Pet aquamation, also called water cremation, alkaline hydrolysis, green cremation, flame-less cremation, or bio-cremation, is a gentle, eco-friendly alternative to traditional flame-based cremation. This water-based process uses a combination of water flow, temperature, and alkalinity to accelerate the natural decomposition process.

Here’s how it works:

Your pet’s remains are placed in a specialized chamber with a mixture of water and an alkaline solution.
Over time, the organic matter gently breaks down, leaving behind clean, sterile ashes.
These ashes are similar to those from traditional cremation but produced with a significantly smaller environmental impact.

Aquamation mimics nature’s process of returning a body to the earth, but it does so much more quickly and with minimal environmental footprint. Unlike flame-based cremation, aquamation avoids harmful emissions, making it a popular choice for pet parents who want to honor their beloved companion’s memory in a more sustainable way.

Many pet owners choose aquamation because it aligns with their values of environmental responsibility and compassionate care. Unlike flame-based cremation, aquamation:

Produces no harmful emissions.
Uses significantly less energy.
Leaves a smaller environmental footprint.

The process is also considered gentler, as it avoids the use of fire, making it an emotionally comforting choice for those who want a peaceful and respectful way to honor their pet’s life.

Aquamation, also known as water cremation, is a gentle, water-based process that mimics the natural breakdown of organic matter. Unlike flame cremation, aquamation uses warm water and an alkaline solution to return your pet’s body to its natural elements. This process produces no harmful emissions, consumes significantly less energy, and is a more environmentally friendly option. Many pet parents also appreciate its soft, dignified approach to saying goodbye.

Yes, after the aquamation process is complete, your pet’s ashes will be returned to you in a thoughtfully chosen urn. We provide a simple, eco-friendly container as part of our service.

If you’d like something more personalized or decorative, we can guide you to additional options, such as custom urns or memorial keepsakes, to honor your pet in a way that feels right for your family.

Please feel free to reach out if you have specific preferences—we’re here to help make this process as meaningful and comforting as possible.

Absolutely. Many families choose to hold a full-service visitation for family and friends prior to the aquamation process. This can be a meaningful way to honor your pet’s memory, share stories, and find comfort in the presence of loved ones.

Our compassionate team is here to help you create a visitation service that feels right for your family. Whether you prefer a quiet, intimate gathering or something more formal, we’re here to guide you through the process and ensure every detail is handled with care and respect.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to discuss your wishes—we’re honored to support you during this time.

Yes, absolutely. Many families choose to hold a memorial service or celebration of life after the aquamation process to honor their pet’s memory and gather with loved ones.

This can be a deeply meaningful way to reflect on the joy your pet brought to your life and share stories with family and friends. Whether it’s a simple ceremony or a more elaborate celebration, we encourage you to create a tribute that feels right for your family.

If you’d like, we can provide guidance or suggestions to help make the service special and memorable.

The aquamation process begins after any viewing or visitation services the family may wish to hold. When it’s time, your pet is respectfully placed in a stainless steel vessel, which may be communal or separate depending on your preference.

Here’s how the process works:

A solution of 95% water and 5% alkali is prepared, with the amount of alkali carefully measured based on your pet’s weight.
The vessel fills with the solution, which is heated to 200–300°F and gently circulated for the duration of the process.
Over time, the organic material is broken down into its simplest building blocks, with no DNA or RNA remaining.

At the end of the process:

The sterile process water is safely recycled (as animals are approximately 80% water to begin with).
The vessel is rinsed with fresh water, leaving only the inorganic bone minerals behind.
These minerals are then processed into a fine powder, similar to the remains from flame cremation, and returned to the family in an urn if desired.

Many families choose to hold a celebration of life or gathering when their pet’s remains are returned, creating a meaningful way to honor their beloved companion’s memory.

Yes, the ash remains are completely safe to handle. The aquamation process is a proven sterilization method that ensures the remains are 100% pathogen- and disease-free.

This gentle process leaves behind only clean, sterile mineral remains, giving you peace of mind as you honor your pet’s memory. Whether you choose to keep the ashes in an urn, scatter them in a special location, or use them in a memorial keepsake, you can do so safely and with care.

