Aquamation for Pets is approved everywhere in the United States and Canada.  Aquamation for Humans is approved in 21 states 4 provinces, as well as other parts of the world. 

The Aquamation process is performed after any viewing or visitation services the family wishes to have.  When it’s time for the process, the individual body is respectfully placed in a stainless steel vessel.   Alkali is added to the process based on individual characteristics (weight, sex, embalming status), and the vessel fills with water.  The solution of 95% water and 5% alkali is heated to 200-300°F, and gently circulated for the entire length of the process.   

At the end of the process, all material is broken down to the smallest building blocks; there is no DNA or RNA remaining. The sterile process water is released for recycling (our bodies are approximately 65% water to begin with), and the vessel performs a fresh water rinse for the equipment and remains.  When the operator opens the door, only the inorganic bone minerals remain. These minerals are processed into powder and returned to the family in an urn.  This final processing step is the same process that is followed with flame cremation.  Many families hold a celebration of life or gathering when the loved one’s remains are returned to the family’s care.

The process takes 6-8 hours, or 18-20 hours depending on the operating temperature of the equipment.  The 6-8 hour process takes place at 300°F, and the 18-20 hour process takes places at 200°F.  A flame cremation, for comparison, takes 1-3 hours and takes place at 1600-1800°F. 

Many families choose to have a memorial service or celebration of life to honor the life of their loved one and gather with friends and family.  

Absolutely anything that can be done with flame cremation ashes can be done with Aquamation ashes.  Some families bury the urn in a cemetery, or permanently inter the urn in a columbarium.  There are numerous memorial products that can be made with the ashes – hand blown glass memorials, ceramic art pieces, man-made diamonds, memorial plantings for your garden, and many more.  Many families choose to scatter some or all of the remains in a special place.  

Please check local regulations to make sure the scattering location is okay prior to scattering, and speak with your funeral professional about the best way to scatter the ashes so your experience can be as meaningful as possible.  Funeral professionals have great tips for making the scattering experience go as expected. Some special care must be taken when spreading the ashes in wind or water, as the ash is quite fine. Your Aquamation provider will provide you with guidance.