About Us

• We are owned by a family in the funeral business.

Jesse and Katie Starkson saw a need for the River Valley Pet Cremation Society. The Starksons own funeral homes in Hastings and Apple Valley and have over 15 years of experience in the death care industry. This pivot into pet care allows them to share their background with even more families.

• We offer only 100% private pet cremation.

Private cremation is the most dignified method of cremation. It offers peace of mind and comfort by guaranteeing that the ashes you receive are exclusively your pet's, providing a personalized way to memorialize them. With private cremation, your pet is cremated individually at our private, on-site crematory. This exclusivity gives you the reassurance and personal experience you need to help say goodbye to your beloved companion.

• We cremate onsite at our private crematory.

With private cremation, your pet is cremated individually at our private, on-site crematory. This exclusivity gives you the reassurance and personal experience you need to help say goodbye to your beloved companion.

• Your pet’s cremated remains will typically be available to pick up at our location within 1-2 days* (Monday-Friday).

We do our best to cremate the same day we receive a pet into our care, but the time frame of cremation completion and delivery of cremated remains can be lengthened due to certain situations including, but not limited to;

1. special order urns
2. your pet coming into our care after 4 p.m.
3. vet clinic is closed before we can bring your pet into our care (ex. weekends, holidays, etc.)
4. weekend deaths

• We have two beautiful comfort rooms for you to take as much time as you need to say goodbye to your pet.

We know how hard it is to say farewell to a family member - and pets are family. We also know how important it is to celebrate the life of your pet in a way that is meaningful to you. Whether this loss is anticipated or it caught you by surprise, we will support you in making the arrangements that best suit your needs. See our comfort rooms.

For immediate need, click HERE.

If you anticipate the need soon, click HERE.

For information on euthanasia, click HERE.

For information on a membership, click HERE.

The River Valley Pet Cremation Society is a family-owned, local pet cremation facility in Hastings, Minnesota. We believe that pets are part of the family and should be treated as such. This is why we only offer PRIVATE PET CREMATION to guarantee that the cremated remains you receive are only those of your beloved pet.

If you have any questions, please email us HERE or call us with any questions at 651-318-4020.

The River Valley Pet Cremation Society reserves the right to respectfully dispose of any unclaimed cremated pet remains after three months. Multiple attempts will be made to contact the family prior to disposal.