These three words are the most confusing part of pet cremation, and providers do not all use them the same way. Confirm which one you are buying before you agree to it.
Communal (also called group)
Several pets are cremated together and the ashes are not separated afterwards. You do not get ashes back. This is normally the lowest-cost option.
Private
Your pet is the only animal in the chamber. Ashes are returned to you. This is normally the highest-cost option.
Individual (also called partitioned or segregated)
More than one pet is in the chamber at the same time, kept apart by trays or dividers. Ashes are returned, but because the animals share the chamber a small amount of mixing is possible. This is the term that varies most between providers — some use “individual” to mean exactly what others mean by private.
The question that settles it: how many animals are in the chamber at the same time as my pet? Ask Bluegrass Pet Crematorium that directly rather than relying on the name of the package.
Pet cremation is usually priced in weight bands rather than as a single flat fee. Providers set a few bands — commonly a small, a medium and a large — and the price steps up at each one. A cat and a large dog will not cost the same.
Two other things move the figure:
- Private normally costs more than individual, which normally costs more than communal.
- Urn, engraving, paw print, fur clipping and collection from a veterinary practice are often separate line items rather than part of the base price.
We do not hold weight bands or package prices for Bluegrass Pet Crematorium. Ask for the band that matches your pet’s weight and for the total including every add-on, so the figure you are quoted is the figure you pay.
With communal cremation, ashes are not returned at all. With private or individual cremation, return times across the industry generally run from a few days to around two weeks, depending on the provider’s schedule and on whether your pet is being collected from a veterinary practice first.
Ask Bluegrass Pet Crematorium for a specific date, how you will be told the ashes are ready, and whether they come back to you directly, go to your vet for collection, or are shipped.
Many pet crematories collect directly from vets, and if your pet died at a practice the vet will often arrange it for you. That is convenient, but it means the choice of crematory can be made without you.
- If your vet is arranging it, ask which crematory they use — it may not be this one.
- Ask whether collection is included in the price or charged separately.
- Ask whether you can bring your pet in yourself, if you would rather.
Ink paw prints, clay paw impressions, fur clippings, engraved urns and memorial jewelry are commonly offered. Some providers include one keepsake in the base price and charge for the rest; others charge for all of them.
If you want a paw print or a fur clipping, say so before the cremation. They cannot be taken afterwards.
Ask Bluegrass Pet Crematorium which keepsakes are included and which are extra, and get the answer in writing.
The FTC Funeral Rule is the regulation that gives families price protections when they arrange a funeral. It does not apply to pets. The Rule (16 CFR Part 453) defines cremation as a heating process that incinerates human remains, and defines funeral services as the care and preparation of deceased human bodies. The words “pet” and “animal” do not appear in it.
For your pet, that means:
- There is no legal right to a General Price List — the itemized price sheet a funeral home has to hand you for human services.
- There is no requirement to give you itemized prices over the phone.
- There is no requirement to let you supply your own urn or container without a fee.
That does not mean a provider is behaving badly — plenty of pet crematories publish clear prices and hand over written quotes without being asked. It means the protections you may be expecting are not automatic here, so ask for them directly.
- How many animals are in the chamber at the same time as my pet?
- Will I get my pet’s ashes back, and how do you identify my pet through the process?
- What is the total price for my pet’s weight, including urn, keepsakes and collection?
- What date will the ashes be ready, and how will you let me know?
- Is the cremation done at your own facility, or sent to another company?
- Can I witness the cremation, or visit the facility?
- Can I have all of that in writing before I agree?
Our sweet Caya let us know she was tired and it was time to let her go rest. Our vets office uses this cremation facility for their patients. It was very sad to have to go in and pick up her ashes. When I opened my gift bag and the first thing I saw was her paw print, I smiled and felt so happy. I wasnt expecting to see the paw print but I also wasnt expecting to feel so happy about the inside of this bag. The paw print made my day! It is so adorable and it just made me think of my babys little paws and the good times. The box that her ashes are in is EXTREMELY BEAUTIFUL! I dont know what I was expecting, but I wasnt expecting this to be so nice. I had been looking for something else before I picked up her ashes but this is beautiful so we decided to use this wooden urn instead. The velvet bag that the wooden urn is in, is also very nice and the embroidery added a special touch. Even the cremation certificate is a comforting gesture. Just seeing her first and last nam
I work at a vet clinic that partners with Bluegrass Pet Crematorium. I recently had to use their services. That team went above and beyond. And I am FOREVER thankful and greatful for them. My baby Rubble died unexpectedly last week. I was incredibly distraught and not thinking because it happened in an instant. I kept honestly thinking, "how am I not going to be able to kiss my sweet babies face and touch those toe beans again." I had 0 clue they offered face prints. Boom one was in my bag and when he came back to me. I saw those ashes, paw print and nose imprint. I completely lost it. In a good way of course. Instant relief and happiness rushed to my thoughts for the first time in a WEEK. I absolutely cannot be more thankful for the kindness, thoughtfulness, and CARE they treated my husband and I. I can now settle my brain that my beloved companion Rubble was in the best hands and care possible. HIGHLY RECCOMEND THIS PLACE for the services they provide.
We lost our fourteen year old pup peacefully at home late last week, and we are not from the area. After some quick research, I cam upon Bluegrass and contacted them. They walked me through the next steps and options, and dispatched someone when we were ready to take care of the cremation process. We received his remains back in three days in a beautiful wooden box inside a soft bag, along with a cute paw print memory and some helpful resources. Thanks for making a difficult time much easier.
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Bluegrass Pet Crematorium has not published pet cremation prices with us.
Expect the quote to depend on your pet’s weight band, on whether you choose communal, individual or private cremation, and on any urn, keepsakes or collection from your vet.
Ask for the total in writing. Pets are not covered by the FTC Funeral Rule, so an itemized price list is not something you are entitled to by law.
Request a Free Quote
Not every provider listed in Lexington handles pets, so calling Bluegrass Pet Crematorium directly is usually the quickest answer.