Pet Cremation in North Dakota: A Gentle Guide for Families

 


 

Overview of Pet Cremation in North Dakota

 


Saying goodbye to a pet is heartbreaking, and it can be especially overwhelming to make decisions when you’re grieving. The good news is that pet cremation in North Dakota is widely available, with dedicated pet cremation providers, veterinary partners, and even newer options like water-based “aquamation” serving families across the state.


In a typical pet cremation arrangement, your pet either passes at home or at a veterinary clinic. From there, you can work directly with a pet cremation provider or have your vet coordinate everything on your behalf. The provider transports your pet to a crematory, performs either communal or private cremation, and then returns ashes (for private cremation) in a basic container or pet urn, often with options for upgraded memorial products.


Across North Dakota, services range from small, locally owned crematories in communities like Dickinson and Williston to regional providers that cover Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, and more. Many of these providers emphasize compassion, transparency, and faith-informed care, reflecting the strong sense of community and spirituality many families value in the state.

 

 

 

Average Pet Cremation Costs in North Dakota

 


Pet cremation costs in North Dakota vary based on your pet’s size, the type of service (communal vs. private), your location, and any additional options like a viewing, special pet urn, or memorial jewelry. The numbers below are approximate ranges in USD based on current North Dakota providers and national pet cremation price guides.


Always keep in mind:


Costs vary by provider, pet size, location, and over time. Treat these figures as ballpark estimates, not quotes.


 

Communal pet cremation (no ashes returned)

 


In a communal pet cremation, multiple pets are cremated together, and ashes are not separated or returned. This is typically the most affordable option.


Based on North Dakota pricing where group or “communal” rates are listed (for example, Sunset Memorial Gardens Pet Crematory’s group cremation around $150 for pets up to 200 pounds) and national ranges for communal services, many families in North Dakota can expect:

 

  • Communal pet cremation in North Dakota: roughly $100–$200+ for most dogs and cats, with very small pets sometimes on the lower end.

 


 

Private / individual pet cremation (ashes returned)

 


With private pet cremation, your pet is cremated alone (or in a fully separated chamber), and their ashes are returned to you.


North Dakota providers that publish pricing online, like Badlands Pet Crematory in Dickinson and Precious Paws in Williston, show weight-based fees that generally fall into this range:

 

  • Small pets (cats, small dogs under ~20–25 lbs): about $200–$250

  • Medium dogs (20–60 lbs): about $250–$325

  • Large and giant dogs (60–200+ lbs): about $300–$400+

 


Some providers include a basic temporary container or simple pet urn in these fees; others may charge extra for upgraded urns or memorial products.


 

Private cremation with simple memorial or viewing

 


A private pet cremation with a short memorial or viewing usually adds costs for time in a viewing room, staff support, or use of a chapel-like space. While not every North Dakota provider lists separate viewing fees online, national price guides and local examples of more personalized services suggest:

 

  • Private pet cremation with memorial or viewing in North Dakota: typically $250–$500+, depending on your pet’s size and how elaborate the service is (length of viewing, number of attendees, upgraded urn, prints, etc.).

 


Again, these pet cremation costs are approximate. Before you commit, ask each provider for a clear written price sheet and what is—or isn’t—included.

 

 

 

Pet Cremation Laws and Legal Requirements in North Dakota

 


This section is an informational overview only and not legal advice. Always check with your local city or county, your veterinarian, and the cremation provider for current rules.


 

Who regulates crematories?

 


In North Dakota, crematories that handle human remains are licensed and regulated under state health and funeral laws. A consumer guide for North Dakota notes that a crematory used for human remains may not be used to cremate animals or pets, meaning pet cremation typically occurs in separate equipment or dedicated facilities.


Pet-specific crematories must still comply with general environmental, air-quality, and zoning regulations, even if there is no separate “pet cremation” statute. Local ordinances may also address where a crematory can operate.


 

Keeping and scattering pet ashes

 


North Dakota burial and cremation law resources point out that, for human ashes, there is no state law controlling where ashes may be kept or scattered. Families can store ashes at home, in a cemetery niche, or in another container of their choosing, and they may scatter ashes on private property with the landowner’s permission and on some public lands with appropriate authorization.


State summaries do not specifically distinguish between human and pet ashes, and cremated remains are generally considered harmless from a public-health standpoint. In practice, families often apply the same approach for pet cremation in North Dakota:

 

  • You can keep your pet’s ashes at home in a pet urn.

  • You can bury the urn in a private yard or family plot, subject to local rules.

  • You can scatter ashes on private land with the owner’s permission, and on certain public lands if the agency in charge allows it.

 


However, cities, park systems, and cemeteries can set their own rules—some have designated scattering gardens and restrictions on “unauthorized scattering.”


 

Burial and disposal of pet remains

 


If you choose burial instead of cremation, North Dakota’s animal carcass-disposal guidance generally requires that animals be rendered, buried, or otherwise disposed of within 36 hours of death, with burial at least four feet deep and at least 1,000 feet from any occupied dwelling or water source. These rules are written with livestock and large animals in mind, but many local authorities apply similar standards to pets.


