As more people become aware of eco-friendly alternatives to traditional cremation, pet owners are seeking greener aftercare options for their beloved animals. One such option gaining attention is aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis. This gentle, water-based process offers a more environmentally friendly way to handle a pet’s remains. But can aquamation be performed on pets, and is it a viable alternative to traditional cremation? Let’s explore what aquamation is, how it works for pets, and whether it might be the right choice for you.
What Is Aquamation?
Aquamation, scientifically known as alkaline hydrolysis, is a process that uses water, heat, and alkaline chemicals to break down organic material. Unlike traditional cremation, which uses high heat and fire, aquamation relies on water to return the body to its natural elements. It’s often referred to as “flameless cremation” because it achieves the same outcome as cremation—reduction of the body to bone fragments—but without burning.
The process has been gaining popularity as a more sustainable option because it uses significantly less energy and produces no harmful emissions. In aquamation, the body is placed in a chamber filled with a solution of water and alkali, which is heated to around 200-300°F. Over the course of several hours, the solution gently breaks down the body, leaving behind only bone material and a sterile liquid. The bones are then dried and processed into a fine powder, similar to the “ashes” produced by traditional cremation.
Aquamation for Pets: How It Works
The same process used for humans can also be performed on pets. Many pet crematories are now offering aquamation as an option for those who want to handle their pet’s remains in a more environmentally conscious way. While the process for pets is largely the same, the equipment used is typically smaller, designed to handle animals of different sizes.
Once the pet is placed in the aquamation chamber, the machine is filled with water and an alkaline solution, usually potassium hydroxide. The solution is heated, and over the next 18-24 hours, the soft tissues are dissolved, leaving behind only the bones. These bones are dried and then processed into a fine, soft powder, which is returned to the pet owner, just as cremated remains would be.
Benefits of Aquamation for Pets
There are several reasons why pet owners may prefer aquamation over traditional cremation.
Environmental Benefits: Aquamation uses about 90% less energy than flame-based cremation and emits no harmful greenhouse gases. This makes it a much more environmentally friendly option for pet aftercare. Additionally, the sterile liquid byproduct left behind can be safely returned to the ecosystem, often being released into the municipal water system without harm.
Gentler Process: For some, the idea of a water-based process is emotionally easier to accept than cremation by fire. The perception that aquamation is gentler may provide a sense of comfort, especially for those who view their pets as part of the family.
Memorial Options: Just like with cremation, the remains from aquamation can be placed in an urn, scattered in a meaningful location, or even used in creative memorial projects, such as incorporating the ashes into jewelry or planting a tree in their memory.
Availability of Pet Aquamation
Aquamation for pets is becoming more widely available, especially in areas where the process is already being used for human remains. In the U.S., Canada, and Australia, many pet crematories now offer aquamation services. As more people learn about the environmental benefits, demand is growing, and more facilities are likely to adopt this technology.
It’s important to note that regulations for aquamation can vary depending on location, and some areas may not yet allow it for pets or humans. However, as sustainability becomes a priority for more pet owners, it’s expected that availability will continue to expand.
Cost of Aquamation for Pets
While aquamation is generally comparable in price to traditional cremation, the costs can vary depending on the size of the pet, the location of the service, and whether additional services such as memorials or urns are included. Below is an average cost breakdown for aquamation services in both the U.S. and Canada:
In the U.S.:
- Small pets (e.g., cats, rabbits): $150 – $300 USD
- Medium pets (e.g., medium-sized dogs): $250 – $500 USD
- Large pets (e.g., large dogs): $400 – $700 USD
In Canada:
- Small pets (e.g., cats, rabbits): $200 – $350 CAD
- Medium pets (e.g., medium-sized dogs): $300 – $600 CAD
- Large pets (e.g., large dogs): $500 – $850 CAD
These costs include the aquamation process and the return of your pet’s remains. Additional services, such as urns, memorials, or keepsakes, may come at an extra charge. Some providers also offer tiered service options, allowing you to choose a direct aquamation (where the remains are returned without ceremony) or a more comprehensive memorial service.
Pet Owners’ Experiences With Aquamation
Many pet owners who have chosen aquamation for their pets report that they find comfort in the process. The gentler nature of aquamation, combined with its lower environmental impact, can offer peace of mind during a difficult time.
One pet owner, Jane, who recently had her golden retriever undergo aquamation, shared her experience: “I didn’t know about aquamation until our vet mentioned it. When I learned that it was a more eco-friendly process and didn’t involve fire, it felt like the right choice for our family. It was comforting to know that we were doing something that honored our pet and the planet.”
Other owners echo similar sentiments, finding emotional solace in choosing a process that feels aligned with their values, particularly when it comes to sustainability.
How Aquamation Compares to Traditional Cremation for Pets
When comparing aquamation to traditional cremation, there are several factors to consider:
- Environmental Impact: Aquamation is significantly more eco-friendly. It uses less energy and produces no harmful emissions, making it a better option for environmentally conscious pet owners.
- Process: While traditional cremation uses high heat and fire, aquamation relies on water and an alkaline solution. Some pet owners find aquamation to be a gentler, more natural process.
- Time: Aquamation typically takes longer than traditional cremation, with the process lasting up to 24 hours, compared to just a few hours for flame-based cremation.
- Remains: The remains from aquamation are typically softer and more powdery compared to the more granular ashes from traditional cremation.
- Cost: Aquamation tends to be slightly more expensive than traditional cremation due to the specialized equipment required, but the difference is often minimal.
The Future of Pet Aquamation
As awareness grows and demand for eco-friendly alternatives increases, aquamation is likely to become a more widely available option for pets. Many in the pet aftercare industry predict that as technology improves and more facilities adopt the practice, the cost of aquamation will decrease, making it an even more accessible choice for pet owners.
In the coming years, it’s expected that pet aquamation will expand into more regions and become a more familiar choice alongside traditional cremation. As more pet owners embrace sustainable living, aquamation will likely gain traction as the preferred aftercare method for pets.
