Pet Cremation - Des Moines, Iowa
Pet Cremation in Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has one of the more transparent and affordable cremation markets we have reviewed: two local independents and a trusted nonprofit all post real prices, with communal cremation for a medium dog running about $87 to $100 and private cremation from $235. Water cremation is not available anywhere in the metro, so every local choice is flame. The options cluster around Des Moines, West Des Moines and Waukee, and some polished brands that appear local are actually corporately owned, so the genuinely independent options are worth seeking out.
Price Snapshot
Pet Cremation in Des Moines typically runs $87 to $399 for a medium dog.
Private pet cremation (ashes returned): $235 to $399.
Communal pet cremation (ashes not returned): $87 to $100.
Prices last updated: August 2026.
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Our Recommended Providers in Des Moines
We reviewed the available options and selected these providers based on transparency, communication, and value.
Pet Cremation Iowa
Best for families who want a Des Moines independent with a full published price list and home pickup.
Typical range
$87 to $399
medium dog
Pet Cremation Iowa is a Des Moines based independent that posts a full weight-tiered price list, so you can compare before you call: for a medium dog, a communal cremation runs about $87 to $100 and a private one about $349 to $399. It offers home pickup, free viewing at the facility, ash home-delivery, and 24-hour after-hours service.
One thing to know: It does not offer aquamation or in-home euthanasia, and it does not publish a turnaround time. Home pickup and ash delivery each add $150, and a private gathering room is a separate $299.
Animal Rescue League of Iowa
Best for families who want the lowest published price from a trusted local nonprofit.
Typical range
$90 to $235
medium dog
The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is a well-established local nonprofit and the lowest published-price option in the metro: for a medium dog, a communal cremation is $90 and a private one $235, both posted plainly on its site. It can also combine euthanasia with cremation at its Pet Help Center for a bundled price.
One thing to know: It is drop-off only, with no home pickup, and its walk-in hours are limited to the early afternoon. Owners cannot remain during the euthanasia, and there is no witnessed cremation or aquamation.
Companions for Life
Best for families who want a private viewing room or to witness the cremation.
Contact for pricing
Companions for Life serves the metro from its Waukee center and is the featured provider offering both private viewing rooms and the option to witness the cremation itself, for families who want to be present. It is an independent operator that emphasizes transparency and handles private cremation with the ashes returned.
One thing to know: Despite its transparency ethos it publishes no prices, so quotes are by phone. It does not offer aquamation or in-home euthanasia, and it does not publish a turnaround time.
Questions Worth Answering Before You Call
Do you want a price before you call? Pet Cremation Iowa and the Animal Rescue League both post full prices, communal from about $87 to $90 and private from $235. Companions for Life quotes by phone. If comparing numbers matters, start with the two that publish them.
How much do you want to spend, and do you need pickup? The Animal Rescue League is the lowest cost at $90 communal and $235 private, but it is drop-off only. Pet Cremation Iowa costs a little more but offers home pickup, free viewing and after-hours service.
Do you want to be present? Companions for Life is the featured provider offering private viewing rooms and the option to witness the cremation. If being there matters to you, start there, and ask for the price by phone.