Because regulations can change and may differ by county or city, it’s always wise to:

 

  • Ask your pet cremation provider and veterinarian what local rules apply.

  • Call your city or county offices if you’re planning backyard burial or scattering on public land.

 

 

 

 

Types of Pet Cremation and Service Options in North Dakota

 


When you explore pet cremation in North Dakota, you’ll typically see a few main service types.


 

Communal cremation

 


In communal pet cremation, multiple pets are cremated together. The process is dignified, but ashes are not kept separate, so they cannot be returned to individual families. This is a good option if you do not feel strongly about having ashes at home and would prefer a simpler, often more affordable arrangement.


 

Private or individual cremation

 


With private pet cremation, your pet is cremated alone or in a chamber set up so only one pet is present at a time. Providers like Companion Animal Cremation describe detailed tracking and identification, sometimes including a unique ID tag that stays with your pet throughout the process, so families can feel confident about receiving their own pet’s ashes.


Private cremation usually includes ashes returned in a simple container or engraved wood pet urn, with options to purchase additional or upgraded urns and keepsakes.


 

Aquamation (alkaline hydrolysis)

 


In parts of eastern North Dakota, families also have access to aquamation, a gentle water-based process (alkaline hydrolysis) that uses warm water and alkali instead of flame. Eternal Tides in the Fargo–Moorhead–West Fargo region offers aquamation along with memorial services and urn options for pets.


If you are looking for a more environmentally focused alternative to flame cremation, ask local pet cremation providers whether they offer aquamation or plan to in the future.


 

Memorial products and services

 


Many North Dakota providers offer:

 

  • Simple or upgraded pet urns (including engraved wood boxes and photo urns)

  • Clay or ink paw prints

  • Fur clippings or small keepsakes

  • Short private viewings or use of a family room at the crematory

 


If you’d like more options than a local crematory provides, you can also choose an urn or keepsake separately and have ashes placed later. Funeral.com offers a large selection of pet urns for ashes in wood, metal, ceramic, and glass, as well as a dedicated collection of pet cremation jewelry and cremation charms and pendants that hold a small portion of ashes close to the heart.

 

 

 

Cultural Norms and Local Practices Around Pet Cremation in North Dakota

 


North Dakota has a strong rural identity, with many families closely connected to the land, farming, hunting, and the outdoors. It’s common for people to talk about scattering pet ashes in a favorite pasture, field, or shelterbelt on private property (with permission), or keeping a simple pet urn on a shelf at home where the family gathers.


Because communities are often small and tight-knit, many families lean heavily on their local veterinarian when a pet dies. Providers like Companion Animal Cremation work with more than 20 veterinary clinics in eastern North Dakota and offer 24/7 pickup, so it’s very common for the vet clinic to coordinate pet cremation services behind the scenes.


Faith and spirituality also play a role for some families. Companion Animal Cremation, for example, describes its work as a “ministry of healing and hope,” blending professional service with faith-based support. Whether or not that language speaks to you personally, it reflects how seriously many North Dakotans take the emotional side of saying goodbye to a pet.

 

 

 

How to Choose a Pet Cremation Provider in North Dakota

 


When you’re comparing pet cremation providers in North Dakota, it can help to approach it like any important service purchase—but with added attention to communication and care.


Start by deciding whether you want your veterinarian to handle everything or whether you’d like to choose a provider yourself. There is no “right” path; some people appreciate the vet’s help, while others want to research providers in Fargo, Bismarck, Dickinson, Williston, Devils Lake, or their own area independently.


As you compare options, consider asking:

 

  • What types of cremation do you offer? (communal, private, aquamation)

  • How do you ensure I receive my own pet’s ashes? Providers may describe ID tags, written logs, or tracking systems.

  • What is the total cost, and what’s included? Clarify pickup fees, basic urn vs. upgraded pet urns, paw prints, or memorial items.

  • How long will it take? Many services return ashes within a few days for flame cremation and within three to four days for aquamation.

  • Can I see the facility or at least photos of it? Some providers offer tours, while others provide detailed explanations and photos online.

 


You can pair local hands-on care with online memorial options. For example, you might have a North Dakota provider handle the pet cremation, then choose a custom urn or cremation jewelry piece from Funeral.com’s curated collections once you’ve had a little time to think.


Most importantly, pay attention to how you feel when you speak with each provider. Clear, gentle communication and a willingness to answer questions are just as important as equipment and price.

 

 

 

Notable Pet Cremation Providers in North Dakota

 


The following are examples of pet cremation providers in North Dakota to help you start your research. This list is not a recommendation or endorsement—always evaluate each option yourself.


Companion Animal Cremation of North Dakota – Valley City (serving Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, and surrounding communities)

Provides private and communal pet cremation, 24/7 pickup, partnerships with more than 20 veterinary clinics, and engraved wooden pet urns and memorial products for families across eastern North Dakota.


Badlands Pet Crematory – Dickinson

Offers weight-based private pet cremation in North Dakota’s southwest region, including transportation from local veterinary clinics, grief resources, and a variety of urn and memorial options.


