A new pet cremation service is set to open this summer with a mission of providing local, compassionate aftercare for pet owners throughout the greater Owensboro area.
Hill Pet Cremation, founded by Beaver Dam resident Kendra Hill, is expected to begin operating in July at 226 Louisville Road in Beaver Dam, behind Bevil Brothers Funeral Home.
Hill said the business was inspired by both her lifelong love of animals and her experience working in the funeral industry.
“I’ve always had a love for animals, and I just know this is a needed industry in our community,” Hill said.
Many pet owners may not realize that pets taken to local veterinary clinics for cremation are often transported to facilities in Louisville or Bowling Green, Hill said.
“Most pet families don’t realize that,” she said. “Your pet isn’t always in the hands of your vet.”
Hill said the lack of a local option became personal as she thought about her own dog, whom she brings to work with her every day.
“I’ve always thought when he dies, I was going to get him cremated,” Hill said. “I just didn’t like not knowing where he was at all times.”
By opening Hill Pet Cremation, she hopes to provide peace of mind for pet owners while allowing families to keep their pets close to home throughout the process.
Hill has worked in the funeral industry for four years and said the new venture allows her to expand the type of support she provides to grieving families.
“My dad kind of got me into this industry,” she said. “I’ve always loved being able to help grieving families. So I was like, well, now I can help pet families, too.”
The business has been several years in the making.
“I’ve had this dream for about three years now,” Hill said. “Everybody’s kind of shut me away and shut me away, and so now I’m happy to be able to open it for our community.”
In addition to cremation services, Hill Pet Cremation will offer urns, clay paw prints, memorial jewelry, and pet portraits. Hill said she also plans to offer memorial services for pets, although details are still being finalized.
Hill said she personally recommends cremation because it allows owners to keep their pet’s remains with them if they move.
“What if you move?” she said. “You can’t really dig up your pet because it’s already decomposed and everything. You’re leaving your pet behind — that’s kind of how I’ve always thought of it.”
The crematory is expected to arrive by the end of June, with operations beginning shortly afterward.
More information is available at hillpetcremation.com.
