When faced with the heartbreaking loss of a beloved companion animal, many pet owners are confronted with an emotional decision: how to say goodbye in a way that reflects the love and care shared during their pet’s life. Two common aftercare options—traditional cremation and aquamation—offer very different approaches. Understanding the benefits, environmental impacts, and memorial outcomes of each can help BC pet parents make a compassionate and informed choice.
What Is Pet Cremation?
Flame-based cremation, also known as traditional cremation, is a method that uses intense heat to reduce a pet’s body to bone fragments. These remains are then processed into a fine ash, which is returned to the family.
This process has long been the standard in the pet aftercare industry, with wide availability across veterinary clinics and corporate service providers. However, it’s important to be aware of the environmental consequences: the incineration process requires high energy consumption and emits carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere.
What Is Aquamation?
Aquamation, or alkaline hydrolysis, is a gentle, water-based alternative that mimics the natural decomposition process using water, temperature, and alkaline solutions. The pet’s body is placed in a stainless steel vessel where warm water and a small amount of potassium hydroxide circulate to break down organic matter. What remains are pure bone fragments and a sterile, biodegradable liquid that can be safely returned to the environment.
Aquamation is rapidly growing in popularity due to its:
- Environmental sustainability: Uses 90% less energy than flame cremation
- No harmful emissions: No greenhouse gases or airborne pollutants
- Gentle process: Thought by many to be a more peaceful, dignified way to say goodbye
At Hereafter Pets, we are proud to offer aquamation as our standard method of aftercare.
Cost and Transparency
Costs can vary depending on the provider, location, and the size of the pet. At Hereafter Pets, we offer flat-rate pricing for aquamation, with no hidden fees. Many of our services—like ink paw prints, fur or whisker keepsakes, and personalized urn packaging—are included at no extra cost. Traditional cremation through other providers may advertise lower base prices, but often add fees for these extras.
What Happens to the Remains?
In both cremation and aquamation, you receive back your pet’s remains in the form of ashes or powder. However, aquamation returns about 20% more remains, as the process is gentler and does not involve high heat that can volatilize some of the minerals.
You may choose to:
- Scatter the ashes in a special location
- Place them in a decorative urn
- Incorporate them into jewelry or other keepsakes
- Bury them in a memorial garden
At Hereafter Pets, we offer personalized guidance and memorial options to honour your pet’s memory in the way that feels right for you.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Ultimately, the choice between cremation and aquamation is personal. For many families, aquamation offers peace of mind through its natural, respectful process and its minimal impact on the environment. For others, traditional cremation may be a more familiar or accessible choice.
Questions to ask yourself:
- Do I want an environmentally friendly option?
- Is transparency in process and pricing important to me?
- Do I want memorial keepsakes included?
- Am I looking for a local, compassionate provider?
Why Choose Hereafter Pets
Hereafter Pets is proud to offer aquamation exclusively. Our family-owned facility in Abbotsford, BC is designed to serve Fraser Valley pet parents with dignity, transparency, and heart. Unlike large corporate providers, we offer:
- Flat-rate pricing
- Personalized packaging
- Free memorial keepsakes
- Full transparency and compassionate service
We believe every pet deserves a gentle farewell—and every pet parent deserves options.
If you’re facing a difficult decision or planning ahead, contact Hereafter Pets to learn more about aquamation and how we can help guide you through this meaningful journey.
