Aquamation for Pets

By Angeline Simmons, January 27, 2025

If you’ve lost a pet, you may be wondering what to do next. Some people choose cremation, while others select pet burial or taxidermy. But among the growing options after you’ve had your pet euthanized or they die naturally is aquamation, a method that has gained attention for its gentleness and eco-friendly practices.

Also known as alkaline hydrolysis, aquamation is changing the way people think about saying farewell to their pets.

What Is Aquamation?

Aquamation, or alkaline hydrolysis, is a process that uses water, heat and alkaline chemicals to break down the pet’s body into its basic elements. The process mimics natural decomposition but occurs in a highly controlled and accelerated environment.

Aquamation Process

The general process for aquamation may be slightly different from one place to the next, but the general process is as follows.

Chamber placement: The pet is placed in a specially designed stainless steel chamber filled with a solution of water and potassium hydroxide (an alkali). The chamber is heated to a temperature of around 200–300°F (93–150°C), depending on the specific equipment used. Pressure is applied to prevent boiling while the solution circulates to ensure even breakdown.

Decomposition: Over the course of four to 16 hours, the water and alkali work together to dissolve soft tissues, leaving behind bone fragments and a sterile liquid. The liquid, often referred to as “alkaline water,” is nutrient-rich and safe to return to the earth.

Bone Processing: After the process is complete, the remaining bones are dried and reduced to a fine, white powder, similar to cremated remains. These are returned to the family in an urn or another container of their choice.

The Environmental Benefits of Aquamation

One of the primary reasons aquamation has gained popularity is its significantly lower environmental impact compared to traditional burial and cremation methods.

Energy Efficiency: Aquamation uses significantly less energy than flame-based cremation. While cremation requires temperatures of up to 2,000°F (1,093°C) and consumes large amounts of natural gas, aquamation relies on water and mild heat, making it a more sustainable option.

No Air Emissions: Traditional cremation releases greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide. Aquamation, on the other hand, produces no harmful emissions, helping to reduce air pollution and combat climate change.

No Toxic Chemicals: Embalming, a common practice in traditional burials, involves the use of toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde, which can leach into the soil and groundwater. Aquamation eliminates the need for embalming and ensures that the process is entirely eco-friendly.

Water Recycling: The water used in aquamation is reused multiple times during the process. Afterward, the remaining liquid is sterilized and can be safely returned to the environment, often benefiting wastewater treatment plants or agriculture due to its nutrient content.

Aquamation vs. Cremation and Burial

When compared to conventional pet burial and cremation, aquamation offers a number of distinct advantages.

Burial: Traditional burial requires a significant amount of land, often permanently altering natural landscapes. It also involves resource-intensive practices, such as the production of caskets, headstones, and burial vaults. Aquamation, by contrast, leaves a minimal ecological footprint and does not require land use.

Cremation: While flame cremation is more environmentally friendly than burial, it still generates substantial carbon emissions. Additionally, the process of burning requires fossil fuels and releases particulate matter into the air. Aquamation’s water-based approach avoids these issues entirely.

Beyond its environmental benefits, aquamation is also appealing for its gentler and more natural approach to saying goodbye. Many families find comfort in knowing that their pet’s remains are handled with care in a process that closely resembles the natural decomposition that occurs in soil.

The white, powdered remains produced through aquamation are comparable to cremated ashes but are often lighter in color and texture. These remains can be kept in an urn, scattered in a meaningful location, or used in memorial keepsakes, just like traditional cremation ashes.

Aquamation Cost

Depending on where you live and how big your pet is, aquamation typically costs between $2,000 and $5,000. It’s currently more expensive than cremation, but many experts believe the price will go down over time.

Where Is Aquamation Legal?

While aquamation is still a relatively new practice, it is steadily gaining acceptance around the world. In the United States, it is legal in over 28 states, with more states considering legislation to approve the process. Countries such as Canada, Australia, and South Africa have also embraced aquamation as a viable alternative to burial and cremation.

Is Aquamation Right for Your Pet?

Only you can decide what the right choice is for how to handle your pet’s remains after they cross The Rainbow Bridge. If you’re exploring aquamation, find out if it’s legal where you live, and if so, reach out to your veterinarian or a pet funeral home for information about who may be able to perform this service for your pet.