Summerfield Pet Memorial Park & Crematory – Bismarck

Provides pet cremation, pet burial, and memorialization services, with a reputation for professional handling and quick turnaround for families traveling from around the region.


Precious Paws Cremation Services – Williston

Serves Williston and nearby communities as a locally owned pet crematory, offering individualized private pet cremation and weight-based pricing for dogs and cats.


Paws To Remember – Devils Lake

Provides pet cremation services in the Devils Lake area, including transport and cremation arrangements for families who prefer a local option.


Eternal Tides, LLC – Fargo (FMWF region)

Specializes in aquamation (water-based cremation) for pets in Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo, and surrounding communities, along with memorial spaces and urn options.


Sunset Memorial Gardens Pet Crematory – Minot (via veterinary partners)

Works with services like Hugs at Home in Minot to offer individual and group pet cremation, with published pricing for both private and communal options.


Use this list as a starting point, then search for additional local pet cremation providers in North Dakota or ask your veterinarian which services they partner with.

 

 

 

FAQs About Pet Cremation in North Dakota

 


 

Is pet cremation in North Dakota legal?

 


Yes. Dedicated pet cremation providers in North Dakota operate across the state, and veterinarians regularly coordinate cremation for clients. State guidance simply prohibits human crematories from using their human equipment to cremate animals, so pet cremation typically happens in separate, compliant facilities.


 

What is the difference between communal and private pet cremation?

 


In communal pet cremation, several pets are cremated together and ashes are not separated or returned. In private (individual) pet cremation, your pet is cremated alone (or completely separated), and the ashes are returned to you, usually in a container or pet urn. Private cremation generally costs more but gives you the option to keep, bury, or scatter your pet’s ashes.


 

How much does pet cremation typically cost in North Dakota?

 


Current pricing from North Dakota providers suggests that communal pet cremation often falls roughly in the $100–$200+ range, while private pet cremation for cats and dogs commonly ranges from about $200–$400+, depending on size. Private cremation with a viewing or memorial can run $250–$500+ once you add time in a viewing room or upgraded urns and keepsakes. Remember that pet cremation costs vary by provider, pet size, and over time.


 

Can I keep my pet’s ashes at home or in a pet urn?

 


Yes. North Dakota has no statewide law limiting where ashes may be kept for humans, and families commonly keep pet ashes at home in decorative pet urns as well. You can choose a simple urn from your provider or select a more personalized design later from an online collection such as Funeral.com’s pet cremation urns for ashes and pet cremation jewelry lines.


 

Where can I scatter pet ashes in North Dakota?

 


Because North Dakota does not have strict statewide scattering laws, families often scatter pet ashes on private property with the landowner’s permission, or in designated scattering gardens and some public spaces with approval from the managing agency. Before scattering, always check local city, county, park, or federal rules—especially for cemeteries, state parks, and waterways.


 

How long does pet cremation usually take?

 


Timeframes vary, but many pet cremation providers in North Dakota complete flame cremation and return ashes within a few business days, while aquamation services often take about three to four days from intake to pickup. Companion Animal Cremation, for example, notes that most flame cremations are completed within two business days, with aquamation taking slightly longer.


 

Are there size-based price differences for dogs, cats, and small pets?

 


Yes. Almost all providers use weight-based pricing tables. In North Dakota, published fees show smaller pets (under 20–25 pounds) at the lower end of the pet cremation costs range and large-breed dogs (80–200+ pounds) at the higher end.


 

How do I know I’m getting back my own pet’s ashes?

 


Reputable pet cremation providers will explain their identification and tracking system. Many use unique ID tags or numbered discs that stay with your pet from pickup through cremation, along with logs that match your pet’s name, weight, and service type. Companion Animal Cremation, for example, emphasizes documented, traceable private cremation plus engraved urns and paw prints. Don’t be afraid to ask providers exactly how they handle chain-of-custody.


 

What kinds of pet urns or pet memorials are available?

 


You can choose from simple plastic or cardboard containers, engraved wooden boxes, metal or ceramic pet urns, photo urns, and keepsake urns that hold a small portion of ashes. Many families also like pet cremation jewelry—necklaces, charms, or pendants designed to hold a tiny amount of ashes. Funeral.com’s collections of pet cremation urns for ashes, pet cremation jewelry, and cremation charms and pendants offer a wide range of styles that you can select after you’ve had time to process your loss.


 

Can I plan ahead for my pet’s aftercare?

 


Yes. You can ask your veterinarian which pet cremation providers in North Dakota they work with and review price lists and options before you ever need them. Some families choose a preferred provider, talk through communal vs. private cremation, and even preselect a pet urn or memorial style in advance. If you prepay with any provider, make sure you understand the contract terms, refund policies, and what happens if you move or your preferred vet changes.

 

 

Laws, regulations, and pet cremation costs can change over time, and individual cities or counties may have their own rules. Before making final decisions, it’s a good idea to confirm details directly with your veterinarian, your chosen pet cremation provider in North Dakota, and official state or local sources.