In recent years, environmental concerns have led many Americans to seek alternatives to traditional burial and cremation methods for end-of-life care for their pet. One of the more innovative and environmentally friendly options that has garnered attention is aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, water cremation, or flameless cremation. This process offers a gentler, eco-conscious alternative to flame-based cremation, appealing to individuals and families who prioritize sustainability. In this blog, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about aquamation, including how it works, its environmental impact, legal status across the United States, and the costs associated with this modern end-of-life option. For a simpler starting point, see our introduction to aquamation, or head straight to our FAQ page for quick answers.
What is Pet Aquamation?
Private pet cremation, often referred to as individual or solo cremation, is a service that ensures your pet is cremated alone, distinct from any other animals. This method contrasts with communal or group cremation, where multiple pets are cremated together, and the remains are not returned to their owners. The primary appeal of private pet cremation lies in the assurance it provides: the ashes you receive will be exclusively those of your pet. This assurance can be incredibly comforting during a time of profound loss, as it allows you to retain a tangible part of your pet to cherish and remember. Here at Delaware Pet Aquamation, we have safeguards and stringent procedures for identifying, marking and tracking your pet throughout the entire process.
To get the process started for pet cremation in Delaware, we recommend submitting a contact form to get in touch with us. Veterinarians often have established relationships with pet cremation services and can facilitate the process on your behalf. Upon contacting the service, arrangements are made to transport your pet’s body from your home or the veterinary clinic to our facility. This initial step, while logistical, is crucial in ensuring that your pet’s remains are handled with the utmost care and respect.
Environmental Benefits of Aquamation
One of the key reasons aquamation for pets is gaining popularity in Delaware is its significantly lower environmental impact compared to both burial and flame based cremation. Traditional flame-based cremation releases carbon dioxide and other pollutants, including mercury from dental fillings, into the atmosphere. Burial, on the other hand, often involves embalming chemicals, non-biodegradable caskets, and land usage concerns. Aquamation, by contrast, offers a much more sustainable alternative.
Since aquamation uses water instead of fire, it avoids the emissions associated with burning fossil fuels. The process consumes about one-tenth the energy of flame cremation and results in a carbon footprint that is about 90% lower. Additionally, the sterile liquid byproduct, which can be safely disposed of through wastewater systems or used in eco-friendly applications like fertilizers, contributes no harmful pollutants to the environment.
Moreover, aquamation does not require a casket, reducing the consumption of wood, metal, or synthetic materials used in traditional burials. Families may still choose to use biodegradable urns or other sustainable options to hold the remains, further aligning with an eco-conscious lifestyle. This makes aquamation an appealing choice for individuals seeking a "green" end-of-life plan.
Legal Status of Aquamation in the United States
As with any emerging practice, the legal status of aquamation varies across the United States, with some states fully embracing it, while others are still in the process of legalizing or regulating it. As of 2025, aquamation is legal in around 28 states, including California, Florida, Oregon, and Minnesota, with more states expected to follow suit in the coming years.
The approval process for aquamation at the state level typically involves extensive review by state legislatures and health departments. States that have legalized the practice often regulate it similarly to flame-based cremation, requiring licensed funeral homes or crematories to perform the procedure in accordance with environmental and health standards. Each state may have different regulatory requirements regarding water disposal, facility setup, and handling of remains.
However, aquamation remains illegal or unregulated in some states, where traditional burials and cremations remain the only legal options. Religious views and cultural norms also play a role in the adoption and acceptance of this method in certain regions. Individuals interested in aquamation should consult local funeral homes or legal resources to determine whether the service is available in their area. With that being said, however, aquamation for pets is legal in all 50 states, including Delaware! At Delaware Pet Aquamation, we are proud to state that we were the first standalone facility offering pet cremation services via aquamation.
The Process of Aquamation: What to Expect
The process of aquamation is relatively straightforward and bears some similarities to traditional cremation. Once the decision is made to opt for aquamation, the body is transferred to our facility for processing. The body does not need to be embalmed, as the water-based process does not require any preservation chemicals, making it a more natural transition from life to death.
The pet is placed in a specially designed stainless steel chamber, which is then filled with water and KOH, or potassium hydroxide. The chamber is heated to the appropriate temperature, and over the course of about 20 hours, the solution breaks down the body’s tissues, leaving only the bones. After the process is complete, the bones are removed, dried, and ground into a fine ash, similar in texture to the ashes returned after traditional cremation. One of the greatest benefits to pet aquamation is that the process generally yields up to 20% more ash than traditional flame-based pet cremation. The family can then decide how they wish to memorialize the remains, whether through scattering, interment, or keeping the ashes in an urn.
We will work closely with our clients to ensure that the process aligns with their preferences and values, just as they would for any other form of cremation or burial.
Religious and Cultural Considerations
As with any end-of-life option, it’s important to consider religious and cultural perspectives on aquamation. Some religious groups, such as the Roman Catholic Church, have expressed reservations about the practice, citing theological reasons and concerns over the disposal of the liquid byproduct. However, other denominations and religious leaders have embraced aquamation as a respectful and ethical alternative to traditional cremation.
Families should consult with their spiritual leaders or community representatives when considering aquamation, especially if they have religious or cultural practices that dictate specific end-of-life rituals. While aquamation is not universally accepted, it is gradually gaining recognition and acceptance across a variety of faiths and traditions.
Conclusion
Pet aquamation in Delaware offers an innovative and environmentally friendly approach to end-of-life care, presenting a meaningful alternative to traditional burial and cremation methods. With its low environmental impact, gentler process, and growing legal acceptance, aquamation is poised to become an increasingly popular option for those who prioritize sustainability. As the United States continues to embrace greener practices, aquamation stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of pet aftercare, meeting the needs of families who seek both dignity and environmental responsibility.
If you have questions about pet cremation in Delaware and would like to learn more about our aquamation services, we would love to help! Simply fill out our contact form or give us a call to schedule your services whenever you’re ready.
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