The Ultimate Guide to Pet Aquamation: An Eco-Friendly Pet Cremation Alternative

Pet parents consider their beloved pets, whether they are dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, or any other animal, as cherished members of their families. These pets receive the best possible care, including food, treats, beds, and other necessities. When these animals become sick or injured, their owners go to great lengths to ensure their recovery. However, the end of a pet’s life presents one of the most challenging times for pet owners.

Seeking a Dignified Farewell

When a beloved pet passes away, it is only natural for pet owners to seek a special way to honor their life. Many pet owners and veterinarians are turning to companies that specialize in eco-friendly, green pet cremation services, such as aquamation. These alternatives provide a dignified way for pets to return to nature without the harshness of fire.

While it may be difficult to consider the possibility of losing a loyal companion, it is important to prepare for such circumstances and determine how you would like your pet to be cared for after they have passed on. Compassionate Care Pet Aquamation in NY offers online arrangement services to help plan for your pet’s end-of-life needs. They also provide eco-friendly pet cremation options to memorialize your pet and celebrate their life. Their specialists are available to answer any questions and address concerns about their pet cremation service. They understand the challenges and difficulties of losing a beloved pet and strive to provide comfort during the final goodbye. Compassionate Care Pet Aquamation is known for making families feel at peace, as evidenced by their glowing reviews.

What Is Pet Aquamation?

Pet aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, water-based cremation, bio-cremation, green cremation, or flameless cremation, is a green alternative to traditional flame cremation. This process uses the natural decomposition of the body, but at an accelerated rate. Aquamation is approved for the final disposition of pet remains throughout the United States and Canada.

During natural burials, bodies decompose slowly and return to the earth without harming the environment. Aquamation, as an eco-friendly pet cremation alternative, combines gentle water flow, temperature, and alkalinity to expedite the natural breakdown of organic materials.

The Benefits of Pet Aquamation

Aquamation offers two significant benefits: gentler treatment for the beloved pet and a more eco-friendly alternative to flame cremation in veterinary medicine.

Gentler Treatment of Your Beloved Pet: Flame cremation, while providing ashes for pet owners to cherish, can be a harsh process. Pet owners desire compassionate treatment for their pets, even after their passing. Aquamation offers a gentle, water-based eco-friendly cremation treatment that leaves barely any carbon footprint. This process returns 20-30% more ashes to pet owners, providing a comforting keepsake.

Eco-Friendly Alternative to Flame Cremation: Traditional flame cremation emits greenhouse gases and mercury into the atmosphere due to the burning of fossil fuels. Additionally, it is not energy efficient. Aquamation, on the other hand, saves over 90% of the energy used in the traditional cremation process. It has only 1/10th the carbon footprint of flame cremation. The water used in aquamation is minimal and has a low impact on the environment. The by-product of the aquamation process is a nutrient-rich water that can assist in waste breakdown. The end solution is sterile and includes natural decomposition products such as amino acids, sugars, nutrients, salt, and soap.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Aquamation has been used in universities and scientific industries for over 25 years, and in veterinary cremation since 2007. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the science and process of aquamation in human and pet cremation facilities:

How Does Aquamation Work?

In aquamation, it is the water molecules that break down the body as the mixture is 95% water and 5% alkali. The process involves adding a base to water to create an alkaline environment. This causes the water molecules to react and separate into hydrogen and hydrogen ions. When combined with the system’s characteristics, solution flow, and heat (~204°F), the process successfully breaks down the pet’s body. The end result is salts, amino acids, small peptides, sugars, and water. Aquamation mimics the natural decomposition that occurs during a burial.

How Long Does the Aquamation Process Take?

Due to the lower temperature used (204°F compared to the standard 1400-2000°F in flame cremation), the aquamation process takes longer, approximately 18-20 hours compared to 1-3 hours in flame cremation. However, the energy used is significantly less, and fewer CO2 emissions are released.

Will My Pet Be Cremated Alone or with Other Pets?

Compassionate Care Pet Aquamation offers both communal and individual aquamation. For pet owners who do not wish to receive their pet’s ashes, communal aquamation is available, where multiple pets are aquamated together. This option is suitable for those who prefer memorial jewelry or pendants. Individual aquamation is chosen by pet owners who want their pet’s ashes returned. This option involves placing the pet in an individual cradle, along with an identifying token to ensure the pet is returned to the owner in an urn.

What Type of Cremated Remains Are Produced?

Aquamation cremates the organic material, leaving only the mineral remains of the bone. These bones are then dried and processed into ashes, similar to traditional flame cremation. Aquamation typically provides 20-30% more ashes compared to flame cremation. The color of the ash can range from white to tan, while flame cremated ashes are usually gray and charred. Aquamation also produces a more consistent powder, except for larger animals with denser bone structures. Unlike flame cremation, no casket or box is required for aquamation, reducing the need for wood and contributing to environmental conservation.

Does the Family Receive the Remains, and What Can Be Done with the Ashes?

If families choose to receive the ashes, they will be provided. Ashes can be placed in an urn, or families may choose to memorialize their pet in a green way, such as using a living urn where a tree grows from the ashes. Other options include hand-blown glass memorials, ceramic art, jewelry, paintings, and more.

Are the Ashes Toxic?

The ashes from aquamation are cleaner compared to flame cremation. All euthanasia chemicals are neutralized and broken down during the aquamation process, making the ashes pathogen and disease-free. The mineral remains of the bone are dried and processed into a powder for safe handling.

What Is the Cost of Aquamation?

The cost of aquamation varies by area, provider, and animal type, size, and weight. In general, it is comparable to the cost of flame cremation. Both options are generally more affordable than burial.

Small Animals and Exotics

Aquamation is especially well-suited for small animals and exotics due to its gentle nature. Animals like bearded dragons, rabbits, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, snakes, turtles, rats, chinchillas, and birds are perfect candidates for aquamation.

Contact Our Compassionate Pet Cremation Specialists in New York City & Surrounding Areas

Compassionate Care Pet Aquamation offers water-based cremation as an eco-friendly way to honor your pet’s memory, return them to nature, and keep them close to your heart. From dogs to snakes, birds to cats, and any other type of animal, their pet cremation specialists provide a dignified and green way to say goodbye to your beloved companion.

Contact Compassionate Care Pet Aquamation to learn more about their cremation services and to receive personalized information based on your specific needs. Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is challenging, and they are here to assist you in finding closure during this difficult time with their compassionate pet cremation services.

They serve areas including Nassau County, Manhattan, The Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Long Island, Suffolk County, Westchester, Connecticut, and beyond.

Contact them today at 1-516-608-2279 or visit their facility at 3055 New Street, Oceanside NY 11572.