In coming years, grieving pet owners might not have to send their pet's remains quite as far as Moorhead for cremation.
The Grand Forks Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously voted on Wednesday to award the Circle of Friends Humane Society a permit for operating an animal crematory at their 4375 N. Washington St. location. The crematory, which proponents say would function both as a revenue stream for the society and an important service for pet owners, would fill a gap in services in Grand Forks.
Frank Matejcek, a member of the society's board of directors, the closest such facility is in Moorhead.
"We just find that there's a need here," Matejcek explained, adding that he believes an animal crematory in Grand Forks might be able to provide a similar service for a lower price, most notably circumventing wait times and processes needed to keep animal cadavers preserved long enough to cremate.
The facility still needs several levels of clearance from local and state officials, including approval from the City Council and North Dakota Department of Health. The Humane Society's board also needs to make decisions on the project, which could cost anywhere from about $35,000 to $75,000, depending on the type of crematory unit. Construction costs to house the crematory also could mean an additional $20,000.
ADVERTISEMENT
Planning and Zoning Commissioner Steven Adams said his decision to vote to award the permit was a "no-brainer."
"I've owned pets pretty much my whole life, and I'm an old man," Adams said. "And every time I had to put a pet down I had to send the body away. It's hard enough on pet owners when you have to put a pet down, but it's even harder when you have to send it away."
Adams also noted the site is not near residential areas and poses a minimal risk of bothering neighbors.
