Splash for Animal Shelters

Splash for Animal Shelters Banner

Splash for Animal Shelters is a joint campaign by SD1 and Kenton County Animal Services that connects pet adoption with clean water education.

Throughout May, we’re teaming up to raise awareness about responsible pet care, support local adoptions and remind the community that small actions like picking up after your dog help keep our waterways clean. 

Starting May 2025, while supplies last, adopt a dog from Kenton County Animal Services and receive a free SD1 swag bag! 

Each bag includes a dog bandana, hand sanitizer with holder and a dog waste bag keychain reminding you to PAWS for Clean Water and help stop water pollution. 

Click Here to View Available Pets at Kenton County Animal Services.

Adopt a Pet, view available pets, click here
39 million

Dog Waste Facts

39 Million Pounds of Poop

Dogs in Northern Kentucky produce over 39 million pounds of waste every year.
That’s about 274 pounds of poop per dog, per year.

It’s Not Just Gross, It’s Dangerous

Dog waste contains harmful bacteria like E. coli, salmonella and giardia, which pose risks to people, pets and the environment.

Worse Than Livestock Waste

It also contains more phosphorus than cow or horse manure, which can trigger harmful algae growth in our streams.

Rain Doesn’t Wash It Away

Rain can carry dog waste into storm drains and directly into streams, where it pollutes our water.

Most People Don’t Pick It Up

Only about 60% of dog owners clean up in public and even fewer do so at home.

And Let’s Be Honest

It’s gross. No one wants to step in it, smell it or drink water polluted by it.

The bottom line- Dog poop isn’t fertilizer. It’s pollution.

How You Can Help - PAWS for Clean Water

PAWS before you walk away

  • Bag it. Trash it. Stop Poo-lution.
  • Never leave pet waste behind whether you're in the park or your own backyard. 
  • Pet waste carries harmful bacteria that pollute our streams.

PAWS before you flush

  • Only flush the 3 P’s: Pee, Poop and (Toilet) Paper. 
  • Wipes, paper towels and other products can clog pipes and harm the treatment process. 
  • Flushing the wrong things makes it harder to clean our water.
Educational Poster

Support Kenton County Animal Services

  • Spend time at the shelter. Walk dogs, brush or bathe animals and give cats a chance to play. A few minutes of care can help a pet feel safe and loved. 
  • Lend a hand at events. Volunteers (18+) help with adoption events, donation drives and more. Every bit of support helps pets find their forever homes.
  • Foster from home. Some animals need a quiet space outside the shelter. KCAS provides everything you need to foster until a pet is adopted.  

Link: Get Involved 

Handout Side B

By the Numbers  

Northern Kentucky is home to over 400,000 people — and a lot of dogs, too. 

Based on national averages, about 45% of households here own at least one dog. 

That adds up to more than 140,000 dogs across Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties. 

Now consider this: the average dog produces 274 pounds of waste per year. 

Multiply that by our regional dog population, and we’re looking at over 39 million pounds of dog waste every single year. 

That’s a big pile of pollution. Pickup pet waste. Bag it. Trash it. Stop poo-lution.

How SD1 Makes It Possible

SD1 manages Northern Kentucky’s wastewater and stormwater systems, which support essential services—including animal shelters. 

At the shelter, water is used for daily cleaning, laundry, dishwashing and caring for animals in a safe and healthy environment. 

That wastewater is safely collected and treated by SD1, keeping local waterways clean and the community protected. 

Whether you're adopting, fostering or volunteering, SD1 is proud to support the infrastructure that makes clean water and animal care possible. 

Every pet deserves a home.  

Every home and community deserves clean water.  

  1. 1 KCAS Provided Photo- Man with Dog
  2. 2 KCAS Provided Photo- Donations
  3. 3 KCAS Provided Photo- Dog
  4. 4 Kenton County shelter

Interested in Partnering With SD1? 

If your organization supports our community, public safety or the environment, SD1 is always open to creative, community-focused partnerships. Reach out to us at info@sd1.org to explore how we can work together. 

Links

Social Media

SD1

Kenton County Animal Services