While owning a dog comes with many joys, there’s a downside to owning your furry friend. Whether your dog is a puppy and being house trained or already has learned proper manners, they all have one thing in common: clean up.
As we know, dog waste contains a long list of viruses and bacteria, so finding a hands-free method of cleaning up is the safest and sanitary choice.
It can get confusing when trying to figure out which approach, method, or tools are the best to use. We wanted to make this process easy for you, so we put 14 of the best dog pooper scoopers to the test and ranked them according to their performance. 9 made our top picks, and 3 received honorable mentions.
Our Top Picks
Product | Details | ||
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Best Overall: DogBuddy Pooper Scooper | The portability feature makes this pooper scooper an easy choice. We appreciate the freeroll of doggy poop bags that comes with the purchase. | Check Price |
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Best For At Home: ARM & HAMMER Swivel Bin & Rake Pooper Scooper | A simple design that makes your at-home clean-up so much easier thanks to the 32-inch handle. | Check Price |
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Best For Multiple Surfaces: Nature’s Miracle Non-Stick Advanced Jaw Scoop For Pet Waste Pick Up | This non-stick pooper scooper keeps your home smelling fresh and makes it easier to keep your yard clean. Best of all, cleanup is quick and easy. | Check Price |
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Best For Big Messes: Dogit Jawz Dog Waste Scooper, Dog Pooper Scooper For Easy Pick Up | Dogit Jawz has various selections to meet the needs of those who need multiple choices in picking up systems for different surfaces in their yards, making cleaning up big messes easier. | Check Price |
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Best For Portability: PPOGOO Non-Breakable Pet Pooper Scooper | This is a portable and functional system that allows you to take it wherever you go. | Check Price |
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Best For Grass Areas: Four Paws Grass Wire Dog Rake Scooper | Measuring 30 inches high, Four Paws created an easy-to-use, highly functional home pooper scooper rake that is perfect for cleaning grassy areas. | Check Price |
Types of Pooper Scoopers

There are many types of pooper scoopers out there to explore. Each has its own perks, pros and cons, and benefits. Each is different in its own way and usable for different scenarios and needs.
Let’s go through two of the main types:
Jaw Scoop
Also known as a jaw clamp pooper scooper, the jaw scoop is one of the more popular types. This is a device you can use one-handed by pulling the handle. With durable springs in place, the jaw scop is fully extendable for picking up larger piles of waste, or partly extendable for picking up smaller piles of poop.
These poppers scoopers are lightweight yet durable, easy to use, and uncomplicated.
Bin and Rake Assembly
This is a two-piece variant that allows you to pick up more waste. The pieces typically snap together to streamline storage when they’re not in use.
The bin and rake assembly is a kind of pooper scooper that is not as portable, which can be quite a con depending on your needs and wants. This type of pooper scooper is best if only used in your yard.
The bins can be fitted with liners making disposal clean and easy while keeping the bin cleaner. Some bin manufacturers make bags to fit their bins so fitting the bag is easier.
Complete your set of dog essentials with the Best Biodegradable Dog Poop Bags. Don’t leave home without some!
How We Narrowed Down the Best Pooper Scoopers
For this test, we considered some of the brands known for their ease of use, and versatile options.
We looked into brands like DogBuddy, that improve the home life and outside life of our furry friends. They are always looking for ways to sell products that make life with a pet more comfortable.
We researched other brands such as Dogit. The brand that helps countless dog owners all-around at a good price. They make their products versatile and long-lasting, so we feel comfortable recommending them.
We also looked into more popular brands that are widely known, such as Nature’s Miracle. For over 30 years this brand has been helping homeowners and dog owners keep their homes fresh and clean with their odor-resisting products.
From these brands and several others, we found the highest-rated pooper scoopers and picked 14 of them to put to the test on our dogs’ messes. 9 of them we chose as top picks, and another 3 received our honorable mentions. Read on to find out why.
