Handling a pet cremation just after the loss of your beloved pet can be sensitive as it touches both emotional and financial aspects. There are different cremation processes and methods. Depending on the type of cremation, the pet cremation price can vary. Water-based pet cremation, also known as aquamation, is a flameless, environment-friendly, and gentle cremation process. In this guide, we have discussed several factors that define the cost of aquamation.
What Is Water-based Pet Cremation?
Aquamation is a water-based alternative to conventional fire or flame-based cremation. This is also known as alkaline hydrolysis or bio-cremation. The process follows gentle flowing alkaline water solution to break down the organic material, leaving only the calcium phosphate remains of the teeth and bones. It usually takes around 18-20 hours for the whole procedure to complete.
Factors Affecting Pet Cremation Pricing
There are some essential factors that significantly influence water-based cremation. These factors are important to consider in order to pay proper respect to the body of a loyal companion.
Size of the Pet
Larger pets require more resources for aquamation; more resources can increase the cost. Smaller breeds, such as munchkin cats, typically cost less to cremate. It is the resources used in pet funeral arrangements that increase or decrease the aquamation costs.
Type of Water-based Pet Cremation
The type of aquamation you choose also affects the cost. There are typically 2 types of cremation: private cremation and communal pet cremation. Private cremation is the arrangement where your pet is cremated alone, and the mineral ashes are returned to you. Because multiple pets are cremated together in communal cremation, and ashes are not returned.
Additional Services
Some pet crematoriums provide additional services, such as an urn for ashes, a memento relic, or a wake, which impact pet cremation costs. These services bring a touch of gratitude but will add to the cost of cremation.
Pet Aquamation Pricing
Individual water-based cremation prices usually start from $300 for each pet below 50 lbs. The price may go up to $450.00 for pets weighing up to 150 lbs. If you think your pet weighs more than that, you may need to consult with the technicians for accurate pricing.
For communal cremation, the price range starts from $200 and may go up to $350.00, depending on the weight of the deceased pet.
The Process of Water-Based Pet Cremation
Understanding pet cremation comforts pet owners, who know their loyal companion is bid farewell with care and recognition.
In the first step of aquamation, the pet is carefully brought to the pet crematory facility and with respectful handling of the transition. Once the pet has reached the facility, it is placed in an aquamation chamber. This stainless steel chamber is specially designed for pet aquamation and is not used for any further purposes.
Carefully measured alkali substances are mixed inside the chamber before the pet-body is placed. Once the pet body and alkali are placed inside, the chamber is closed from the outside. Then, the alkaline solution fills the chamber with gentle flow from the downside of the chamber. This solution keeps dissolving the skin tissues, muscles, and furs for at least 18 hours. When the aquamation session ends, teeth and bone remain on the bed of the cremation chamber as the solution is drained out from the chamber.
An aquamation expert then collects the cremains and transforms them into aquamation ashes. In individual aquamations the remains are given back to the pet owner and communal aquamations the remains are spread at sea accompanied by a loving memorial ceremony.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Benefit of Pet Aquamation?
Pet aquamation creates zero emissions of greenhouse gasses in contrast with flame-based cremation. Pet owners receive approximately 20% more remains from aquamation than they would from flame-based cremation.
How Much Does It Cost to Cremate a Dog?
The average cost of dog cremation mostly depends on the size of your dog and the method you prefer. Small dog breeds like Chihuahuas can cost between $300 and $350. Large dog breeds like Bernese Mountain Dogs and St Bernards may cost as much as $450 or more.
Is It Better to Bury or Cremate Your Pet?
The arrangement of a pet's funeral largely depends on personal preferences, belief systems, and practical considerations like space and expenses. When cremated, you can keep your pet close to you in an urn, while burial can be chosen in a simple and natural way.
Will I Get My Pet’s Ashes Back After Cremation?
Yes, you will; if you choose a private pet cremation. After cremating your pet solely in a cremation chamber, the remaining will be given back to you with great care.
How Can I Be Sure I’m Receiving Only My Pet’s Ashes?
At Peaceful Veterinary Care and Peaceful Waters Aquamation, we maintain the highest protocol for private cremations. In private cremation, we handle each pet individually. So, if you choose this arrangement, you can be sure to receive only your pet's remains.
What Should I Do with My Pet’s Ashes After Cremation?
Many pet owners scatter the ashes. It may be in your favorite hiking or camping spot or your yard. You can also infuse the ashes of your pet into a simple glass piece. If you want a traditional style and keep your beloved pet’s cremated ashes at home with them, there are many urn options you can use.
Conclusion
Cremating a pet after their death is a way to show respect and responsibility for the life that has ended. At Peaceful Veterinary Care, we provide thoughtful, detail-oriented aftercare options and various memorial items to memorialize the departed pets of our clients. We have pet cremation services with additional rituals such as clay paw prints, locks of fur, ink nose or paw prints to preserve the memory of your beloved pet.
If you have an ill or deceased pet that is ready for an eternal journey, call us at 858-249-8707 for a responsible, quick, and organized veterinary and aftercare arrangement.
Comments