Who to call by state
District of Columbia
District of Columbia uses District agencies rather than separate county governments, so dead-animal pickup on public streets typically runs through DC 311 and DPW. Wildlife matters are split mainly between DOEE for wild animals and DC Health for bird-disease/public-health reporting.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Report on a state road
- Official page →
- Report dead birds or sick wildlife
- Official page →
Official resources in District of Columbia
Explains that DPW removes dead wildlife or roadkill from public sidewalks, streets, and alleys, and links to the DC 311 service request.
Online portal residents can use to submit a dead-animal pickup request or other city service request.
Official DOEE page for what to do with sick or injured wildlife and the current rehabilitation contact.
Gives DC Health instructions for finding a dead bird, including using 311 for pickup.
Provides DOEE reporting instructions for dead wildlife and after-hours guidance for sick or injured wildlife.
Key facts for District of Columbia
- DPW says it collects dead wildlife or roadkill only from public property such as sidewalks, streets, and alleys.
- DPW says dead animals in public space should be reported through DC 311 online or by calling 311.
- DC has no separate counties; the District government handles this work citywide rather than county-by-county.
- DOEE says sick or injured wildlife should be directed to City Wildlife through its wildlife rehabilitation program.
- DOEE says dead wildlife should be reported to its Fisheries and Wildlife Division with the exact location, date, time, and number observed.
- DC Health says if you find a dead bird, call 311 and request dead animal pickup with a specific location.
What to do next
- If the animal is on a DC street, sidewalk, or alley, submit a DC 311 request and include the exact location.
- If the animal is on private property, DPW says it does not remove it; the property owner must arrange removal.
- For sick or injured wildlife, use DOEE's wildlife rehabilitation guidance first; for dead wild animals, report details to DOEE.
Helpful guides
- Who removes dead animals on roads?
- Dead animal on private property: whose job is it?
- Dead deer removal: roads, yards and salvage permits
- Dead animal under a house or in a wall: finding it and the smell