What To Do With A Dead Rabbit?

Last Updated on March 5, 2023 by Marjon Ramos

The disposal of a dead animal or your pet rabbit would depend on what state you’re in. Some states would require you to use cremation services from a veterinarian. While others would allow you to dispose of a dead animal in the trash or by burying it in your yard.

The reason for these varying laws is that, in some states where there is an active infection amongst dead animals, proper disposal would help eliminate the possibility of transferring such diseases.

It’s always best to check your local laws on what to do when you find yourself with a dead animal.

Now that I’ve given you the gist of the article, read on as I explain in more detail how to properly dispose of a dead rabbit:

How to dispose of a dead pet rabbit.

Disposing of a dead pet rabbit is one of the hardest things rabbit owners would come to experience. That’s why most veterinarians would offer to take care of your rabbit’s remains when they die in their care.

If this is the case for you, I would suggest accepting this offer because it is the best possible way to dispose of your pet. A veterinarian would likely arrange for your pet rabbit to be cremated or buried.

But if your rabbit passed away in your care or home, here are your options on how to dispose of your rabbit’s remains:

1. Home burial: Home burial is when you bury your pet rabbit in your yard. Check with your local law before doing this. Some states prohibit burying dead animals in their back yards, or they have guidelines to follow when doing this.
2. Look into private cremation or burial: Private burial and cremation are also options. While expensive if done for just one animal, most private cremations offer group cremations to reduce the cost.
3. Garbage disposal: While not ideal, sometimes you don’t have any other choice but to dispose of your pet by throwing them in the trash. To safely do this, first, put the carcass in a black plastic bag.
4. Contact your city’s sanitation department: Some states have sanitation departments that would offer to dispose of a dead animal for you, especially if it’s a small animal like rabbits.

How to dispose of dead wild rabbit(s) you found in your yard?

Disposing of a dead wild rabbit that you found in your yard will be different depending on the state you’re currently in. Some will allow you to throw the dead animal in the trash, while others will require you to call the proper authorities to do the job.

Check to see if your state allows you to dispose of a dead animal yourself.

If so, here are the steps to take to safely dispose of a dead rabbit you found in your yard:

Step #1: Do not touch any dead animal you find.

The first step is to not touch the dead animal with your bare hands. You don’t know what killed that animal. There’s a possibility that it’s carrying an infection that can be passed to humans.

Step #2: Wear gloves.

Always wear a glove before trying to dispose of a dead animal you find. This is to protect you from any diseases the dead animal might be carrying.

Step #3: Use a shovel.

Get a shovel and use it to lift the dead rabbit off the ground, then put it in a plastic bag and tie a secure knot. Then, place the bag in a second plastic bag and tie another knot.

This is to ensure that no smell or composting material seeps through the bag if the other one breaks.

Step #4: Place the bag with the dead animal in an outdoor trash can.

Dispose of the bag by placing it in the outdoor trash. Make sure that the garbage collection date is near. You don’t want to leave the dead animal in the trash for an extended period of time.

Even though you placed it in a double bag, a scavenger animal might try to open the bag if you leave it in there for too long.

Step #5: Wash your hands.

Wash your hands thoroughly to be extra safe. Dead animals can be a host for diseases that can be passed to humans. That’s why some states prohibit handling dead animals.

Summary

To properly dispose of your pet rabbit, you can do one of the following:

1. Home burial: Home burial is when you bury your pet rabbit in your yard.
2. Look into private cremation or burial: While expensive if done for just one animal, most private cremations offer group cremations to reduce the cost.
3. Garbage disposal: While not ideal, sometimes you don’t have any other choice but to dispose of your pet by throwing them in the trash.
4. Contact your city’s sanitation department: Some states have sanitation departments that would offer to dispose of a dead animal for you especially if it’s a small animal like rabbits.

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