Aquamation (also called water cremation or alkaline hydrolysis) uses warm water and an alkaline solution to return a pet’s body to bone minerals, with no flame. Flame cremation uses high heat. Both give families remains to keep or scatter. Hereafter Pets in Abbotsford offers both, plus terramation, for families from Richmond to Chilliwack.
Choosing between the two is a personal decision. This guide lays out the facts side by side so you can decide with a clear head. For a shorter primer, read What Is Aquamation?
Aquamation vs. Cremation At A Glance
| Aquamation | Flame cremation | |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Warm water and an alkaline solution gently break down the body | High heat in a cremation chamber |
| Energy use | Roughly 90 percent less energy than flame cremation, per Memorials.com | Higher energy use; the baseline for the comparison |
| Direct emissions | No direct greenhouse gas emissions, per the same source | Releases combustion emissions |
| Remains | Soft, white, sand-like | Ash and bone fragments |
| Options at Hereafter Pets | Exclusive, partitioned, communal | Private, partitioned, communal |
| Price | Varies by option and pet size; request a quote | Varies by option and pet size; request a quote |
How Aquamation Works
A pet is placed in a stainless steel vessel with warm water and an alkaline solution. The gentle flow of water speeds up the same breakdown that occurs in nature. The process ends with bone minerals, which are processed into a fine, sand-like remains and returned to the family in the urn of their choice.
Three Aquamation Options at Hereafter Pets
- Exclusive: Your pet is the only pet in the entire vessel and shares no water with any other pet. Remains return to you.
- Partitioned: Several pets are cared for in the same cycle, each in a separate compartment. Remains return to you.
- Communal: Several pets are cared for together. Hereafter Pets scatters the remains in a memorial garden.
Exclusive and partitioned aquamation include careful identification and tracking, urn selection, an ink paw print, an ink nose print, and fur and whisker clippings.
Witnessed aquamation adds one hour in the Private Family Room with your pet. You then watch through the viewing windows as the team places your pet in the vessel. It is available with partitioned or exclusive aquamation only.
How To Choose
- Choose aquamation if a lower environmental footprint matters to you, or if a water-based process feels gentler.
- Choose flame cremation if it is the tradition your family knows and trusts.
- Choose a private, exclusive or partitioned option if you want remains returned for a home memorial.
- Choose communal if you prefer a simple farewell without returned remains.
What does pet aquamation cost in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley?
Price depends on your pet’s size and the option you choose (exclusive, partitioned or communal). Hereafter Pets can give you a quote for your pet and your preferred option. You can also request a complimentary information package through the form on the pet aquamation page.
Service Area
Hereafter Pets is a family-owned facility in Abbotsford. The team serves families from Richmond through Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford and Chilliwack. The team is available evenings and weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is aquamation the same as water cremation?
Yes. Aquamation, water cremation and alkaline hydrolysis all describe the same water-based process.
Is aquamation safe and respectful?
Yes. The process uses warm water and an alkaline solution with no flame, and each pet is identified and tracked from arrival to return. Hereafter Pets treats every pet as one of its own.
Will I get my pet’s remains back?
With exclusive and partitioned aquamation, yes. The remains return in an urn of your choice. With communal aquamation, the team scatters them in a memorial garden.
How long does aquamation take?
Timing is case by case. Contact Hereafter Pets for an estimate for your pet.
Is aquamation better for the environment than flame cremation?
It uses roughly 90 percent less energy and produces no direct greenhouse gas emissions, per Memorials.com.
Talk To The Hereafter Pets Team
Call or send a message to ask about options, timing and a quote. There is no pressure, and the team will answer your questions at your pace.
Hereafter Pets
E – 2670 Progressive Way
Abbotsford, BC V2T 6H8
Phone: 604-746-7387