Yes, there are a few important things to consider when scattering ashes. First, we recommend checking local regulations to ensure that your chosen location is appropriate for scattering.

When you’re ready to scatter the ashes, we’re here to help guide you. We can offer ideas and tips to make the experience as meaningful and smooth as possible. Keep in mind that the ashes are very fine, so special care should be taken when spreading them in windy or watery conditions.

Whether you choose to scatter in a peaceful garden, by the water, or another special place, we’ll make sure you’re prepared and supported every step of the way.

Aquamation has been around for a few decades, initially developed for medical and scientific purposes in the late 1990s. It began gaining popularity for pets in the early 2000s as awareness of eco-friendly alternatives to traditional cremation grew. Its use for pets has steadily expanded as more people prioritize sustainable and gentle aftercare options for their companions.

While aquamation has been a trusted, eco-friendly method for aftercare for over two decades, Reverent Coast℠ is proud to be the first to bring this modern and gentle option to the Alabama Gulf Coast. As awareness grows about sustainable alternatives to traditional cremation, we are here to provide a dignified, environmentally-conscious solution for your beloved pet.

Aquamation is one of the most environmentally conscious choices available for pet aftercare. The process uses 90% less energy than flame cremation and produces no harmful greenhouse gases or toxic chemicals. Additionally, the water used is safe to re-enter the ecosystem, making aquamation a sustainable option for families who value eco-friendly practices.

The water used in the aquamation process is carefully processed and discharged in an environmentally friendly way. It contains a sterile solution of amino acids, sugars, nutrients, salts, and soap, which are natural byproducts of decomposition.

Rather than being harmful, the nutrient-rich water actually benefits the environment and is safe for water treatment plants, as it helps break down waste. In fact, this water can be used as a natural fertilizer for crops, plants, and trees, making it a great option for promoting a bio-friendly cycle of life.

Reverent Coast℠ is proud to be the Alabama Gulf Coast’s first and only pet aquatorium, offering families a gentle, eco-friendly alternative to traditional pet aftercare. With a foundation built on trust and compassion, we are here to support you through this difficult time. Our experienced team works closely with veterinarians and pet parents to ensure every pet receives a dignified farewell. Choosing Reverent Coast℠ means choosing care, professionalism, and a heartfelt commitment to honoring your pet’s life.

At Reverent Coast℠, we treat every pet with the utmost dignity and respect. Each pet is placed in an individual chamber with flower petals and a special poem to honor their life. Our team is dedicated to providing a compassionate, personalized experience, ensuring your beloved companion is cared for as if they were our own.

The aquamation process typically takes around 20 hours. This includes placing your pet in a dedicated chamber where the water and alkaline solution work together to gently and respectfully complete the cycle of life. The ashes are then dried, refined, and prepared for return to you. While this is slightly longer than flame cremation, it reflects the care and thoroughness of the process.

After the aquamation process, you will receive pure, clean ashes—similar to what you’d receive with flame cremation. However, because aquamation preserves the bones more fully, the ashes are often 20–30% more than those from flame cremation. These remains are safe and can be kept in an urn, scattered in a special location, or used in a memorial keepsake to honor your pet.

For communal aquamation services, your pet’s ashes are respectfully scattered in a local community garden designed to promote environmental sustainability. This thoughtful option allows your pet’s legacy to contribute to the beauty and health of the natural world.

Yes, Reverent Coast℠ offers several options to make the process as seamless as possible during this emotional time. We can arrange to pick up your pet directly from your home, your veterinarian’s clinic, or you can bring your beloved companion to our EverLoved® Goodbye Center. Our goal is to provide you with compassionate care, every step of the way.

Yes. Reverent Coast℠ Pet Aquatorium is the sister company of EverLoved® Veterinary—providing end of life care for your pet.

No, Reverent Coast℠ does not offer euthanasia services. However, our sister company, EverLoved® Veterinary, provides compassionate euthanasia services to help guide you through this difficult time.

If you need assistance with this, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Lydia Weber and the EverLoved® Veterinary team, and they will ensure your pet receives the care and respect they deserve in their final moments.

Common questions about pet aquamation, including the process, benefits, and how Reverent Coast℠ provides eco-friendly aftercare for pets.

We have answers to your questions.