Best Dog Pooper Scoopers Reviewed
1. Best Overall: DogBuddy Pooper Scooper
Product Ratings
Type | 5/5 |
Build | 4/5 |
Weight | 5/5 |
Ease Of Use | 5/5 |
Price | 4/5 |
Type: Jaw Scoop | Brand: DogBuddy | Weight: 0.9 to 3 lbs | Sizes: 19 inches to 32 inches | Dogs: Small to Large Breeds
What We Liked
- Bag dispenser included
- Free bags bundled with the purchase
- Can clip to the dog’s leash for picking up messes anywhere
What We Didn’t Like
- Not suitable for multiple dogs
DogBuddy’s pooper scooper is another fine example of a jaw scoop that serves to separate you from your dog’s mess. This compact model features purely the business end of the scooper with no handle.
The rear of the scooper is adjustable outward by a telescoping silicone pocket that makes it easier to deal with larger messes.
The only drawback is that it doesn’t have a telescoping handle, so it is not meant for intensive yard cleaning. This is for hands-free mess cleaning on the go. It’s easy to clean with a quick rinse in the yard.
This scooper is available in two sizes, and we tested the large model. You can also choose this green model or a gray alternative. The scooper comes with a roll of bags included along with a dispenser.
If you’re still unconvinced, the manufacturer offers a no-quibbles money-back guarantee meaning you have literally nothing to lose. If you’re not totally satisfied with this scooper, just call in for a no-questions-asked refund.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON SEE PRICE ON CHEWY2. Best for At Home: ARM & HAMMER Swivel Bin & Rake Pooper Scooper
Product Ratings
Type | 5/5 |
Build | 3/5 |
Weight | 4/5 |
Ease Of Use | 3/5 |
Price | 5/5 |
Type: Bin and Rake | Brand: Arm & Hammer | Weight: 1.28 lbs | Sizes: 27 inches to 44 inches | Dogs: Small to Large Breeds
What We Liked
- Rugged rotating bin
- Arm & Hammer makes great bags
- Handle extends to 32 inches
What We Didn’t Like
- Capacity could be improved
This is a two-piece design with a rake and bin that make a durable solution for poop in the backyard. The rugged bin is designed to swivel fully, giving you a great deal of freedom when you’re on yard waste duty.
Thanks to the 32-inch handle, you can keep well away from your dog’s business while confidently scooping it up into the bin provided. As an added kicker, you’ll get a pair of proprietary scented waste bags thrown in. Both components snap together for streamlined hanging storage when not in use.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON SEE PRICE ON CHEWY3. Best for Multiple Surfaces: Nature’s Miracle Non-Stick Advanced Jaw Scoop for Pet Waste Pick Up
Product Ratings
Type | 4/5 |
Build | 3/5 |
Weight | 5/5 |
Ease Of Use | 5/5 |
Price | 3/5 |
Type: Bin and Rake Assembly | Brand: Nature’s Miracle | Weight: 0.9 to 3 lbs | Sizes: 6.7 x 7.64 x 32 inches | Dogs: Small to Large Breeds
What We Liked
- Ideal for all surfaces
- Lightweight
- Non-stick for easy clean up
What We Didn’t Like
- Build quality was disappointing
Nature’s Miracle has been producing first-class pet products for decades, and they bring all that expertise to bear here solving that perennial bugbear for all dog owners: waste disposal.
We like that you can use this pooper scooper comfortably on a range of surfaces from grass to concrete. If you have various yard surfaces, this scooper makes cleaning less of a headache.
Thanks to the smooth surface of the scoop, you won’t be faced with any messy clean-up once you’ve ditched the poop.
At the time we purchased this scooper for testing, there was an error in the listing which labeled the scooper as antimicrobial which is not true. This refers to the antimicrobial pet wipes this company produces rather than this pooper scooper.
