When a beloved family pet dies, people have different feelings about burial, cremation or the process. In accordance with Los Angeles Municipal Code 53.62, “No person shall bury any animal or fowl in the City except in an established cemetery.” However, persons may seek out dog/cat cemeteries, and companion animal cremation services for burials or private memorial services. You can also bring your animal to one of our shelters and we will take care of the body for you. We do not offer any cremation and are unable to return the ashes to you. The City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Sanitation is responsible for picking up dead animals. L.A. Animal Services does not pick up dead animals. If any animals in the City of Los Angeles have died and need to be collected for sanitary reasons, the Bureau of Sanitation will come to your location and pick the animal up for proper disposal.

The Bureau of Sanitation collects dead animals free of charge, except for horses and cows. (For horses and cows, please check your local yellow pages for a rendering service.) Please call 1-800-773-2489, from Monday through Saturday, between 7:30a.m. and 4:45p.m. For after hours and Sundays, please dial 3-1-1 on your home phone.

To make a request for Dead Animal Collection, you must provide:

Address or Location of Animal
Telephone Number

Collectors may enter the home, garage or backyard to retrieve animals, but will not climb or crawl into tight places. Animal is removed as soon as possible.

Los Angeles County Public Heath needs your help to keep track of disease carried by birds and squirrels. If you see a dead bird (except pigeons) or a dead tree squirrel, please follow the instructions of the County. Click here for more information.