When nature calls, they answer

Local entrepreneurs Bren and Reggie Mercado recently opened DoodyCalls in Simi Valley, becoming part of the first full-service pet waste removal franchise. The company also serves Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake, Agoura Hills and Malibu.

Equipped with rakes, shovels and bags, professional scoopers let pet owners wash their hands of the whole cleanup business.

For homeowners, the company offers weekly, biweekly, monthly and one-time cleanings to scoop the poop for about $17 per visit for an average-size yard. Rates are based on the number of dogs, size of area to clean, frequency of service and amount of pet waste.

DoodyCalls can also clean, disinfect and deodorize decks, patios, dog runs and kennels, provide brown spot treatment to eliminate damaged areas of a lawn caused by pet waste and can exchange dirty litter boxes from cat owners' homes on a weekly basis.

In addition to residential services, the company offers an array of neighborhood pet waste removal options for homeowners associations, apartment complexes, parks and municipalities. DoodyCalls cleans and disinfects common areas, such as playgrounds, pool areas, paths or any place where dogs walk or play, to help keep communities sanitary and safe.

DoodyCalls was founded by Jacob and Susan D'Aniello in 2000 and began franchising in 2004. For more information, call Jacob D'Aniello at (800) DoodyCalls (366-3922) or visit www.DoodyCalls.com.