Dead Animal Removal

Notice: August 25, 2025 - Cadaver Pick-up Delays

Due to high call volumes, there may be delays in the removal of animal cadavers. Animal Services will respond as soon as possible. 

If the removal is no longer required, please call 311 to cancel the submitted service request. We thank you for your patience and understanding.

Animal Services and other City divisions remove dead animals to support public health, safety, and City’s cleanliness. Removals are based on the type of animal and its location and are carried out when it is safe to do so.

What Types of Dead Animals Are Picked up?

Dead Animals on City Property (Roads, Sidewalks, Parks, etc.)

The following dead animals will be picked up:

  • Small Wildlife including bats, rabbits, skunks, squirrels, birds of prey (Owl, Hawk, Falcons, etc.), reptile, snake, turtles
  • Large Wildlife including coyotes, deer, fox, groundhogs, opossums, raccoons
  • Domestic stray animal – owner unknown

Note: Small cadavers such as small birds, rodents/mice will not be picked up. If possible, they can be bagged and placed in a black garbage bin.

Dead Animals on Private Property

Only skunks and large wildlife cadavers (raccoons, Coyotes, deer and opossums) will be picked up.

How to prepare for the pickup of dead animals:

  • Skunks, raccoons, opossums, and unowned domestic animals should be bagged and placed at the curb.
  • Coyotes and deer do not need to be bagged but must be placed at the curb for pickup. If curbside placement is not possible due to special circumstances, please include a note in your request so staff can plan accordingly.

Note: Dead wildlife smaller than a raccoon such as rabbits, birds, squirrels, rats will not be picked up. They should be bagged and placed in the black garbage bin, and will be collected by Solid Waste Management.

Safety Precautions

When you bag the dead animal, please do not touch it with bare hands. Here are a few safety tips:

  • Wear gloves
  • Eye protection
  • A mask or face shield
  • Use a double plastic bag to pick the cadaver up and place it in another plastic bag
  • Remember to always wash your hands after handling

Alternate Option: Drop-off at Animal Services Shelters

You may also make an appointment to bring a deceased animal to a Toronto Animal Services shelter for disposal.

All dead animals are respectfully handled, cremated and disposed in a environmentally responsible method.