Pet Aquamation: A Comprehensive Guide

Pet aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, has emerged as a thoughtful and compassionate choice for pet owners facing the delicate matter of aftercare for their beloved companions.

In a world where choices abound, pet aquamation offers a unique and meaningful alternative to traditional pet cremation. Pet owners who opt for aquamation are grateful for the opportunity to make a decision that aligns with their preferences and honors their cherished pets in a way that reflects their deepest convictions.

They choose pet aquamation for a variety of compelling reasons, each one echoing the importance of compassion and environmental responsibility.

In this post, we will explore the pet aquamation method of laying our beloved pets to rest. We will provide you with insights into its process, benefits, and other practical details such as average cost and the time it takes until you receive the ashes.

What is Pet Aquamation?

Aquamation, scientifically known as alkaline hydrolysis, is a gentle and innovative process used as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional pet cremation (also known as flame cremation). Often referred to as water cremation or bio-cremation, aquamation employs a combination of water, heat, and alkaline chemicals to gently break down the body of a deceased pet.

How Does Pet Aquamation Work?

The aquamation process begins by placing the pet’s remains into a specially designed stainless steel chamber. The chamber is filled with a solution of water and alkali, typically potassium hydroxide, which has a high pH level. This alkaline solution serves as the key element in the decomposition process.

Next, the chamber is sealed, and the temperature is elevated. The water in the chamber becomes heated, creating a gentle, warm, and aqueous environment. The combination of elevated temperature and high pH causes the body to break down naturally, much like the process that occurs during burial.

Over a period of several hours, the body of the pet dissolves into its basic chemical components. The water is flushed and only the only the inorganic bone minerals remain. These minerals are processed into a fine powder. This powder of mineral ash, also called “cremains,” are returned to the pet owner in an urn.

Types of Pet Aquamation

As a pet owner, you have several choices when it comes to pet aquamation, or alkaline hydrolysis. Each type of aquamation offers distinct advantages and considerations, allowing you to select the option that aligns with your preferences and needs.

1. Partitioned Aquamation

Partitioned aquamation involves multiple pets being processed simultaneously in the same chamber but with physical separation. Each pet is placed in its designated compartment within the chamber.

Although pets are processed together, partitioned aquamation allows for the distinct separation of cremains.

2. Communal Aquamation

Group aquamation is the most cost-effective option. In this method, multiple pets are processed together in the same chamber without physical separation. It’s important to note that you won’t receive individual cremains for your pet, since all ashes will be mixed together.

Cost of Pet Aquamation

One of the common considerations when choosing between aquamation and traditional cremation is the cost. It’s important to note that aquamation costs can vary based on several factors. These include the size of the pet and the type of aquamation service chosen.

On average, here are some cost ranges you can expect:

• Average Cost of Aquamation: On average, individual aquamation for a pet can range from $100 to $300. This cost can fluctuate depending on the size of the pet. For example, the cost of cremating a cat will generally be lower than the cost of cremating a big dog. It also depends on the chosen type of aquamation.
• Partitioned Aquamation: Some providers offer a partitioned aquamation option, which involves multiple pets processed together in separate compartments within the same chamber. The cost of a partitioned aquamation will be higher than the one of a communal aquamation.
• Communal Aquamation: The most cost-effective option is group or communal aquamation, where multiple pets are processed together in a single chamber. Costs for group aquamation are usually lower than individual and partitioned services.
• Additional Costs: Be aware that while the core aquamation service may be within the specified cost range, additional services such as urns, keepsakes, or memorial items may incur extra charges. It’s advisable to inquire about the full cost breakdown with your chosen service provider and discuss your preferences and budget.

For more information about prices, you can take a look at our post on how much pet cremation costs in average in different countries, according to cremation type and the size of your pet. Though that post focuses on flame cremation, the costs aren’t that different from those of aquamation.

How Long Does it Take to Receive the Ashes from Aquamation?

