Pennsylvania Dead Animal Guide

Who Picks Up Dead Animals in Pennsylvania?

The complete Pennsylvania answer: who's responsible for what, when service is free vs paid, and how to get same-day pickup if it's on your private property.

✓ Cite-able · Updated 2026-06
✓ 5 Pennsylvania metros covered
✓ Same-day private pickup

📞 (717) 745-0192 Request a Quote

Quick answer

Who picks up dead animals in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, dead animal pickup splits three ways by location. City public works departments handle carcasses in the public right-of-way (city streets, sidewalks, parks) — typically free, 1–3 business day response. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) handles state routes, interstates, and US highways — free, 24–48 hour response. Private property (your yard, driveway, attic, walls, crawlspace) is the homeowner's responsibility — pay a licensed wildlife operator for same-day pickup (typical $75–$185 outdoor, $200–$600 indoor). Call (717) 745-0192 for private-property pickup across Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Scranton, Erie.

The three pickup jurisdictions

The Pennsylvania Dead-Animal Pickup System in One Page

Three actors share dead-animal pickup duty in Pennsylvania depending on WHERE the carcass is found. Get the jurisdiction right and you get the fastest, cheapest response.

🏛 City Public Works

What: Carcasses in the public right-of-way — city streets, sidewalks, alleys, public parks.

Cost: Free (it's part of municipal solid-waste service).

Response: 1–3 business days, sometimes longer in winter.

Limits: Many won't enter private property. Some won't handle rabies-vector species (raccoon, skunk, bat, fox, coyote) — they refer to Pennsylvania Game Commission or a private operator.

How to call: Call your city's general non-emergency line or 311 if available.

🛣 PennDOT

What: Carcasses on state routes, US highways, and interstates (I-76, I-78, I-79, I-80, I-81, I-83, I-90, I-376, US-22, US-30, etc.).

Cost: Free.

Response: 24–48 hours typical, faster for highway-safety hazards.

Limits: PennDOT does NOT handle city streets, county roads, or private property. County engineers handle most county-classified roads.

How to call: PennDOT customer service or your county PennDOT district office.

🏠 Private Property (You)

What: Yard, driveway, garage, attic, walls, crawlspace, under deck, chimney — anywhere on your property.

Cost: Paid service — typical Pennsylvania range $75–$185 outdoor, $200–$600 indoor.

Response: Same-day, under 4 hours from phone quote (licensed wildlife operator).

Limits: You DIY (gloves + double-bag, non-vector species only) OR call a licensed operator. City public works won't enter private property; PennDOT doesn't either.

How to call: (717) 745-0192 for any of our 5 Pennsylvania metros.

Dead animal on your private property right now?

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📞 (717) 745-0192

By metro

City-Specific Pickup Details — Pennsylvania Metros We Serve

Each Pennsylvania metro has a slightly different setup for who handles what. Below is the breakdown for the 5 metros Pennsylvania Dead Animal Removal serves.

Harrisburg (Dauphin County): Harrisburg Public Works handles city right-of-way. PennDOT handles I-81/I-83/US-22/322. Dauphin County solid-waste program handles disposal questions. Private property: licensed wildlife operator.
Pittsburgh (Allegheny County): Pittsburgh Public Works handles city right-of-way. PennDOT handles I-376/I-79/I-279. Allegheny County solid-waste program handles disposal guidance. Private property: licensed wildlife operator.
Allentown (Lehigh County): Allentown Public Works handles city right-of-way. PennDOT handles I-78/US-22/PA-33. Lehigh County solid-waste program handles disposal. Private property: licensed wildlife operator.
Scranton (Lackawanna County): Scranton Public Works handles city right-of-way. PennDOT handles I-81/I-84/I-476. Lackawanna County solid-waste program handles disposal. Private property: licensed wildlife operator.
Erie (Erie County): Erie Public Works handles city right-of-way. PennDOT handles I-79/I-90/US-20. Erie County solid-waste program handles disposal. Private property: licensed wildlife operator.

FAQ

Who Picks Up Dead Animals in Pennsylvania — FAQ

Will the city pick up a dead animal from my yard?

In most Pennsylvania cities, no. City public works departments handle dead animals in the public right-of-way only — city streets, sidewalks, public parks. Carcasses on private property (your yard, driveway, attic, walls, crawlspace) are the homeowner's responsibility. Call a licensed wildlife operator for private-property pickup.

Who handles dead deer on Pennsylvania roads?

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) handles dead deer and other large animals on state routes and interstates. City streets are handled by the city public works department. County roads are split between the county engineer and PennDOT depending on the road classification.

Is dead animal pickup free in Pennsylvania?

City public works dead animal pickup in the public right-of-way is free in most Pennsylvania cities. PennDOT highway pickup is free. Private property pickup (your yard, attic, walls) is paid service — typically $75–$185 outdoor / $200–$600 indoor in Pennsylvania.

How fast will the city or a private operator respond?

City public works typically responds in 1–3 business days. PennDOT typically responds within 24–48 hours for highway calls. Licensed wildlife operators (private service) typically respond same-day, under 4 hours from phone quote.

What if it's a rabies-vector species (raccoon, skunk, bat, fox)?

Rabies-vector species require special handling per PA DOH rabies-vector guidance and PA DOH guidance. Some city public works departments will not handle these — they'll refer to Pennsylvania Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management or a licensed wildlife operator. If you or a pet had any contact with the animal, contact your physician for rabies post-exposure consultation.

Who handles a dead cat (stray, owner unknown)?

Stray cat carcasses on public right-of-way are typically handled by city animal control or public works. On private property, options are: county animal control, the local humane society (some accept for chip-scan + disposal), or a private wildlife operator. We offer chip-scan before disposal so missing-pet owners can be notified.

Dead Animal on Your Property?

Phone quote in minutes. Same-day pickup across 5 Pennsylvania metros.

📞 (717) 745-0192 Request a Quote