When the time comes for your beloved pet to pass, whether naturally or through humane euthanasia, you may wonder what aftercare options are available. You may be able to bury your pet in the peace and privacy of your backyard, or you may opt for cremation. However, there is a third option you may not have heard about: aquamation. This aftercare form has been around since 1888, but only recently has it become more commonplace in the pet world. When it’s time to decide how to handle your pet’s aftercare, understand all your options by learning the facts about aquamation.

Question: What is aquamation?

Answer: Aquamation is a water-based alternative to fire cremation. It is also known as alkaline hydrolysis, green cremation, flameless cremation, and bio-cremation. Put simply, aquamation uses water to cremate pets instead of fire, making it an eco-friendly and gentle aftercare option. 

Q: What happens during the aquamation process?

A: Aquamation mimics natural decomposition, but speeds up the process. It gently breaks down tissues using warm water and a small amount of alkali powder, which is similar to the natural decomposition process. During aquamation, the pet is placed in a container that is then placed in a clean, stainless steel vessel. A combination of gentle water flow, temperature, and alkalinity are used to accelerate the natural process of tissue hydrolysis. All organic material is reduced to its most basic building blocks, leaving behind inorganic bones.

Q: What are the differences between traditional cremation and aquamation?

A: Traditional cremation uses high-temperature fires to reduce a pet’s body to bones, rather than water and alkali powder. As with traditional cremation, only the mineral ash of the bones remains after aquamation is complete. However, unlike traditional cremation, ashes from aquamation are softer and have a whiter color because they retain more minerals, are cleaner, and do not have carbon discoloration. With the aquamation process, at least 20% more remains are returned to the pet owner. 

Q: What are the environmental benefits of aquamation?

A: The aquamation process is non-toxic, plus it produces 90% fewer greenhouse gases than fire cremation. It uses only five percent of the energy of cremation and creates 10 percent of the carbon footprint. In addition, it produces zero methane gas, unlike burials. Aquamation is a green process that is gentle not only on your beloved pet but also on the environment. 

Q: How long does the aquamation process take?

A: On average, water cycles over the pet’s body for 18 hours, then the bones are placed in the dehumidifying room for 12 hours. 

Q: Are the powdered bones left after the aquamation process safe to handle?

A: Alkaline hydrolysis is an effective way to destroy infectious viruses and toxins, making your pet’s remains completely pathogen- and disease-free. This process makes your pet’s bones, or “ashes,” safe to handle. 

Q: What happens to the water byproduct of aquamation?

A: The water that remains after the aquamation process is not only benign but also beneficial for the environment. It can be used as a rich, organic fertilizer for farmland, and the nutrient-rich liquid also can benefit the community’s wastewater plants. 

Q: Is aquamation expensive?

A: The cost of aquamation is generally similar to that of flame-based cremation. 

Q: Why haven’t I heard of aquamation before?

A: Aquamation has been used for people for decades and is just now gaining popularity among pet owners. However, aquamation services for pets are still uncommon, and it can be difficult to find this aftercare option in your area.

As you weigh your pet’s aftercare options, consider aquamation as an alternative to fire-based cremation or burial. Discuss any concerns you may have with a Lap of Love veterinarian in your area, or ask for help choosing the best option that fits your family’s wishes.