dog and let someone else clean up. That's where we come in."

Picking up poop may not be glamorous, but it makes money. In fact, there are many businesses in the country providing "animal waste services". There is even a trade organization called "American Professional Animal Waste Specialists". And the need for a professional pooper scooper is not limited to people's homes, but cities and counties hire them to clean dog parks too.

For information on how to become a DoodyCalls franchisee, visit their website at: http://www.doodycalls.com/