Septic Tank for Pets

Taking care of pet waste is a bothersome chore for many pet owners. Daily scooping, bagging and disposal of the waste in an odor-free and healthy manner is a challenge, but there is another option. Pet owners can choose to install a septic tank for pets, providing a convenient and healthy means of handling this smelly chore.

  1. Appearance

    • Before it is installed, a pet septic tank looks somewhat like a small garbage can with a flip-up lid. The bottom, or tank portion, comes in a variety of shapes. The tank gets buried beneath the ground and the lid remains above the surface, flush with the level of your yard. Once it is installed, you will only see the top of the septic tank lid.

    How It Works

    • A pet septic tank works in a similar fashion as a residential septic tank. The waste is placed in the tank, where it is mixed with bacteria and enzymes. The additives dissolve the waste, resulting in a liquid that is passed into the ground beneath it. For this reason, it must be installed in soil that drains well. Water needs to be added occasionally in order to keep the system working, but that is really the only maintenance that is needed.

    Performance

    • The speed of digestion and effectiveness of the system will depend on several factors. The more waste that is disposed of, the slower it will all dissolve. The colder it is, the slower the waste will be digested; in fact, digestion will be very slow or non-existent in temperatures below freezing. If the soil is not porous, the liquid will pool, which can cause an unpleasant odor.

    Selection

    • When you are shopping for a pet septic tank, you will find several different brands and options. The most important feature is the size of the tank. You will need to make sure that the tank is large enough to accommodate the amount of waste your pet or pets produce. If you want the most convenience, look for a model that has a foot pedal to open the lid so that you can shovel and dispose of the waste without needing your hands. For the best value, determine which product has the longest supply of digestive enzymes included with your purchase.

    Where to Buy

    • Pet septic tanks, sometimes called pet toilet systems, can be found in major pet supply stores. You may also find them at hardware, lawn and garden, or large retail stores. If you can't find them in your area, you can always find them online.