I was walking a pack in a strict HOA community. I missed a poop. The HOA analyzed the DNA (yes, they do that in 2026) and fined the owner $250. The owner is furious and wants me to pay the fine plus damages for “reputational harm” with the HOA.
Key Takeaways
- Pollution Exclusion: Feces is a biological contaminant. Some policies technically exclude claims related to “pollution” or “waste.”
- Fines are Not Covered: As with the alarm, insurance does not pay fines. You pay the $250.
- Reputational Harm: This is a stretch, but if the owner loses their lease because of your repeated violations, they could sue for moving costs. Professional Liability might defend you, but it’s a mess.
- The “Clean Up” Clause: Professional standards require cleanup. Failing to do so is negligence.
The “Why” (The Trap): Environmental Hazards
It sounds funny, but dog waste is a serious issue in high-density housing.
The Trap: Thinking “It’s just poop.”
The Reality: It’s a biohazard. If a child touches it and gets sick (E. coli), that is a Bodily Injury claim.
While insurance will likely cover the illness (Liability), they will not cover the HOA fine (Penalty).
[IMAGE: Photo of a “PooPrints” DNA testing kit for dogs]
The Investigation: I Called Them
I asked, “I got fined for poop. Do you pay?”
1. All Carriers
- The Answer: “No.” Fines are never covered.
2. What if someone slips on it?
- The Answer: Yes. If a pedestrian slips on the poop you left and breaks a hip, General Liability covers the injury. This is why you must pick it up—not for the fine, but for the $50,000 slip-and-fall lawsuit.
Comparison Table
| Incident | Insurance Coverage |
| HOA Fine ($250) | No |
| Child gets sick (E. coli) | Yes (Bodily Injury) |
| Pedestrian slips & falls | Yes (Bodily Injury) |
| Carpet stain in client home | Yes (Property Damage) |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Pay the Fine: Do not argue. Reimburse the client immediately.
- Carry Extra Bags: Tie a roll to every leash. No excuses.
- Flashlight: In winter, it gets dark at 4 PM. Use a high-lumen flashlight so you don’t miss anything.
- DNA Registration: If the client is in a DNA-testing building, ensure they registered the dog. If they didn’t, and the fine is higher because of non-registration, that’s on them.
FAQ
Is dog poop “toxic waste”?
In insurance terms, it can fall under “fungi/bacteria” exclusions, but standard GL for pet sitters usually carves out an exception for the waste of animals in your care.
Can the HOA sue me directly?
Usually, they fine the homeowner. The homeowner sues you.
What if I ran out of bags?
That is negligence. “I forgot” is not a defense.