Report Dead or Injured Animal

Related FAQs

• How do I request a dead animal pickup?

  Animal Services will only pick up a dead animal on the public right-of-way such as:

  • US1, South Dixie Highway
  • Kendall Drive
  • Bird Road
  • Tamiami Trail

  Owners are responsible for removing dead animals from private property.

  You can request a dead animal pick up from the right-of-way by using this online form or by calling 311.

  Please be ready to provide the following information:

  • A detailed location description
  • If the Animal causing a hazard
  • What type of animal it is
  • The approximate size of the animal
  • The number of animals

  Animal Services picks up dead animals located on public property within unincorporated and municipalities, with the exception to the following:

  These municipalities handle all animal services requests:

  • City of Miami - Call 311
  • City of Coral Gables - Call 305-460-5346 - 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • City of Miami Beach - Call 305-673-7616 - 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • City of North Miami - Call 305-895-9876 - 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
  • City of Homestead - Call 305-224-5584 - 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• Where do I report a dead animal on an expressway or highway?

  The Public Information Office for the Florida Turnpike handles all dead animal pickups on the Turnpike Mainline, Sawgrass Expressway and Homestead Extension. Call FHP at *347 and be prepared to advise FHP of the location of the dead animal and the closest exit/entrance to or from the highway.

  Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) picks up dead animals on state highways, including those maintained by the Maintenance Contractor (DB). If the dead animal is on SR 826, 970, I-395, I-195 and I-95 in Miami-Dade County, call FDOT at 305-640-7200 or 305-640-7197. 

• My dog was just hit by a car. What do I do?

  If your dog was hit by a car, move the injured animal and yourself to safety and immediately take your pet to be treated by a veterinary medical care professional. Pet owners have primary responsibility for the health and well-being of their dog or cat. Animal Services does not provide veterinary care for owned pets.

  Animal Services handles the pickup of stray, injured dogs or cats on public property areas. If the wounded animal is on private property, even if the caller is not the owner, someone must be present to permit access to the property.

  If the injured animal and its owner are unknown, you can report it by calling 311.

• Can I bury a household pet in the backyard?

  State Statute Title XLVI regulates the disposal of dead animal bodies (equates to 46) Crimes Chapter 823 Public Nuisances, Section 823.041 Disposal of bodies of dead animals.

  A summary of the statute is as follows:

  • Upon the death of domestic animals due to disease, the owner or custodian of the animal can dispose of the animal's body by burying it at least 2 feet below the ground's surface. Nothing in Section 823.04 prohibits the disposal of animal carcasses to rendering companies licensed to do business in this state.