There’s probably no child who hasn’t tried to convince their parents to get a pet, even if they already have one. From offering to give away all their toys for a snake to promising to be on their best behavior if they can get a puppy for Christmas, kids have some pretty creative ways of making their case.
But sometimes, the request becomes especially heartwarming when the child is still young and has a plan to pay for the pet themselves. That’s exactly what 6-year-old Luca Arpin from Rhode Island did when he decided he wanted a kitten from a local shelter—he came up with a business idea to earn the money needed for the adoption fee.
Luca launched his own business, Poopa Scoopa Luca, and began offering pooper-scooping services to his neighbors. Unlike most kids, Luca loves cleaning, and he’s even helped his mom with chores at the animal shelter where they work. From cleaning kennels to folding laundry, Luca has always been eager to lend a hand.
Having been surrounded by animals all his life—his family has fostered over 90 animals—Luca's dream is to have a cat of his own. But he quickly realized that paying for the adoption fee and the additional costs of pet care would require some extra effort. Undeterred, Luca set to work. He charges $15 for cleaning up after one dog and $20 for two or more, offering his services with gloves and trash bags in hand.
Luca’s mom helps him with transportation and some minor tasks, but Luca does the clean-up on his own. After a few successful jobs, Luca earned enough to adopt his very own kitten, Pebbles, from the shelter. But his mission doesn’t end there. Luca is still scooping poop to raise funds to help other animals in need, continuing his passion for animal welfare.
Luca’s dedication and love for animals have turned into an inspiring story, showing just how much one little boy can make a difference. With his mom’s support, Luca’s entrepreneurial spirit is helping to care for animals while also making his dream come true.