Monaco is preparing to enlist dog owners in its efforts to keep the Principality’s streets clean, with free water bottles set to be distributed from late October as part of a new initiative by the Société Monégasque d’Assainissement (SMA).
The scheme aims to encourage residents to rinse pavements after their dogs urinate, addressing a visible cleanliness issue while helping limit the amount of water used by municipal cleaning teams.
The initiative comes after a prolonged period of drought in the region led to restrictions on water use. Although cleaning operations must continue, the SMA has been asked to use water responsibly, making it difficult to wash affected areas as frequently as would otherwise be desirable.
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Light-coloured pavements and Monaco’s substantial dog-owning population have made animal urine particularly noticeable in some parts of the Principality, including the recently developed Mareterra district. The issue has also been raised by elected representatives during discussions at the National Council.
Rather than relying exclusively on cleaning crews, the SMA is now asking pet owners to play a more active role in maintaining public spaces. Staff have already received small spray bottles to treat affected areas, and the new distribution scheme will extend the approach to residents.
The 200ml bottles will be available free of charge at several locations, including the SMEG shop on Rue Grimaldi, the Principality’s five veterinary clinics, Monaco City Hall, Espace Lamartine and the media library. The SMA is also in discussions with local businesses that may be willing to offer the bottles.
Marie Berard, the SMA’s director of collection and cleaning concessions, said the initiative draws inspiration from practices already adopted in other European countries, including Italy and Spain. In some Spanish localities, dog owners are required to carry a bottle for rinsing urine.
The campaign will be supported by information at distribution points to encourage residents to take part. It follows earlier SMA efforts to improve street cleanliness, including making bags available for collecting dog waste.
By encouraging owners to deal with the issue as it occurs, the SMA hopes to reduce visible staining on pavements, make better use of limited water resources and preserve the standards of cleanliness associated with Monaco.
