When many animals have lived in a home, waste, urine, hair and pests can build up in floors, walls and furniture, with ammonia levels that make the air unsafe. Animal hoarding cleanup removes waste and damaged materials, disinfects and treats odor so the home can be lived in or sold.
These jobs often involve a person in a difficult situation, so a good company works with patience and respect, alongside family and, where needed, animal welfare and social services.
When you need animal hoarding cleanup
- A home where many animals lived
- Strong ammonia smell and stained floors
- Pests attracted by waste
- A home being prepared for sale or new tenants
What the job involves
- Make sure animals are safely removed and cared for first.
- Protect the crew with equipment, including respirators for ammonia.
- Remove waste, soiled materials and debris.
- Clean, disinfect and seal subfloors and walls.
- Treat odor and pests, then check air quality.
What affects the cost
Sifixit does not quote prices, because every job is different. These are the things that move the price up or down, so you can compare quotes fairly:
- Size of the home and how long animals lived there
- Flooring and drywall removal
- Pest treatment
- Odor removal and sealing
- Debris hauling
Insurance
Insurance usually does not cover damage that built up over time from animals. Some cleanup may be part of a covered claim if a sudden event occurred.
Licensing by state
Rules differ a lot between states. Here is who licenses this work in the states Sifixit covers most. Always ask for the license number and check it with the state.
- Most states do not license biohazard cleanup companies, so ask about bloodborne pathogen training, insurance and how they dispose of waste.
- California requires trauma scene waste management practitioners to register with the state.
- Florida regulates biomedical waste handling through the Department of Health.
Read our guide: how to help someone with hoarding disorder.
Local help for animal hoarding cleanup
- Biohazard cleanup in Atlanta, GA
- Biohazard cleanup in Dallas, TX
- Biohazard cleanup in Houston, TX
- Biohazard cleanup in Arlington, TX
- Biohazard cleanup in Aurora, CO
- Biohazard cleanup in Charleston, SC
Quick answers: animal hoarding cleanup
Is animal hoarding cleanup dangerous?
High ammonia, waste and pests can be harmful. Professionals use respirators and protective gear.
Can the flooring be saved?
Often not, if urine soaked into pad and subfloor.
Does insurance cover animal hoarding cleanup?
Usually not, because the damage builds up over time.
How long does it take?
Often several days, depending on the home.
Who does animal hoarding cleanup?
A biohazard or hoarding cleanup company. Sifixit can connect you with a local provider.
Looking for animal hoarding cleanup? Call the number on this page to be connected with an independent local provider. For more background, see OSHA’s bloodborne pathogens guidance.
This site is a free service to assist homeowners in connecting with local service contractors. All contractors are independent and this site does not warrant or guarantee any work performed. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to verify that the hired contractor furnishes the necessary license and insurance required for the work being performed. All persons depicted in a photo or video are actors or models and not contractors listed on this site.
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- How to help someone with hoarding disorderStart with patience and respect, not a surprise cleanout.
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- What happens after an unattended death at homeCall 911 first.
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