Understanding Aquamation: A Gentle, Water-Based Choice for Your Pet

When a beloved pet dies, many decisions arrive quickly. One of them is what care you would like for your pet afterward. If you have heard the word aquamation and are not sure what it means, this page is for you. There is no pressure here. We simply want you to understand your choices.

What is aquamation?

Aquamation is a water-based form of pet cremation. Instead of fire, it uses water, warmth, and alkaline salts to transform your pet. It is offered as a gentler, greener alternative to traditional flame-based cremation.

What actually happens with aquamation: "The individual body is respectfully placed in a stainless steel vessel.   Alkali is added to the process based on individual characteristics (weight, sex, embalming status), and the vessel fills with water.  The solution of 95% water and 5% alkali is heated to 200-300°F, and gently circulated for the entire length of the process.    At the end of the process, all material is broken down to the smallest building blocks; there is no DNA or RNA remaining. The sterile process water is released for recycling (our bodies are approximately 65% water to begin with), and the vessel performs a fresh water rinse for the equipment and remains.  When the operator opens the door, only the inorganic bone minerals remain. These minerals are processed into powder and returned to the family in an urn.  This final processing step is the same process that is followed with flame cremation." (https://aquamationinfo.com/faq/ )

Why some families choose it

Families tell us different things matter to them. Some choose aquamation because the process feels gentler to them. Some care about the environmental impact. Some pets LOVED water and this feels like the natural choice for them.

Whatever your reason, there is no wrong choice. The right one is the one that feels right for your family.

Urns and keepsakes

Many families like to bring their pet home in a way that feels personal. We offer urns and memorial keepsakes, including ash pendants and keychains. You can take your time choosing. If you are not sure what you want, ask us. We can show you what is available.

If you are in the middle of a hard day

You do not need to decide everything now. If your pet has just died, or if you are planning ahead, a short phone call or email can answer most questions. You can visit our FAQ page for information on how to keep your pet safe until we can receive them into our care.

If your pet is still with you and you are considering an in-home goodbye, our sister practice Faithful Hearts provides in-home euthanasia care by a certified hospice veterinarian.

When you are ready, we are here to listen. Call us at 864-206-5205 or text 864-214-5774.