Sanitation District No. 1 (SD1) and Kenton County Animal Services have launched "Splash for Animal Shelters," a community campaign connecting pet adoption and animal care with clean water education in Northern Kentucky.
"Every pet deserves a home. Every home and community deserves clean water."— That’s the heart of this campaign: showing how simple, everyday actions that protect animals can also protect local waterways.
While a sewer district and an animal shelter may seem like unlikely partners, SD1 and Kenton County Animal Services have found common ground in their commitment to environmental stewardship and animal welfare.
Protecting Waterways Through Pet Care
The Splash for Animal Shelters campaign officially kicked off on April 30 in celebration of National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day and will run throughout May for National Pet Month.
The campaign highlights how responsible pet care — including picking up pet waste — helps protect Northern Kentucky’s waterways.
Dogs in the region produce more than 39 million pounds of waste each year. Left on the ground, pet waste can wash into storm drains and waterways, carrying harmful bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella and Giardia, and polluting the water we drink, swim and fish from.
“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.”
The Role of Clean Water in Animal Care
Every day, SD1 treats more than 41 million gallons of wastewater, including wastewater generated at facilities like animal shelters.
“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.”
Clean water supports the shelter’s efforts to wash bowls and bedding, clean kennels, and maintain a healthy environment for adoptable pets.
How to Get Involved
Throughout May, anyone who adopts a dog from Kenton County Animal Services will receive a free swag bag while supplies last, making it easier than ever for pet owners to pick up after their pet. Each bag includes:
Visitors to SD1’s Public Service Park in Ft. Wright can also view educational signs along walking trails that show how everyday actions impact local waterways.
Residents are encouraged to consider adopting, fostering, volunteering, or simply sharing messages from the campaign.
Follow along on social media as SD1 and Kenton County Animal Services share adoptable pets, clean water facts and ways to get involved throughout National Pet Month.
Learn more → sd1.org/animalshelter