When you are saying goodbye to a pet, deciding what happens next can feel like one decision too many. Many families have heard of cremation, but fewer have heard of aquamation. This page explains what aquamation is and why every pet in our care whose family chooses aftercare goes to aquamation.
Aquamation is also called water cremation. Instead of flame, it uses water, gentle warmth, and an alkaline solution to speed up the natural process that would otherwise happen slowly over time. It is a form of cremation, so you will sometimes see us describe our aftercare as cremation too.
When aquamation is complete, your pet’s remains are gently dried and processed into cremains. “Cremains” is short for cremated remains, and it is simply another word for ashes. Families often ask us how water can create ashes. With either water or flame, what families receive are the mineral remains of their pet, which most people know as ashes.
Your pet is cared for with water and warmth rather than flame. For many families, that is a comforting thought.
The Cremation Association of North America says aquamation uses significantly less fuel and has a lower carbon footprint than flame cremation or burial. It is also widely believed to use up to 90% less energy than flame cremation.
Every pet in our care whose family chooses aftercare goes to A Greener Place in Mesa. We have worked with them for years, and they are a family-owned, locally owned business that takes a lot of pride in their service. If you choose to have cremains spread on your behalf, they are spread on a hike in Ash Fork, Arizona.
Yes, if you choose to have them returned. Your pet goes through aquamation individually, and their cremains are returned to you in a wooden urn.
Yes. You are always welcome to choose another cremation provider or to bury your pet, where that is legal in your area.
Call or text us at 602-960-2501 and our care coordinators will walk you through your options. When you are ready, you can request a visit.
Cremation Association of North America, Alkaline Hydrolysis
A Greener Place, Pet Aquamation in Mesa
