Water Cremation (Aquamation)
A gentle, eco-friendly aftercare choice for your pet.
Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the hardest moments we face. How we care for them afterwards matters deeply, and for many families, it’s important that this final step feels as gentle, respectful, and aligned with their values as possible.
Water cremation – also known as aquamation or alkaline hydrolysis – is a soft, dignified, and environmentally conscious aftercare option for pets who have passed away. It honours your pet with the same care they were shown in life, while treading lightly on the earth.
Aquamation is carried out with great care, professionalism, and reverence. Pets are handled individually, and the process is closely monitored from beginning to end. It is a quiet, controlled experience that many families find emotionally reassuring.
What is water cremation?
Water cremation is a process that uses warm water, gentle movement, and a small amount of alkali (naturally occurring salts) to return your pet’s body to its natural elements. Rather than flame, this method mirrors what occurs in nature over time – just in a carefully controlled, compassionate way.
At the end of the process, you receive your pet's remains in the same way you would with traditional cremation: as a fine, white ash that can be returned to you or laid to rest in a meaningful place.
How does water cremation work?
A body is made up of organic materials (like tissues and proteins) and minerals (like calcium found in bones).
During aquamation:
Your pet is placed in a vessel with warm water (around 120-150°C) and an alkaline solution containing naturally occurring salts.
This environment encourages natural chemical reactions that softly break down organic tissue.
This process happens over several hours, without flame or combustion.
What the remains are:
Pure mineral bone fragments, which are then dried and gently processed into ashes.
A sterile, nutrient-rich liquid, which is safely returned to the water system.
There is no burning, no smoke, and no harsh emissions.
Why families choose aquamation
Many people are drawn to water cremation because it feels:
Gentle and peaceful – no flame, no burning, just warmth and water.
Environmentally responsible – significantly lower energy use and carbon footprint than flame cremation.
Natural – closely reflects the way bodies return to the earth over time.
Respectful and dignified – a quiet, considered process for a much-loved companion.
For families who value sustainability, softness, and intention, aquamation often feels like the right fit.
Environmental benefits
Water cremation is widely recognised as one of the most eco-friendly aftercare options available:
Uses far less energy than traditional flame cremation.
Produces no airborne emissions such as smoke or mercury.
Leaves behind only natural minerals and sterile water.
Supports a more sustainable, earth-conscious approach to aftercare.
Choosing aquamation can be a meaningful way to honour both your pet and the world they lived in.
What happens next?
With private aquamation, your pet’s ashes are returned to you. You may wish for a complimentary vessel (satin drawstring pouch) to scatter or keep the ashes in a way that feels right for your family, or to choose from a selection or urns and vessels in which to have the ashes returned.
We are always happy to talk through these options gently and without pressure.
We’re here to support you
At Horizon Palliative Vets, there is no “right” choice – only the one that feels most aligned with your heart, your values, and your pet. If you have questions about water cremation, or would like to explore whether it’s the right option for your family, we’re here to listen and guide you with compassion.
Please reach out to our team at any time. You don’t have to navigate this alone.