A pet waste collection apparatus having an absorbent pad having a first height and an outer peripheral border having a second height less than the first height, each having opposing outermost layers, comprising a permeable layer and an opposing substantially leak proof layer; the absorbent pad comprising at least one innermost layer of waste absorbing material sandwiched and completely enclosed between the opposing outermost layers and completely filling a volume therebetween extending to the outer peripheral border, which has an interior passageway, a draw tape therein, and at least one outside substantially straight cut off corner having adjacent interior passageway openings; the draw tape having a length greater than that of the outer peripheral border; the draw tape routed through the adjacent interior passageway openings exposing the draw tape at the outside straight cut off corner; the waste collection apparatus forming a bag, when the draw tape is pulled taut.