The time frame to receive your pet’s ashes after aquamation can vary depending on several factors. These include the service provider, location, and logistical considerations.

Aquamation is recognized for its gentle, eco-conscious approach, but it requires a longer processing time when compared to traditional cremation.

The process may extend between 6 and 24 hours, depending on the operating temperature of the equipment. It’s a relatively slow process as it relies on the gradual dissolution of the body through the warm, aqueous solution. In contrast, flame cremation takes between 1 and 3 hours.

The exact timeframe aquamation takes will depend on the size of the pet. In these posts, you can read how long it takes to cremate a dog, and the time it takes to cremate a cat, according to their sizes.

Another factor that contributes to a more extended timeline is the unique characteristic of aquamation cremains. They initially have a liquid or gel-like consistency. Due to this, the cremains need time to evaporate excess moisture and fully dry to achieve the desired powdery form.

As a result, you can typically expect to receive the urn with your pet’s ashes within one to three weeks after the aquamation process has been initiated.

How do I know the Ashes I receive are from MY Pet?

Reputable aquamation facilities prioritize transparency and authenticity through several key measures:

In facilities that offer individual pet aquamation, each pet is placed in the aquamation chamber one at a time. This meticulous approach guarantees that the ashes returned to you are the sole remains of your pet.

And in general, trustworthy aquamation providers understand the significance of this process to pet owners. Upon arrival, each pet is tagged with a unique metal identifier. This tag accompanies your pet throughout the entire aquamation process and is meticulously checked and confirmed at each stage. This rigorous system provides an extra layer of assurance regarding the authenticity of the ashes.

Some facilities also record the aquamations to guarantee the process and are available to owners upon request.

How Do the Ashes from Pet Aquamation Look Like?

The ashes you receive from aquamation are notably different from those produced through traditional cremation. In aquamation, the process gently dissolves the body using a warm, aqueous solution with a high pH level.

This chemical environment ensures a thorough and natural breakdown of organic matter. This leaves behind a fine, white, and powdery substance. The absence of direct flames and lower temperatures in aquamation results in cremains that often feel softer to the touch and contain fewer recognizable bone fragments.

In contrast, in traditional pet cremation, the ashes are typically coarser and may contain more visible bone fragments. This texture is due to the use of direct flame combustion, which can be more intense and may leave behind small bone remnants. Direct flame combustion will also cause the ashes to be darker.

What Amount of Ashes will I receive?

The amount of ashes you will receive will depend on the size of your pet.

For example, pet aquamation typically yields an average of approximately 5 to 10 pounds (2.3 to 4.5 kilograms) of cremains for a larger dog like a Labrador.

For a cat, the amount of cremains from aquamation is substantially less, usually ranging from approximately 0.5 to 1 pound (0.23 to 0.45 kilograms).

You will receive a slightly larger volume of ashes from pet aquamation compared to traditional cremation. Approximately 20% more.

The absence of direct flames means that there is no combustion-related loss of matter. The combination of these factors often results in a slightly greater volume of cremains, which can be comforting for those who wish to have more of their pet’s remains for memorialization.

Are the Ashes Toxic?

No, the ashes are sterile and completely safe to handle. The resulting ashes of the aquamation primarily consist of minerals like calcium and phosphorus, which are found in bones.

What Can I do With the Ashes?

Once you’ve chosen pet aquamation for your beloved pet, the question often arises: What can you do with your pet’s ashes? Aquamation opens the door to a world of possibilities for honoring your pet’s memory in unique and heartfelt ways.

Below, you can find some unique ideas. Be sure to read this post for additional suggestions on what to do with the ashes of your dog or cat.

Memorialization: Many pet owners choose to memorialize their pets by placing their ashes in a special urn. These urns come in various sizes, styles, and materials, allowing you to select one that reflects your pet’s personality or your own preferences. Alternatively, you can create keepsake jewelry, such as necklaces or pet urn rings, containing a small portion of your pet’s ashes, allowing you to carry them close to your heart wherever you go.