Now, while this scooper looks remarkably durable, the build quality was a little disappointing and we didn’t get as much use out of it as we hoped, but it did take a beating while we had it.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON SEE PRICE ON CHEWY4. Best for Big Messes: Dogit Jawz Dog Waste Scooper, Dog Pooper Scooper for Easy Pick Up
Product Ratings
Type | 4/5 |
Build | 3/5 |
Weight | 3/5 |
Ease Of Use | 5/5 |
Price | 2/5 |
Type: Bin and Rake Assembly | Brand: Dogit | Weight: 0.8 lbs | Sizes: 5.50 x 5.20 x 24.50 Inches | Dogs: Small to Large Breeds
What We Liked
- Lightweight but durable construction
- Waste collection in one motion if there is only one mess to clean
- Works well on sand and gravel
What We Didn’t Like
- Not as robust as it appears
- We wish the handle was longer
Next up in our search for the best dog pooper scoopers comes a neatly-designed jaw scoop from Dogit Jawz.
Firstly, you choose from two configurations depending on whether you want to clear up the mess from the sidewalk, or from grass and gravel. The jaw style is best for cleaning messes from smooth surfaces like concrete.
The rake and shovel are best for cleaning grass and gravel. You’ll next need to decide whether you want the small or large rake.
This scooper is lightweight so it’s ideal if you need to pick up lots of poop in the yard without fatiguing yourself. The teeth on the scoop are sharp and aggressive, so you’ll have no problem scooping up stubborn piles of poop. We just wish the handle was longer to make the job easier on our backs.
With a super-smooth motion, you can seamlessly scoop up large volumes of dog waste without getting anywhere near the business end of the device.
The scooper part is made of black plastic, so take care to avoid dropping it on the jaws or they’ll break. The unit that we got for testing worked fine, but there are some complaints that the plastic is not robust.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON SEE PRICE ON CHEWY5. Best for Portability: PPOGOO Non-Breakable Pet Pooper Scooper
Product Ratings
Type | 5/5 |
Build | 3/5 |
Weight | 3/5 |
Ease Of Use | 5/5 |
Price | 4/5 |
Type: Foldable Portable Design | Brand: PPOGOO | Weight: 14.57 Ounces | Sizes: 12.71 x 9.29 x 5.83 inches | Dogs: Small to Large Breeds
What We Liked
- Pair of stainless steel springs
- Long comfortable handle
- Foldable so it’s more portable and easier to store
What We Didn’t Like
- Flimsier build than we’d like, but the price is appropriate
Have you been hunting in vain for a durable pooper scooper that doesn’t cost a bundle? If so, you’ll appreciate this pocket-friendly offering from PPOGOO. If you’re prepared to take a chance on an off-brand, what do you get for your money?
This is another traditional jaw scoop with stainless steel springs meaning you won’t need to put in any effort when you’re squeezing the handle.
If you’re put off by the plastic build, you’re not alone. Despite being aggressively marketed as unbreakable, the flimsiness is something to take into consideration.
This scooper is better suited for occasional clean-ups after a smaller dog. It won’t hold up to constant abuse. Foldable and highly portable, you can easily take this scooper out with you in the car. The scooper is just as easy to clean as it is to use.
Designed to cope well with picking up waste from all surfaces, you’re getting a versatile scooper at a very competitive price point.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON6. Best for Grass Areas: Four Paws Grass Wire Dog Rake Scooper
Product Ratings
Type | 4/5 |
Build | 3/5 |
Weight | 5/5 |
Ease Of Use | 3/5 |
Price | 3/5 |
Type: Bin and Rake Assembly | Brand: Four Paws | Weight: 1.16 lb | Sizes: 5.00 x 6.13 x 29.50 Inches | Dogs: Small to Large Breeds
What We Liked
- Rust-resistant
- Sturdy scooping rake
- Multiple configurations
What We Didn’t Like
- Poor-quality wire handle that can bend out of shape
Four Paws serves up a highly effective and affordable dog pooper scooper that’s well worth buying for the backyard. This is a simple rake in a small size. You can also choose a smaller or larger model, so there’s something for everyone.
