Dog Waste Laws in Maryland & Pennsylvania: What Pet Owners Need to Know
Picking up after your dog isn’t just polite — in Maryland and Pennsylvania, it’s the law. Both states have strict rules requiring pet owners to remove dog waste from public spaces, sidewalks, parks, apartment communities, and even private properties where the dog doesn’t live.
Understanding dog waste laws protects you from fines, keeps neighborhoods clean, and keeps local water systems safe — especially when you already follow a smart dog poop cleaning service in Baltimore year-round. In this guide, we break down the most important state, county, and city dog waste regulations — and how Poop Genie can help homeowners and property managers stay compliant.
- The Purpose of Dog Waste Laws
Dog waste isn’t harmless. It contains harmful pathogens that damage soil, contaminate water, and pose health risks to pets and people.
Local laws aim to:
- Reduce water pollution
- Prevent parasitic infections
- Keep public parks clean
- Protect children and wildlife
- Encourage responsible pet ownership
Most municipalities call this a “pooper scooper law.”
- Maryland Dog Waste Laws (State & Local)
Maryland has some of the strongest dog waste regulations in the Mid-Atlantic.
Statewide rule:
Maryland does not have a single statewide poop law, but every county and city enforces its own mandatory waste-removal ordinance.
Common Maryland penalties:
- $25–$200 fines for first offenses
- Up to $1,000 for repeated or severe violations
- Additional HOA or property-manager penalties
Examples by region:
County law requires all pet owners to immediately remove dog waste from public and private spaces. Fines start around $50.
Known for strict enforcement: pet owners must remove all dog waste and properly dispose of it (not leaving bags behind).
Ordinances require removal on all public and private property you do not own. Fines can reach $500.
Anne Arundel County
Pet waste cannot be left on sidewalks, public parks, school grounds, or someone else’s yard.
Where Poop Genie Helps:
- HOA community compliance
- Apartment pet-station maintenance
- Regular pet waste removal for busy families
- Common-area cleanups for neighborhoods
- Pennsylvania Dog Waste Laws (State & Local)
Pennsylvania enforces dog waste rules mostly through township and city ordinances.
Common Pennsylvania fines:
- $25–$300 for first offenses
- Up to $1,000 or community service for repeated violations
Examples by region:
Philadelphia
Strict “scoop-the-poop” law requiring immediate removal. Fines range from $75 to hundreds.
Pittsburgh
Owners must remove dog waste and carry cleanup tools. Leaving poop behind can result in $300 fines.
Public parks and walking trails require owners to pick up waste or face a municipal fine.
“Pet defecation laws” mandate waste removal from all public and private spaces.
Where Poop Genie Helps:
- Compliance for rental properties
- Waste-station restocking
- Community dog-run cleaning
- Yard cleanups for homeowners
- HOA Dog Waste Requirements (Both States)
Most HOAs in Maryland & Pennsylvania have additional rules about:
- Waste cleanup in shared yards
- Approved disposal methods
- Fines for leaving poop in common areas
- Requirements for pet waste stations
- Consequences for chronic non-compliance
HOAs often rely on Poop Genie for:
- Scheduled cleanups
- Weekly maintenance
- Odor control
- Pet-station monitoring
- Community compliance tracking
- Apartment & Rental Property Waste Policies
Property managers can be fined for tenant neglect, which is why many require:
- Proof of pet DNA for waste tracking
- Cleanup responsibilities in lease agreements
- Waste stations on premises
- Mandatory pickup on balconies and patios
Poop Genie provides multi-unit services that help reduce labor costs and keep outdoor areas clean.
- Why Dog Waste Laws Matter for Public Health
Dog waste contains:
- Giardia
- Roundworm
- Hookworm
- E. coli
- Salmonella
- Parvovirus
When left outside:
- Rain washes waste into storm drains
- Soil becomes contaminated
- Children and pets are exposed
- Local waterways become polluted
This is exactly why these laws exist.
- How Poop Genie Helps Residents Stay Compliant
Poop Genie offers:
- Weekly & biweekly yard cleanups
- One-time cleanups for tenants or landlords
- Common-area waste removal
- Waste-station maintenance
- Dog run sanitation
- Commercial property cleanup
- Apartment pet-area care
By keeping your yard clean, you avoid fines, protect your community, and ensure your property stays healthy and odor-free — especially when paired with regular dog poop cleanup services.
Conclusion: Dog Waste Laws Are Strict — But Easy to Follow with Help
Maryland and Pennsylvania take dog waste seriously, and for good reason. Understanding local laws helps pet owners avoid fines and protect community health.
Want a simple way to stay fully compliant?
Poop Genie handles the dirty work — so you don’t have to.