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Indiana Dead Animal Guide

Who Picks Up Dead Animals in Indiana?

The complete Indiana 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
  • ✓ 6 Indiana metros covered
  • ✓ Same-day private pickup
📞 (317) 555-0100 Request a Quote
Quick answer

Who picks up dead animals in Indiana?

In Indiana, 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. Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) 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 (317) 555-0100 for private-property pickup across Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend, Evansville, Bloomington, Lafayette.

The three pickup jurisdictions

The Indiana Dead-Animal Pickup System in One Page

Three actors share dead-animal pickup duty in Indiana 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, fox, and bat) — they refer to IDNR or a private operator.

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

🛣 INDOT

What: Carcasses on state routes, US highways, and interstates (I-65, I-69, I-70, I-74, I-465, the Indiana Toll Road, US-31, US-41, US-52, etc.).

Cost: Free.

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

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

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

🏠 Private Property (You)

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

Cost: Paid service — typical Indiana 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; INDOT doesn't either.

How to call: (317) 555-0100 for any of our 6 Indiana metros.

Dead animal on your private property right now?

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By metro

City-Specific Pickup Details — Indiana Metros We Serve

Each Indiana metro has a slightly different setup for who handles what. Below is the breakdown for the 6 metros Indiana Dead Animal Removal serves.

  • Indianapolis (Marion County): Indianapolis DPW handles city right-of-way. INDOT handles I-465/I-65/I-69/I-70 (1-855-INDOT4U). Marion County solid waste handles disposal questions. Private property: licensed wildlife operator.
  • Fort Wayne (Allen County): Fort Wayne Street Department handles city right-of-way. INDOT handles I-69/I-469/US-30/US-24. Allen County Solid Waste District handles disposal guidance. Private property: licensed wildlife operator.
  • South Bend (St. Joseph County): South Bend Streets Department handles city right-of-way. INDOT handles US-31/US-20 and the Indiana Toll Road. St. Joseph County Solid Waste District handles disposal. Private property: licensed wildlife operator.
  • Evansville (Vanderburgh County): Evansville Street Department handles city right-of-way. INDOT handles I-69/US-41. Southwestern Indiana / Vanderburgh County Solid Waste District handles disposal. Private property: licensed wildlife operator.
  • Bloomington (Monroe County): Bloomington Public Works handles city right-of-way. INDOT handles SR-37/I-69. Monroe County Solid Waste District handles disposal. Private property: licensed wildlife operator.
  • Lafayette (Tippecanoe County): Lafayette / West Lafayette Street Departments handle city right-of-way. INDOT handles I-65/US-52/SR-26. Tippecanoe County Solid Waste District handles disposal. Private property: licensed wildlife operator.
FAQ

Who Picks Up Dead Animals in Indiana — FAQ

Will the city pick up a dead animal from my yard?
In most Indiana 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 Indiana roads?
Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) 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 INDOT depending on the road classification.
Is dead animal pickup free in Indiana?
City public works dead animal pickup in the public right-of-way is free in most Indiana cities. INDOT highway pickup is free. Private property pickup (your yard, attic, walls) is paid service — typically $75–$185 outdoor / $200–$600 indoor in Indiana.
How fast will the city or a private operator respond?
City public works typically responds in 1–3 business days. INDOT 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, opossum)?
Rabies-vector species require special handling per IC 15-17-11 (BOAH Dead Animal Disposal Law) and Indiana Department of Health guidance. Some city public works departments will not handle these — they'll refer to IDNR Division of Wildlife 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 6 Indiana metros.

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