Pet aquamation is a water-based form of pet aftercare that provides an alternative to traditional flame cremation. It is also known as alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation.
Availability varies considerably across Canada. Animal Aftercare Canada helps families understand how aquamation works, how it differs from cremation and whether providers serving their community offer this option.
What Is Pet Aquamation?
Aquamation uses water, an alkaline solution, controlled temperature and circulation to accelerate the natural process that occurs after burial.
Unlike traditional cremation, the process does not use flame. At the end of the process, the remaining bone minerals are dried and processed into a fine powder that can be returned to the family when an individual service has been selected.
Providers may use terms such as aquamation, alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation when describing this type of aftercare.
Private and Communal Aquamation
The services offered vary between providers.
Private or Individual Aquamation
Private or individual aquamation is intended for families who would like their pet’s remains returned.
Your pet is handled separately according to the provider’s process, and the resulting remains are returned in a basic container or an urn selected by the family.
Ask the provider how pets are identified and handled throughout the process and what is included with the service.
Communal Aquamation
Some providers offer communal aquamation for families who do not wish to have individual remains returned.
Several pets may be cared for together and individual remains are not returned to the family.
Terminology and procedures can differ between providers, so confirm exactly what the service includes before making arrangements.
Aquamation vs Pet Cremation
Both aquamation and pet cremation can provide families with their pet’s remains when an individual service is selected, but the processes are different.
Traditional cremation uses heat and flame. Aquamation uses water, alkalinity, controlled temperature and circulation.
The appearance and quantity of the returned remains may also differ between the two processes.
Neither option is necessarily right for every family. Your decision may depend on personal preference, local availability, cost, timing and the services offered by providers in your area.
What Happens After My Pet Dies?
Depending on your community and the provider, arrangements may include:
- Home pickup
- Transfer from your veterinarian
- Bringing your pet directly to a provider by appointment
Not every aquamation provider offers every transportation option, and some providers serve communities beyond the city where their facility is located.
If your pet has died at home, keep them in a cool, quiet place while you make arrangements.
If your pet is alive and requires urgent medical attention, contact a veterinarian or emergency veterinary hospital immediately.
Receiving Your Pet’s Remains
When individual aquamation has been selected, the processed mineral remains can be returned to the family.
Depending on the provider, they may be returned:
- In a basic container
- In an urn selected by the family
- Through your veterinary clinic
- Directly from the aftercare provider
- By delivery where available
Providers may also offer memorial products such as paw prints, fur clippings, jewellery and keepsakes.
How Much Does Pet Aquamation Cost?
There is no single price for pet aquamation across Canada.
The total cost may depend on:
- Your pet’s size or weight
- Private or communal service
- Transportation or home pickup
- Travel distance
- After-hours arrangements
- The urn or container selected
- Memorial products
- Services included by the provider
Because availability and pricing vary by community, ask for a complete current quote and confirm what is included before making arrangements.
Is Pet Aquamation Available Near Me?
Pet aquamation is not available in every Canadian community.
Some aquamation providers serve a wider regional area and may offer transportation from communities outside the location of their facility. In other areas, arrangements may be coordinated through a veterinary clinic or another aftercare provider.
Animal Aftercare Canada is continuing to research aquamation availability across our service areas.
Explore Local Pet Aquamation Information
Availability varies by provider and community. You can review local aftercare information for:
How Animal Aftercare Canada Helps
Animal Aftercare Canada is an independent information and referral service.
We help families understand pet aquamation and other aftercare options and identify providers serving their community. We do not operate an aquamation facility, crematorium, veterinary clinic or pet cemetery.
When you submit a request, a provider serving your area may contact you to discuss available services. You decide whether those options are right for your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pet aquamation?
Pet aquamation is a water-based aftercare process also known as alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation. It uses water, an alkaline solution, controlled temperature and circulation rather than flame.
Is aquamation the same as water cremation?
Water cremation is a commonly used name for aquamation. The technical term for the process is alkaline hydrolysis. Providers may use any of these terms when describing their services.
Are my pet’s remains returned after aquamation?
They can be when an individual or private service is selected. After the aquamation process, the remaining bone minerals are dried and processed before being returned to the family. Communal services generally do not include the return of individual remains.
How much does pet aquamation cost?
Prices vary according to your pet’s size, the type of service, transportation, location and any urn or memorial products selected. Ask the provider for a complete current quote and what is included.
Is pet aquamation available in my area?
Availability varies considerably by community. Some providers serve surrounding cities and regions or arrange transportation from veterinary clinics. Animal Aftercare Canada can help identify options that may serve your location.
Need Help Finding Pet Aquamation Options?
If you would like help identifying pet aquamation or other aftercare options serving your community, tell us where you are located and the type of assistance you need.