Sanitation District No. 1 (SD1) and Kenton County Animal Services are teaming up for Splash for Animal Shelters, a community campaign launching April 30—National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day—and continuing through May in celebration of National Pet Month.
The message is simple: Every pet deserves a home, and every home and community deserves clean water.
You might not expect a sewer district and an animal shelter to find common ground, but in Northern Kentucky, they’ve come together through a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, animal welfare and the communities they serve.
Why Dog Waste Matters
Dogs in Northern Kentucky produce more than 39 million pounds of waste each year. That’s about 274 pounds per dog.
Dog waste contains high levels of phosphorus - more than cows or horse manure- and harmful bacteria like E. coli, salmonella and giardia. When left on the ground, stormwater can carry it into storm drains and into the same streams we rely on for drinking water and recreation.
“Dog waste isn’t just a mess. It’s pollution,” said Chris Cole, Director of Enterprise Communications at SD1. “The animal shelter is helping us reach even more pet owners with this important message about protecting water quality. Together, we’re highlighting how water connects us all—whether it’s through the shelter’s daily work caring for animals or SD1’s work treating wastewater and managing stormwater across our communities.”
Clean Water Connects Us All
Every day, SD1 treats more than 41 million gallons of wastewater, including what comes from facilities like animal shelters. This work protects public health, supports community partners and helps build a cleaner, healthier Northern Kentucky.
“Most people don’t realize how much goes into caring for each animal,” said Taylor Jackson, interim director of Kenton County Animal Services. “Water is a big part of that, helping us give pets a clean, safe place to stay while they wait for a new home.”
Ways to Get Involved
The shelter team encourages community members to get involved.
“We’re always looking for more helping hands, whether it’s through adoption, fostering or volunteering,” Jackson said. “Every bit of support makes a real difference, and we’re thankful for this campaign getting the word out that everyone can play a part.”
During the month of May, anyone who adopts a dog from Kenton County Animal Services will receive a free SD1 swag bag, while supplies last. Each bag includes:
- A dog bandana
- A waste bag keychain
- Hand sanitizer and holder
- A flyer with clean water tips for pet owners
The campaign will also be featured at SD1’s Public Service Park in Ft. Wright. Visitors can walk the trails, check out educational signs and learn how small changes in daily habits—like bagging and trashing pet waste—can protect local streams and rivers.
Join the Conversation
Follow SD1 and Kenton County Animal Services on Facebook throughout May for weekly highlights, adoptable pets and helpful reminders about protecting your community and the environment.
Learn more at sd1.org/animalshelter.