Frequently Asked Questions

What is Aquamation?

Aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, is process similar to what takes place if you buried your pet, just accelerated. Aquamation uses a combination of gentle water flow, warm temperature, and a small amount of minerals. Like cremation, the mineral ash of the bones can be returned to you or to the Earth. The ash is lighter in color because it is clean without carbon discoloration. There is also approximately 20% more “ash” returned since this is a water-based process that does not burn away any of the remains. Aquamation uses 90% less energy than traditional cremation. Aquamation is gentle, eco-friendly, and has zero emissions.

How do I know I'm getting back only the ashes of my pet?

We use a metal ID tag system to keep track of your pet throughout the entire process until they are returned to you. Pets are placed in individual compartments in the alkaline hydrolysis vessel. Once the vessel is closed, the process is hands-free and automated. There are not any commingling of remains during the process.

What is meant by individual and communal?

Unlike traditional fire cremation where your pet can be cremated separately from others by using a brick partition, the Aquamation processes places your pet within its own compartment with almost no chance in commingling of remains. We choose not to indicate that it is private only because multiple pets will be cared for simultaneously. Due to the extended time required, caring for a single pet privately is at an additional expense for pets weighing at least 150lbs. The communal process is elected when you choose not to have a return of your pets remains and the pets are aquamated without partitions.

When can I expect to have my pet’s remains returned?

The Aquamation process takes approximately 20 hours and we can typically have your pet’s cremains ready returned to your primary veterinarian’s office within 2 weeks.

How much water does aquamation use?

Aquamation uses just a small amount of water, equivalent to about a 10-minute shower.

What happens to the remains?

Alkaline hydrolysis accelerates the natural process and separates the pet’s remains into two groups, organic and inorganic. The organic remains are neutralized for safe handling and the inorganic remains are processed into a powder, from there they are returned to the Earth in the form of a soil amendment.

Are the ashes safe to handle?

Yes. The ashes are composed of calcium phosphate and are 100% safe to handle.

What if my pet is in the care of another cremation service?

We currently have a partnership with McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation, Pet Rest Carolina, and Cohen Pet Services to provide our services to their clients as well. Please reach out and request Aquamation for your pet.

Attention: through our partnership with McAlister-Smith pet services, we are now able to provide water based cremation to the Midlands and the Greater Columbia area.

Likewise, for those in Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand we have partnered with Cohen Pet Services to provide our gentle water based services as well.