There’s a wide range of configurations available, including a rake and pan set, and a foldaway scooper. This iteration is simply the wire rake which is the best for cleaning grass, gravel, and dirt.
The rugged and rust-resistant rake is ideal if you want to drag all the dog waste in your yard into one place so you can pick up the whole pile, bag it, and enjoy a clean and waste-free yard. Measuring almost 30-inches long, you won’t need to bend down or contort yourself when you’re scooping up dog waste.
The ergonomic rubber grip lets you work for longer without blistering your hands or letting the rake slip from your grasp. While this doesn’t offer the comprehensive approach to dog waste removal as some competitors, if you only want the rake rather than the full set, this is a smart and budget-friendly choice.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON SEE PRICE ON CHEWY7. Best for Durability: Activedogs Best Ever Dog Poop Scooper
Product Ratings
Type | 4/5 |
Build | 4/5 |
Weight | 4/5 |
Ease Of Use | 3/5 |
Price | 2/5 |
Type: Bin and Rake Assembly | Brand: Activedogs | Weight: 3 lbs | Sizes: 38 x 8 x 8 inches | Dogs: Small to Large Breeds
What We Liked
- Welded diamond-plate aluminum build
- High-grade bolts and hinges
- Lightweight considering the robust materials
- Easy to clean
What We Didn’t Like
- Grips come off over time
For all pet owners seeking a heavy-grade solution to dog waste removal, Activedogs delivers a rock-solid pooper scooper. Made from welded diamond-plate aluminum, the rugged build should return years of faithful service and put an end to your pooper scooper hunt.
The hinge system has been upgraded so the device easily copes with sustained and heavy use. There’s a rubber handle so you can keep a firm grip on the handle without hurting your hands.
We found a handful of complaints about the grip coming away after extended use. We didn’t have this problem, and we suspect that the grip will last much longer if the scooper is not left outside in the weather.
The flat teeth on the scooper make this a great fit for picking up waste from concrete and asphalt. If you’re scooping up poop from dirt or grass, the zig-zag teeth are better. Simply use whichever edge you need by leading with it before clamping the jaws shut.
Backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can buy with complete confidence, and you won’t be disappointed.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON8. Best for Multiple Pets: DuraScoop Pooper Scooper
Product Ratings
Type | 3/5 |
Build | 3/5 |
Weight | 4/5 |
Ease Of Use | 3/5 |
Price | 5/5 |
Type: Shovel | Brand: DuraScoop | Weight: 8.64 ounces | Sizes: 12.7 x 5.9 x 2.6 inches | Dogs: Small to Large Breeds
What We Liked
- Rust resistant aluminum build
- Molded rubber grips
- Mirror finish
What We Didn’t Like
- Not good for smaller clumps
We have another simple but super-efficient offering from DuraScoop. What you get here is a no-nonsense shovel scoop that works pretty well for dog litter boxes. Built from aluminum, it’s lightweight yet extremely long-lasting, and it won’t rust out either.
The grip is rubberized, non-slip, and comfy to use. This short scoop is designed for cat litter boxes, but we found it was helpful to keep the puppy pad areas and dog litter boxes clean when the dogs use them for stools.
Finished with a clean mirrored treatment, this scoop is large enough to deal with big clumps of waste from dogs or cats and easy to keep clean.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON9. Best for Ease of Use: Niubya Dog Pooper Scooper
Product Ratings
Type | 4/5 |
Build | 3/5 |
Weight | 4/5 |
Ease Of Use | 5/5 |
Price | 4/5 |
Type: Bin and Rake Assembly | Brand: Niubya | Weight: 3.68 pounds | Sizes: 16.54 x 9.96 x 3.7 inches | Dogs: Small to Large Breeds
What We Liked
- Rake and metal tray included
- Adjustable ergonomic handle
- Lightweight, but still durable
What We Didn’t Like
- Assembly is tricky
This is the best and most versatile option for those looking for an at-home pooper scooper. This is more of a pooper scooper kit that gives you all the tools you need to keep your home and yard clean.
