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Situation Guide

Pet Carcass Disposal & Roadkill Reporting

Under Korean Waste Management and Animal Protection laws, burying deceased pets—including dogs (Maltese, Poodle, etc.), cats, reptiles (lizards, snakes, vipers), small mammals (hamsters, rabbits), and birds—in backyard or public soil is strictly illegal. You must choose one of three legal options: (1) Registered pet crematoriums/funeral homes, (2) Veterinary clinics (if deceased during treatment), or (3) Municipal general trash bags. Additionally, registered pets must be de-registered within 30 days of death. For stray animals or roadkill found on public streets, report immediately to Seoul Call Center 120 or district authorities for safe removal.

Follow these steps

  1. 1

    Do not bury dead pets (dogs, cats, lizards, snakes, hamsters, etc.) in soil, backyards, or parks; select a legally approved disposal option.

  2. 2

    For pet funeral/cremation, verify the service is officially registered on the National Animal Protection Information System (animal.go.kr).

  3. 3

    If the pet died at a veterinary hospital, you may request the clinic to dispose of it as medical waste.

  4. 4

    If using general trash bags, double-wrap the body hygienically before placing it inside a standard municipal trash bag.

  5. 5

    If the pet is registered with a microchip/tag, file a de-registration notice within 30 days on animal.go.kr or at your district office.

  6. 6

    For street animal carcasses or roadkill, note the exact location and report to Seoul Call Center 120 or district waste management offices.

Frequently asked question

Do disposal rules differ depending on the animal species (e.g., dogs, cats, lizards, snakes, hamsters)?

No. The same Waste Management and Animal Protection laws apply to all domestic pets regardless of species—mammals (dogs, cats), reptiles (lizards, snakes, vipers, turtles), small animals (hamsters, rabbits), and birds (parrots). Soil burial is strictly prohibited for all species.

Can I bury my deceased pet in my own private backyard?

No. Under the Waste Management Act, burying animal carcasses in soil (even on private property) is illegal and subject to a fine up to ₩1,000,000.

Is it legal to dispose of a pet carcass in a standard trash bag?

Yes, it is legally permitted. Under Waste Management law, pet carcasses handled individually at home are classified as general municipal waste and can be placed in general trash bags. Double wrapping is recommended for hygiene.

Do I need to report my pet's death to the local government?

Yes, for registered pets. You must submit a de-registration notice within 30 days of death via animal.go.kr or at your district office to avoid fines up to ₩600,000.

Who should I call if I spot a dead animal or roadkill on the street?

For Seoul city streets, call Seoul Call Center 120 or the district waste department. For expressways, call the Korea Expressway Corporation hotline (1588-2504).