You can put dead animal remains out with your regular trash for pick up by the Department of Sanitation (DSNY).

If you choose to put the dead animal out for collection, place it in a heavy-duty black plastic bag or double plastic bag. You must tape a note to the bag stating its contents (for example, "dead dog" or "dead cat"). Place the bag curbside for collection on your trash day.

To safely dispose of a dead bird, use plastic bags or disposable rubber gloves to put it in the double plastic bag. Make sure to wash your hands with warm soapy water afterward.

Rabid Animals

Do not put dead animals that may have been rabid in the trash. Learn how to identify rabid animals and report them to Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) on the Rabid Animal page.

You can bring the remains of a deceased pet or another dead animal to an Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) drop-off location for cremation.

There is a $50 fee for each animal you bring in to be cremated.

You can contact ACC for additional information, including accepted payment methods.

If you are the property owner, you can bury deceased pets or other animals on your private property.

If you are a residential property owner or an authorized representative, you can request the removal of a dead deer from your property. Requests are not accepted for other animals or from commercial businesses or institutions.

You must sign a waiver before the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) can remove the deer.

What You Need

Your request must include:

• The exact location of the deer (front yard, side yard, backyard, etc.)
• Your contact information
• The days and times you would be available in person to sign the waiver

You can report a cluster of dead animals to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH).

DOHMH will investigate reports of:

• 3 or more dead geese, swans, ducks, chickens, or turkeys
• 10 or more of other dead animals

DOHMH may collect some of the animals for testing. An investigation will determine if the animals will be collected.