Alkaline hydrolysis, commonly known as Aquamation, is the gentle and more responsible alternative that allows you to honour the loss of your companion without harming the environment. It uses a water based alkaline solution instead of fire. The process is slower than cremation because it more closely approximates that of Mother Nature when compared to high temperature flame based cremation.
It does so without harmful greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, Aquamation produces no significant gaseous emissions, making this the ideal choice even when compared to burials, which contributes to methane gas emissions.
Why is Aquamation more environmentally friendly than flame-based cremation?
The impact on the environment is dramatically different between flame based cremation and Aquamaiton:
• In flame based cremation, the first cremation of the day, even a small animal like a cat, can consume up to 2 million BTU´s of energy. This is equivalent to the energy required to heat an average home for almost 3 days in the middle of a very cold winter day (-15 C) for example assuming an average hourly consumption of 30,000 BTU´s
• Low temperature alkaline hydrolysis (Aquamation) systems exhibit 1/10 the carbon footprint of a flame based cremation system. This is a dramatic difference. To put this into perspective, this would be the equivalent of an automaker introducing a car that gets in excess of 120 kilometers per liter of fuel when compared to the automobiles that are already on the road today.
• With Aquamation, there is no smoke stack emission (fly-ash particulate pollution) nor any hydrocarbon emissions that can come from plastic bags and other synthetic items like collars, toys and blankets that are often burned with the pets. Therefore, people living in the vicinity of the Aquamation process are not negatively impacted by the accumulation of ash residues or breathing harmful compounds common to flame based cremation systems.
What actually happens with Aquamation?
With Aquamation, your pet is placed in a stainless steel cradle, which is then lowered in a stainless steel vessel. A gentle flow of warm water combined with alkali is used to accelerate the natural process of tissue hydrolysis. At the end of the process, the only solid remains are the bones.
Is my pet boiled in acid?
No! While heat is used to accelerate the process, the temperature is below the boiling point of water (which is 212 degrees Fahrenheit or 100 degrees Celcius.) The alkaline hydrolysis process also uses an alkali, which is the chemical opposite of an acid.
Are the alkalis used in Aquamation safe for the environment?
Yes. The alkaline hydrolysis process is 95% water and 5% alkali. The alkalis used in this process are the same alkalis used in common cosmetic products, body washes, shaving creams and even food preparation. At the end of the process, the chemical has been completely used and no longer remains in the water solution.
What happens to the water after the process has finished?
The end result is a completely sterile solution of amino acids, sugars, nutrients, salts and soap in a water solution. These are the byproducts of natural decomposition. This water solution is returned to the ecosystem via composting.
Are the powdered remains (bones) safe to handle?
Yes, the bone remains are 100% safe, pathogen and disease free. They are simply bone mineral and are returned in an urn or scattering pouch to the family.
What animals do you aquamate?
Pet Loss Care Memorial Center aquamates all domestic pets including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, snakes, pocket pets, and rabbits as well as a wide variety of exotic pets (excluding horses).
May I be present for the Aquamation of my pet?
Absolutely. We understand that many people need to say a final farewell and be present for the Aquamation for their own piece of mind. Witness Aquamations are scheduled and an additional service charge may apply. Call us for more information and the approximate length of time required.
How quickly will my pet´s urn or scattering pouch be returned to me?
Aquamation is a gentle process and requires 18 hours to complete. You can expect a call from us within 2 days to schedule either a delivery directly to your home or pick up at our center.
After my pet broke his leg, he had surgery to implant a plate and several screws to repair the break. What happens to these during the Aquamation?
As veterinary medicine advances, so do the various surgical implants that help keep our pets happy and healthy. Most surgical steel implants including plates, screws, and wire survive the Aquamation process. These will be returned to you along with the remains unless otherwise specified.
Can my pet be aquamated with their favourite blanket or toy? What about a picture or some flowers?
The Aquamation process uses water and alkali to mimick Mother Nature - to that end, only organic items such as food treats or flowers can be aquamated with your pet. If you would like your pet wrapped in a blanket until the time of Aquamation, it will be retrieved and returned to you, along with any toys, leashes or collars.
Does Pet Loss Care Memorial Center do individual / private Aquamations?
Yes, Pet Loss Care Memorial Center performs private, Single Pet Aquamations meaning that a pet is aquamated in its own cradle to prevent the active commingling of bones. This ensures that the remains returned to you are guaranteed to be that of your pet, and your pet only.
Does Pet Loss Care Memorial Center do communal / group Aquamations?
Yes, Pet Loss Care Memorial Center does perform Communal Aquamations. As the name implies, a ´communal Aquamation´ means there are several animals in the cradles and the commingled bones are not returned to any of the owners.
How can I be sure the remains that are returned are the those of my pet, and my pet only?
For many pet families, this is the hardest part of deciding what to do with their beloved pet when they pass away. Often owners who decide to bury their pet in their yard do so to guarantee that they know exactly where their family member lies and that no one ever mishandled them, even after death.
Pet Loss Care Memorial Center certifies that the remians you take home are those of your pet and that your pet is handled with the respect and care you expect. There are several ways we do this:
We take particular attention to recording names and identification at the time of intake at your home, veterinary clinic or when you drop your pet off at our facilities.
Each single pet Aquamation is checked again once it enters the facility. Our exclusive mSTAS Authentication Process® disc ID accompanies your pet throughout the removal and Aquamation process, and ensures your pet receives the individualized and private service you requested and they deserve. The disc is returned with the remains.
During the process, identification is checked at least two more times to make sure there are no mistakes.
Lastly, and most important, all Aquamations are video recorded to guarantee the process. This video can be made available to you should you wish.
Most importantly, we are the only Pet Memorial Center in the world to have a live video stream on at all times - this ensures complete transparency of our pet Aquamations.
