How to Dispose of a Dead Animal Safely

How to dispose of a dead animal depends on what it is and where it is. A raccoon in the road is usually handled by the city, county, or state highway department. A bird or mouse in your yard can usually be bagged and put in the trash, using gloves. A beloved pet has its own set of options through veterinarians and pet cremation services. In every case, avoid bare-hand contact, since dead animals can carry diseases and parasites.

Animals on public roads

Contact the agency responsible for the road:

• City or town public works for local streets.
• County road department or animal services for county roads.
• State department of transportation for state highways and interstates.

Many cities have online request forms or 311 lines for dead animal pickup.

Small animals on your property

1. Put on disposable gloves, and consider a mask.
2. Use a shovel or turn a plastic bag inside out over your hand to pick it up.
3. Double-bag it and tie the bags tightly.
4. Place it in an outdoor trash can with a lid, ideally close to collection day.
5. Disinfect the shovel and area if needed, and wash hands well.

Check local rules; some cities prefer a call to sanitation or animal services instead.

Larger animals

Deer and other large animals on private property may be collected by animal control, a wildlife removal company, or a rendering service, depending on the area. Some state wildlife agencies offer guidance. Burial may be allowed on rural property with adequate depth and distance from water.

When to call health officials

• Bats: if a bat was found where people slept, or someone may have touched it, contact your local health department before discarding it. Bats can carry rabies, and testing may be needed.
• Animals that bit or scratched someone.
• Several dead birds in one spot, which some states track for disease surveillance.
• Animals that may have been poisoned.

Pets

• Veterinarians can arrange cremation, either communal or private with ashes returned.
• Pet cemeteries offer burial.
• Home burial is allowed in many areas, typically requiring a grave deep enough to deter scavengers, often cited as about 3 feet, and away from wells, streams, and utilities. Call 811 before digging. Pets euthanized with drugs should be buried deeply because scavengers can be poisoned.

Animals in walls or crawl spaces

Odor often signals an animal inside a wall, attic, or crawl space. Wildlife removal companies can locate and remove it. Seal entry points afterward so it does not happen again.

Odor and cleanup

Enzyme cleaners help break down odors on hard surfaces. Bag soiled materials and dispose of them with the animal. Our tips on food waste smell also apply to trash bins.

How to dispose of a dead animal FAQ

Who picks up dead animals on the road?

City public works, county road departments, or the state DOT, depending on the road.

Can I put a dead animal in the trash?

Small animals are often allowed if double-bagged. Check local rules.

What should I do with a dead bat?

If anyone may have touched it or it was in a sleeping area, call the health department before discarding it.

Can I bury my pet in my backyard?

Many areas allow it with adequate depth and distance from water. Check local rules and call 811.

How do I find a dead animal smell in my house?

Follow the odor, check walls, attics, and crawl spaces, and call a wildlife removal company if needed.

The bottom line

How to dispose of a dead animal: report roadkill to the responsible road agency, double-bag small animals with gloves for the trash where allowed, contact health officials for bats or possible rabies exposure, and use a vet or pet cemetery for pets. Always wash up thoroughly.