Has anyone done or know of any 'recent' surveys, focus groups, or interviews of dog owners regarding pet waste pickup? We are looking to understand the audience's beliefs, incentives and barriers as well as any demographic differences.
Looking for research on barriers, incentives and demographics of pet waste pickup
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I searched through the book "Social Marketing to Protect the Environment: What Works" (written by McKenzie-Mohr, Schultz, Lee, and Kotler) and found the City of Austin, Texas' "Scoop the Poop" campaign, which has been successful in terms of changing behaviours and improving water quality. The program managers interviewed professionals and reviewed existing surveys and based on their findings, they installed pet waste dispensers in city parks, neighbourhoods, and other public places. They also increased signage regarding the city code (i.e. potential fines), encouraged citizens to report violators on a nonemergency phone line, increased trash receptacles, and had a phone number to let the city know if there are no bags left in the dispenser.
The program is not exactly recent (it was launched in 2000) but it continues to this day and has had some success, so you might consider reaching out to them for advice or resources (e.g. access to their research). Here's their website, which includes contact information.
You might also find this Municipal World article useful. The author is based out of Canada, and he argues that pick-up bag dispenser programs are successful in increasing pet waste pick-up compliance. Keep in mind that the author is a sales representative; however, he does give evidence-based examples to back up his arguments.
I hope this helps.