Something New When the Last Goodbye Is Said

April 21, 2026

Aquamation

Candilee Jackson

Introduction

Writers for Cat Talk are not only creative in their writing projects, but are also lifelong learners about the feline world. Each writer brings so much experience to the project table, and among us are a veterinarian, several teachers, a librarian, a graphic designer, and others. We have a slew of college degrees that put each of us at the top of our game. Each monthly production meeting has time set aside to brainstorm or to share “Did you hear about …?” moments from the news, on Facebook, or during judging assignments abroad.

Our January meeting introduced aqua cremation, also known in the trades as “Aquamation.” There were several raised eyebrows among the staff as the few “in the know” explained a new water-based aftercare option that is very popular in Asia. Funeral services for pets in Asian countries are on par with human funeral services, and could be tied to the Buddhist Bardo periods where the soul stays until it is reborn.

What Is Aquamation? 

Aquamation is a gentle, water-based aftercare option that many families choose for its peaceful nature and environmental responsibility. This gentle process mimics how the body would return to Earth over time. The slow, gentle approach reflects patience, reverence, and deep respect for the pet’s final journey.

Key benefits include:

• Gentle and dignified – Aquamation uses water and a carefully controlled process, making it a calm and respectful alternative to flame cremation.
• Environmentally responsible – It has a lower carbon footprint, uses significantly less energy, and produces no airborne emissions.
• Cleaner process – There is no burning, smoke, or fire involved, which many owners find more comforting.
• Suitable for sensitive pets – Families who feel their pet would not be comfortable with fire often find aquamation to be a more aligned choice.
• Same meaningful remains – You still receive your pet’s ashes, allowing you to keep, scatter, or memorialize them in a way that feels right to you.⁴

What’s the Difference Between Aquamation and Cremation?

Aquamation is a natural, gentle process that is “carefully accelerated with the help of warm water and a natural alkaline solution.”⁴ Cremation uses intense heat while “aquamation works with the body rather than against it.”⁴ The water-based cycle cannot be rushed, and the entire process takes “twelve to eighteen hours, depending on the size of the pet.”⁴ Each pet is handled individually, so that care and respect are always maintained.

Another difference is ash color: ashes from cremation are mostly grey, while those from aquamation are white.²

Aquamation Availability in the United States

The process of aquamation is still relatively new in the Unites States, having been introduced in 2011. Cremation, on the other hand, has been utilized for centuries. “Aquamation is now available in the following states: Alabama, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Washington, D.C., and Wyoming.”²

Prepare for “Sticker Shock”!

Cremation:

The cost of pet cremation varies depending on whether it is private or communal, meaning more than one pet is cremated at the same time. The prices tend to vary by state, your actual location, and by the size of the pet. Additional costs can include an ash repository, urn, or box.

“Communal cremation is usually the least expensive option, often somewhere in the $50 to $200 range depending on the pet’s size, while private cremation commonly ranges from about $150 to $450 and may not include an urn. Other research found cost guidelines for communal pet cremation starting around $50 to $150, with private pet cremation anywhere from roughly $100 to $500 or more, especially for larger animals.”³

Aquamation:

Again, it is important to remember that the aquamation process is still relatively new in the USA and not readily available in all states. “Aquamation systems cost thousands of dollars, and the demand for them isn’t proportionately high, which in turn, drives up the prices for the end consumer.”² This new process is at the mercy of “supply and demand,” and the price could be lowered as the desire for aquamation gains in popularity. The average price at this time is in the “range of $2000 to $3000.”²

 

References

1. DVM, Leslie Gillette. 2022. “Deceased Pet Care: Burial and Cremation Options.”   PetMD. December 13. Accessed January 12, 2026.
   https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/deceased-pet-care-burial-cremation-options.
2. Siegel, Joshua. n.d. “Aquamation Explained in Simple Terms.” Titan Casket. Accessed January 12, 2026. https://titancasket.com/blogs/funeral-guides-and-more/aquamation-vs-cremation-cost-types-and-differences.
3. n.d. “Typical Pet Cremation Cost Ranges.” Funeral (Pet). Accessed January 12, 2026.  https://funeral.com/blogs/the-journal/how-much-does-pet-cremation-cost-current-price-ranges-and-what-affects-the-total
4. n.d. “Your Questions Answered.” Everpet Singapore Pet Funeral Services. Accessed January 12, 2026. https://everpet.com.sg/faq/.