In Westfield, dogs are part of neighborhood life. They join us on trails, through HOA common areas, around apartment communities and on the daily walk that often becomes a chance to say hello to a neighbor.
And there are a lot of them.
The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that the U.S. dog population reached 89.7 million in 2024, with dogs living in 45.5% of American households. At the same time, Westfield continues to grow rapidly. The city’s special census counted 64,407 residents and 26,020 housing units, compared with 46,410 residents in the 2020 Census.
More people, more homes and more dogs place greater demands on the outdoor spaces we all share.
Clean Is More Than Cosmetic
Pet waste is easy to dismiss as an appearance or odor problem. It is also a health concern. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that dog feces can contain germs and parasites capable of affecting people and other animals and recommends prompt cleanup in yards and public spaces, particularly where children play.
In a private yard, one household controls the cleanup. In a common area, dozens of dogs may use the same stretch of grass. A few missed pickups can quickly become a neighborhood-wide problem.
The Water Quality Connection
What is left on the ground does not necessarily stay there. Rain and melting snow can carry pet waste from lawns, sidewalks and paved areas toward storm drains.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency identifies pet waste as a source of bacteria, parasites and excess nutrients that can reach waterways through stormwater runoff. That means picking up after a pet is not only courteous. It is a small act of environmental stewardship.
Make the Right Choice Easy
Most dog owners want to do the right thing. Communities can help by making responsible behavior convenient.
Well-placed waste stations, stocked bags, routinely emptied receptacles, clear reminders and regular inspections can make a noticeable difference. Placement matters: stations should be where residents actually walk their dogs, and supplies need to be dependable.
Westfield law reinforces that shared responsibility by requiring animal owners to remove their pets’ waste from public areas and property belonging to others.
What About Dog-Waste DNA?
Some apartment and condominium communities use DNA testing when education and conventional enforcement are not enough. Participating dogs are registered using a cheek swab; abandoned waste can then be tested against those profiles.
The perceived benefit is accountability and deterrence. The drawback is expense. DNA programs can add registration or laboratory fees along with staff time for collection, recordkeeping and enforcement. Because costs vary by community, DNA is best considered a targeted next step after convenient waste stations, communication and routine cleanup are already in place.
A Small Habit, A Big Community Benefit
A dog-friendly community should work for dog owners and non-dog owners alike.
That requires a simple partnership: owners pick up every time; HOAs and property managers provide convenient tools and clear expectations; and maintenance teams or professional services help keep high-use areas consistently clean.
As Westfield grows, caring for shared spaces becomes increasingly important. Fortunately, one of the solutions remains remarkably simple:
Make cleanup easy, make expectations clear and leave the space ready for the next neighbor, child or four-legged resident who comes along.
About the Author
Suzanne Fowler is the owner of DoodyCalls of North Indy, serving homeowners, homeowner associations, apartment communities and commercial properties throughout Hamilton and Boone counties. She works with local communities to create cleaner, safer and more enjoyable outdoor spaces for residents and their pets.
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements, and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media LLC (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses, or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability, or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party.
