Minnesota Dead Animal Guide

Who Picks Up Dead Animals in Minnesota?

The complete Minnesota 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 Minnesota metros covered
✓ Same-day private pickup

📞 (507) 200-6075 Request a Quote

Quick answer

Who picks up dead animals in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, 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. Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) 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 (507) 200-6075 for private-property pickup across Rochester, Mankato, St. Cloud, Duluth, Moorhead.

The three pickup jurisdictions

The Minnesota Dead-Animal Pickup System in One Page

Three actors share dead-animal pickup duty in Minnesota 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 Minnesota DNR or a private operator.

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

🛣 MnDOT

What: Carcasses on state routes, US highways, and interstates (I-35, I-90, I-94, US-52, US-53, US-10, etc.).

Cost: Free.

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

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

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

🏠 Private Property (You)

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

Cost: Paid service — typical Minnesota 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; MnDOT doesn't either.

How to call: (507) 200-6075 for any of our 5 Minnesota metros.

Dead animal on your private property right now?

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📞 (507) 200-6075

By metro

City-Specific Pickup Details — Minnesota Metros We Serve

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

Rochester (Olmsted County): Rochester Public Works handles city right-of-way. MnDOT handles US-52/US-14/I-90. Olmsted County Solid Waste District handles disposal questions. Private property: licensed wildlife operator.
Mankato (Blue Earth County): Mankato Public Works handles city right-of-way. MnDOT handles US-14/US-169/MN-22. Blue Earth County solid-waste program handles disposal guidance. Private property: licensed wildlife operator.
St. Cloud (Stearns County): St. Cloud Public Works handles city right-of-way. MnDOT handles state routes + interstates. Stearns County Solid Waste District handles disposal. Private property: licensed wildlife operator.
Duluth (St. Louis County): Duluth Public Works handles city right-of-way. MnDOT handles I-35/US-53/MN-194. St. Louis County solid-waste program handles disposal. Private property: licensed wildlife operator.
Moorhead (Clay County): Moorhead Public Works handles city right-of-way. MnDOT handles I-94/US-10/US-75. Clay County solid-waste program handles disposal. Private property: licensed wildlife operator.

FAQ

Who Picks Up Dead Animals in Minnesota — FAQ

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

In most Minnesota 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 Minnesota roads?

Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) 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 MnDOT depending on the road classification.

Is dead animal pickup free in Minnesota?

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

How fast will the city or a private operator respond?

City public works typically responds in 1–3 business days. MnDOT 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 MDH rabies-vector guidance and MDH guidance. Some city public works departments will not handle these — they'll refer to Minnesota DNR Division of Fish and 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 5 Minnesota metros.

📞 (507) 200-6075 Request a Quote