Did you know that one of the few pet cemeteries in Minnesota is in Roseville? Not only that, but it’s been there for more than 100 years.
Lead image courtesy of Nancy Sonmore
By Nancy Sonmore — Volunteer contributor
Dr. Arnold Feist, a St. Paul veterinarian, decided to establish a place for people to bury their furry friends. He created the 3.5 acre pet cemetery on his farmland in the early 1920s. Over the years, more than 4,000 faithful friends have been buried there. Cats, dogs, birds, squirrels, even a turtle— all have found their final resting place here.
The Feist, now Memorial, Pet Cemetery looks similar to its human counterpart, with two main differences. The headstones are a little smaller, and the epitaphs convey more emotion. “She loved us and we love her.” “Such love as this comes but once in a man’s life. Rest well.” “Our little girl. We will always love you.” “No longer by my side, but forever in my heart.” Yes, pets hold a very special and deep place in our hearts.
The cemetery was donated to the Animal Humane Society in the 1980s and renamed. In 2023, the cemetery ran out of space for new burials. While it is now at its capacity for graves, Memorial Pet Cemetery remains open for “quiet reflection and ceremonies.”
Do you have your own bits of Roseville trivia? The Roseville Reporter and I would love to hear from you, and share your story with our community. Reach us at info@rosevillereporter.org or nsonmore@gmail.com.