This product is a lightweight and durable option with an adjustable handle that allows you to reach up to 38 inches. This made it really convenient for us to clean up and saved us a lot of back pain.
The non-stick surface makes it easy to clean up before stowing it away. The choices of a rake and a metal poop tray make it easy to clean up on multiple surfaces.
While this set doesn’t have any folding mechanisms, jaw clamps, or tricky spring-action levers, it does the job neatly and reliably.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZONComparison Chart
Products | Dogbuddy Pooper Scooper | Natures Miracle Pooper Scooper | Dogit Jawz Pooper Scooper | PPOGOO Pooper Scooper | Four Paws Pooper Scooper | ActiveDogs Pooper Scooper | DuraScoop Pooper Scooper | TIMINGILA Pooper Scooper | Niubya Dog Pooper Scooper |
Overall Rating | 4.9/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.8/5 |
Affordability | 4/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Weight | 5/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
Ease of Use | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
The Winner
Overall, we found that the DogBuddy Pooper Scooper was the best pick. We loved the portability of this one. It’s perfect to take on walks, small adventures, or even for travel.
We found that it was suitable for all dog breeds and we really liked how it can be used for all of the different living environments.
How to Choose the Best Pooper Scooper
To find the right pooper scooper, consider the preferences of the person who will be doing most of the scooping, and how big those messes typically are.
Some prefer to choose a pooper scooper that will solely be used for at-home needs. Others prefer to have a portable, more accessible pooper scooper to take out with them on walks, to the park, or in the car.
Here are a few of the things we considered when choosing pooper scoopers for our own use.
Build
To pick a pooper scooper you’ll be happy with, you should look for one that is built to last at least a year or two. You do not want it falling apart in your hands only after a few weeks of use.
Look for things like material, size, and portability.
Think about your dog’s size and chewing habits. Oddly enough, some plastic pooper scoopers have become chew toys, so consider the risk of it getting chewed on, making you have to buy a new one.
Some dog owners want a plastic pooper scooper so that it is more lightweight because a heavy scooper is too hard to use. Other dog owners need a heavy-duty metal scooper that can clean huge messes often without breaking.
Portability and Weight
If you plan to take your pooper scooper around the neighborhood, choose one that is plastic, folding, and/or compact. Our top pick even has a clip for attaching it to your dog’s leash.
If you’re using it to pick up dog poop in the yard at home, it still pays to look for one that’s not so heavy that it will burden you. You still will want it to be an easy chore, even if it is just for your yard.
Ease of Use
You should think twice about any pooper scoopers that are flagged as being awkward to use. You should choose the least-complicated yet effective pooper scooper that meets your needs. Nobody likes scooping dog poop, so choose a tool that won’t make it harder.
Honorable Mentions
Here’s a brief look at the best dog pooper scoopers that didn’t make it to our top picks.
1. CJYMMFAN Telescoping Dog Pooper Scooper – Considered for Easy Surfaces
Though this option was ideal for surfaces like stone, concrete, and gravel, we found that it wasn’t suitable for surfaces such as grass, or mud. We knew these surfaces are the most common for homeowners, especially for those who own furry friends.
While the handle is not telescoping, we preferred the overall build and functionality of the Niubya Dog Pooper Scooper, so it made our list of top picks.
2. ScoopDog Revolutionary All-in-one Poop Scooper – Considered for it’s All-in-One Design
This pooper scooper has the function of an all-in-one process. One motion is all you need to scoop dog poops and deposit them into a bag-lined disposal bucket. We love the way this scooper works, and it seems worth the money, but we have reservations.
Though the bag keeps messes to a minimum, we found the entire unit gets pretty messy when cleaning up the yard and it was hard to clean. We preferred the simplicity of the Activedogs Best Ever Dog Poop Scooper and we reached for it again and again when it was time to clean up the yard.