The useful distinction is not “free versus paid.” It is whether the carcass is already in a location Atlanta collects from, or whether someone first has to extract and move it from private property.

01 / Decision map

Choose the route by where the animal is now.

Current locationBest first routeWhy
CurbAtlanta 311 / Solid WasteThe City says curb collection is within its dead-animal service.
City right of wayAtlanta 311 / Solid WasteThe City specifically includes its right of way.
City of Atlanta parkAtlanta 311 / Solid WasteATL311 includes City parks in its collection guidance.
BackyardPrivate help may be useful firstThe resident is responsible for getting the animal to the curb.
Inside wall / attic / crawlspacePrivate removal / extractionThe practical problem is structural access and moving the carcass out of the private area.
Interstate / highwayGeorgia DOTAtlanta’s guidance routes highway cases separately.

02 / City route

If the animal is already at the curb or in City right of way, check the public service first.

Atlanta provides a dead-animal service request through ATL311. The City guidance asks for the animal type and location. That public option should be the starting point when the location fits the rule.

The same ATL311 article includes City of Atlanta parks. For a property outside City limits, ask the city or county responsible for that address; an Atlanta mailing address alone does not establish City service eligibility. We are not affiliated with ATL311 or the City.

Official instructions checked September 8, 2026. Confirm the exact animal location with ATL311 before moving it or arranging collection.

03 / Private route

Private help becomes relevant when extraction is the problem.

A carcass behind drywall, in an attic void, under a house, beneath a deck, inside a shed or deep in a backyard may require someone to locate it, reach it and physically move it before the City curbside rule is useful.

For private service, describe access and visibility before focusing on the species. A useful request says whether the animal is visible, where it is, and what prevents you from reaching it.

Private service should not impersonate public service.

Any provider connection from this site is independent. The City’s own public route remains available for cases that fit the official collection rules.

04 / Highways

Do not route an interstate carcass through a normal residential request.

The City’s current guidance says dead animals on interstates or highways are the responsibility of the Georgia Department of Transportation and provides a GDOT contact path. Use the current official page for the latest instructions and emergency-hazard direction.

05 / Sources

Check the official rule directly.

Use ATL311 if it fitsRequest private help