Planting a Memorial Garden: If you have a garden or a special outdoor space, consider creating a memorial garden in your pet’s honor. Choose a spot that holds significance for your pet and plant a tree or perennial flower. But just a word of caution: don’t spread all of your pet’s ashes around that seed. The level of acidity of the ashes can be detrimental to the growth of the plant. For more information, read this post where we talk about how pet ashes can affect plants.

Scattering: Scattering your pet’s ashes can be a beautiful and meaningful way to say goodbye. Whether it’s in a favorite park, at the beach, or in a location that holds special memories, a scattering ceremony can be a serene and heartfelt way to celebrate your pet’s life. Take a look at this post about scattering pets ashes if you are looking for ideas for scattering them.

Contribution to the Environment: Consider using a biodegradable urn designed for water or land burial. This approach ensures that your pet’s remains contribute to the growth of new life, becoming a part of the natural world.

Can I Aquamate My Pet with Their Blanket or Toy?

Pet aquamation closely mirrors the natural decomposition process. This means that only 100% organic items can be included in the actual aquamation procedure. Depending on the facility, you will be able to include special organic items like food treats or flowers.

Environmental Advantages of Pet Aquamation

Aquamation offers a host of tangible benefits, both in terms of environmental impact and resource conservation. To better understand these advantages, let’s delve into why aquamation is an attractive choice:

Reduced Carbon Emissions:

Traditional pet cremation, which relies on the combustion of fossil fuels, is known for its significant carbon footprint. In stark contrast, aquamation stands out as an eco-friendly alternative, emitting substantially lower levels of greenhouse gases.

The numbers are striking: Aquamation can reduce carbon emissions by up to 90% when compared to traditional flame-based pet cremation. This reduction is not only remarkable but also equivalent to planting several trees, making it a meaningful contribution to offset carbon emissions.

Minimal Energy Consumption:

One of the notable strengths of aquamation lies in its energy efficiency. It uses only about 1/8th of the energy required for traditional pet cremation.

This results in significant energy savings and a lighter ecological footprint. Additionally, it conserves natural gas equivalent to the amount needed to heat a home for several days or even longer, depending on the pet’s size.

Preservation of Natural Resources:

It operates without relying on fossil fuels, thereby helping to conserve these non-renewable resources and reducing our dependence on them.

Safe and Clean Process:

Aquamation is renowned for its cleanliness and safety when it comes to handling the remains of our treasured pets. Unlike traditional cremation, it generates no harmful emissions or pollutants, making it a sustainable and responsible choice for those who wish to honor their pets while safeguarding the environment.

Is Aquamation a New Invention?

Aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, may sound like a recent innovation, but its roots trace back several decades. The concept of using water-based dissolution for remains dates to the early 20th century, originally developed for industrial and agricultural purposes.

In the late 20th century, it entered the funeral industry, offering an alternative to traditional cremation. The popularity of aquamation for pets has surged in recent years, reflecting the shift in preferences and the desire to provide a gentle and eco-friendly farewell for our beloved companions.

Closing Thoughts

As we embrace pet aquamation, we do so with the knowledge that we are making a heartfelt decision, one that honors our pets and the world they leave behind.

It’s a choice that resonates with those who prefer a gradual, water-based decomposition for their pets’ remains. For some, the intensity of the fire involved in traditional flame cremation can be emotionally overwhelming.

Simultaneously, this choice contributes to a greener and more sustainable world. It extends beyond the individual act of saying goodbye, embodying our commitment to reduce carbon emissions, conserve resources, and safeguard the environment.

In the end, the choice of pet aquamation isn’t just about saying goodbye. It’s about celebrating the cherished memories and the love that will forever remain in our hearts. It’s a farewell imbued with grace and care. A fitting tribute to the pets who have brought so much love, joy and companionship into our lives.