AQUAMATION: The Kindred Spirits Difference

How will I know the remains I receive after Individual Aquamation are MY pet?  

When Individual Aquamation is selected, we use a stainless steel identification tag to track your beloved pet from the time we receive them until their remains and the tag are returned to you. The tag has a unique serial number and is attached to your pet’s limb with a plastic band.  The tag stays with your pet and is checked at each stage of the process. Your pet is gently placed into its own separate compartment in the machine and is not co-mingled with other pets. The bone remains are segregated from other pets throughout the entire process. This ensures you receive only YOUR pet’s remains. 

Are the ash remains the same as with flame cremation?

They are simliar.  A powdered “ash” is returned to the family in the same manner as flame-based pet cremation.  Both processes result in bone remains that are then broken down into "ash", but Aquamation remains are very brittle as they contain only the bone mineral calcium phosphate.  Each individual pet’s bone remains are rinsed, air dried, and processed into a sand-like powder. The powder remains are typically lighter in color as they are without the carbon discoloration that can occur with burning.  Aquamation will result in up to 20% more remains than flame cremation as some of the bone is destroyed and expelled into the atmosphere through incineration.  

Are the bone remains safe to handle?

Yes.  The remains are 100% safe and free of disease or pathogens after the process. The final remains are cooled during the clean water rinse and are safe to handle with bare hands immediately following the process.  The remains are safe to scatter in the environment and return to nature.

What can I do with my pet’s remains?

You can use the aquamated remains to memorialize your dear friend in a variety of meaningful ways. The most common is storing them in an urn or scattering or burying them in a special place. The powdered remains can also be mixed into soil when planting a memorial garden, tree or plant. They can be incorporated into glass jewelry or art, tattoos, paintings, ceramics or solidified into parting “stones”. The remains can be made into synthetic diamonds and even fireworks. They can be mixed with concrete for stepping stones, statues and even memorial reefs in the ocean.

How do I incorporate my aquamated bone remains into a memorial planting?

The aquamated remains are pure calcium phosphate. They can be used as a fertilizer, but like any fertilizer, too much can damage plants and soils. Calcium phosphate is best utilized by plants in organic soil with a pH <7.0. In this environment, the soil microbes can break the calcium phosphate apart into an available form for the plant to use, but it is released very slowly over months. Application is similar to using bone meal or rock phosphate fertilizers; mix into soil, water in well: 1-2 TBS when planting bulbs or transplants; 1-2 TBS into 1 gallon of organic or potting soil; ¼ -½ cup into 1 cubic foot of soil; 5-10 lbs into 1 cubic yard of soil; 5-10 lbs mixed into 100 sq ft of topsoil in vegetable gardens or flower beds; 1 lb per 1-2” of tree or shrub trunk diameter mixed outward from the base; 1½-2 cups = 1 lb. If you have a small amount of remains to use, you can definitely utilize them at a lower rate in a larger project of your choice. Your beloved companion will still become part of a new living thing for you to enjoy and remember your dear friend. 

Are the alkalis used in this process safe for the environment?

Yes.  The water-based process uses a solution of 95% water and only 5% alkali; a combination of sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. The alkalis used in this process are the same alkalis used in common cosmetic products, body washes, shaving creams, and even food preparation. At the end of the process, the chemical has been completely consumed, neutralized, and no longer remains in the water solution.

What is the impact of the water usage?

Incredibly low.  Our Aquamation process uses the same amount of water one would use to give the pet a bath; far less water than other home activities such as washing a car. Water is used to carry out the hydrolysis process and for a final clean rinse of the machine and bone remains. At the end of the process, 99% of the water is returned to the wastewater treatment facility where it is recycled in the same manner as all other wastewater.

Is the remaining water solution, or effluent, corrosive or harmful? 

No.  The water solution is sterile, safe and free of disease or pathogens. It contains amino acids, sugars, salt and soap. The system automatically cools the effluent well below required discharge regulations and neutralizes the pH. The effluent actually has a preservative and beneficial effect on iron and steel pipes and is not harmful to plastic pipes. It is an excellent micronutrient package that can benefit wastewater treatment plants.

Does this process boil my pet or use acid?

NO!  Aquamation occurs at temperatures below boiling and is a gentle, final warm bath for your pet. The alkalis used are the opposite of acids and work in the same manner as natural elements in the soil; like Mother Nature.

Can I drop my pet off at your location?

Yes, but it must be pre-arranged by appointment as our staff may be out of the building.

• The most important thing is to keep the body as cool and dry as possible and away from other animals and the elements.
• In the winter, your pet’s body will be fine for several days, but due to hot Arizona temperatures in the summer, it is best to take your pet to your veterinary clinic or arrange for Kindred Spirits to pick up at your home or drop off the body at our location within 24 hours. You must call ahead to arrange a drop off time as we may be out of the office during business hours. 
• You can store the body in a bag in your refrigerator or freezer if needed, but make sure the bag is sealed to retain any fluids or odor.  If your pet is too large, you can place ice packs around and/or on the body to keep them cooler.
• As soon as possible following your pet’s passing, place potty pads, towels or plastic under your pet’s head and rear end as they may lose some fluids.
• It is okay to wrap your pet in their favorite blanket or place them in their bed, but know they may get soiled.
• Placing your pet in a plastic-lined or potty pad-lined box or tote will help keep your home and/or vehicle more sanitary.
• If there are items you would like to keep, like their collar or ID tags, please remove them prior to releasing your pet to your veterinarian or Kindred Spirits.
• Odor can be reduced by spraying neutralizing aerosols, lighting scented candles, or diffusing essential oils like lemon, eucalyptus, and purification into the air.  Sprinkling baking soda around the body can help as well.
• To deter insects, cover the body and scent the area with citronella, catnip, peppermint, pine, or basil.
• The body will become firm within a few hours of death.  If possible, tuck the legs into a sleeping position before this occurs.  
• Many families will spend additional time with their beloved companion to honor and reflect on their beautiful life before being transported.