Dealing with a deceased animal on your property can be both unpleasant and challenging. Whether it’s a wild animal that wandered onto your property or a pet that passed away at home, knowing who to call for dead animal pick up can make all the difference in handling the situation safely, efficiently, and respectfully. In this article, we’ll discuss when and why you might need animal removal services, the steps you should take, and the most reliable services to contact for dead animal removal. By the end, you’ll be equipped to handle any animal-related issues with ease, from finding the right service to preparing for a swift and hassle-free removal process.
Why You May Need Dead Animal Pick-Up Services
Animal removal services are essential in various situations, including:
- Public Health Concerns: Dead animals can attract other wildlife, insects, and pests, leading to potential contamination, especially if the animal was diseased.
- Unpleasant Odors: Decomposition can produce strong, foul odors that linger if the animal isn’t properly disposed of.
- Emotional Distress: For pet owners, dealing with the death of a beloved pet can be emotionally challenging. Calling a professional for removal offers a compassionate option.
- Safety Risks: Wild animals can carry diseases, and handling them without protection may be dangerous. Animal removal specialists are equipped with the tools and knowledge to handle dead animals safely.
Whether you need to handle the death of a pet or find an unexpected visitor, knowing who to call for dead animal pick up is crucial for managing the situation safely and efficiently.
who to call for dead animal pick up: Essential Services to Consider
1. Animal Control Agencies
Local animal control agencies are often the go-to choice when it comes to handling dead animals found in public spaces. These agencies can remove deceased wildlife or animals from roads, sidewalks, and public parks. Animal control services vary by location, so it’s best to reach out to your local municipality to confirm whether they offer dead animal pick-up for free or for a fee.
- Pros: Often free or lower-cost, handles removal in public spaces.
- Cons: May not handle removal on private property or handle pets.
2. Wildlife Removal Services
Wildlife removal services specialize in the safe handling and disposal of deceased wild animals. These services are equipped to handle various wildlife, such as raccoons, skunks, opossums, and birds, that may die on private property. Many wildlife control companies offer dead animal pick-up as part of their services and can provide additional pest prevention if necessary.
- Pros: Professionals in wildlife handling, often available for emergency call-outs.
- Cons: May charge higher fees for private property removal.
3. Veterinary Clinics and Pet Cremation Services
If a pet has passed away at home, many veterinary clinics offer services to assist with the pick-up and cremation of deceased pets. Some clinics have partnerships with pet crematoriums or offer burial options for pet owners. This can be a humane and comforting option for pet owners who may feel overwhelmed by their pet’s death.
- Pros: Compassionate service, often offers options for pet cremation and memorialization.
- Cons: Typically only available for pets, may charge for additional services.
4. City or County Public Works Departments
Public works departments in many cities and counties provide services for the removal of dead animals found in public spaces, especially if the animal is on a road or causing a traffic hazard. They may not provide services for animals on private property but can direct you to the right agency or service for assistance.
- Pros: Free public service in many areas, handles large animals.
- Cons: May not offer residential removal.
5. Pest Control Companies
Some pest control companies offer specialized services for dead animal removal in addition to traditional pest control. These companies can be particularly helpful in situations where animals have died within walls, crawl spaces, or attics, creating issues with odors or attracting pests. Pest control companies are often equipped to find, extract, and dispose of dead animals, especially in hard-to-reach locations.
- Pros: Professional, well-equipped for difficult locations.
- Cons: Often an additional fee for dead animal services.
6. Emergency Wildlife Removal Services
Emergency wildlife removal services are ideal if you need an immediate response. They typically operate 24/7 and can handle urgent situations, such as large animals found dead on your property or decomposing animals causing strong odors. However, these services can sometimes come with additional fees for emergency call-outs.
- Pros: Quick response times, available around the clock.
- Cons: Often more expensive than regular wildlife removal services.
Steps to Take Before Contacting Dead Animal Pick-Up Services
Before you decide who to call for dead animal pick up, consider the following steps to ensure a safe and smooth process:
- Identify the Animal’s Location and Type: Before making a call, take note of where the animal is located. This information helps the removal service prepare the appropriate tools and equipment. For wildlife, identifying the type of animal also allows them to assess any potential health risks.
- Avoid Contacting the Animal: For health and safety reasons, avoid touching or moving the animal, especially if it’s a wild animal. Dead animals can carry diseases that may be harmful to humans.
- Check Local Regulations: Some areas may have restrictions or specific guidelines for animal removal. Public health departments, animal control, or local government websites often have helpful information.
- Consider Emotional Support for Pet Owners: If the deceased animal is a pet, consider options that can help grieving pet owners, like asking the service about pet cremation or memorial options.
who to call for dead animal pick up: When and Where to Make the Call
- Small Animals: For deceased squirrels, birds, or similar animals, your local animal control agency or wildlife removal service can handle the situation.
- Pets: For pets, your veterinarian can offer assistance with pick-up, cremation, or burial options.
- Large Animals: For larger animals like deer or livestock, contact your city or county public works department or a professional wildlife removal service specializing in larger animals.
Tips for Preventing Dead Animals on Your Property
Preventing dead animals from ending up on your property can save you time and hassle. Here are a few strategies to consider:
- Secure Trash Cans: Wild animals often search for food in garbage bins, leading to accidents or death if they get stuck or injured.
- Seal Crawl Spaces: Openings under porches, sheds, or crawl spaces can attract animals seeking shelter, which can become a problem if they die in these confined areas.
- Keep Up With Yard Maintenance: Overgrown yards may attract wild animals, so maintaining your yard can reduce the likelihood of finding deceased animals on your property.
How to Dispose of a Dead Animal Safely
If you prefer to handle the situation independently, there are steps you can take to safely dispose of a deceased animal:
- Use Gloves and a Mask: Protect yourself from bacteria and germs by wearing gloves and a mask.
- Place the Animal in a Sealed Bag: Put the animal in a sturdy plastic bag, then double-bag it to contain odors.
- Dispose of Properly: Some municipalities allow animal disposal in the regular trash, while others may require special handling. Check with local guidelines before placing any animal in the trash.
Final Thoughts on who to call for dead animal pick up
Knowing who to call for dead animal pick up can streamline the process, providing you with quick, efficient, and respectful options for handling the situation. Whether it’s your local animal control agency, a wildlife removal specialist, or a pet cremation service, there’s a variety of resources available to meet your needs. By contacting the right service and following best practices for safe removal, you can resolve the issue with minimal inconvenience, keeping your property clean, safe, and free from potential hazards.