Kindred Spirits Pet Services is closed Saturdays and Sundays.
3544 N. Romero Road, Suite 112, Tucson, Arizona 85705
What is Pet Aquamation?
Pet Aquamation is an environmentally friendly, gentle and natural alternative to flame-based pet cremation. It is a water-based process known scientifically as Alkaline Hydrolysis and was patented in 1888; more than 130 years ago. The modern technology has been in place for over 25 years and is used for both pet and human disposition in prestigious hospitals like Mayo Clinic and other major universities across the country like UCLA and Duke University. Human Aquamation is approved for use in the funeral industry in more than 20 states.
Supervised by a Veterinarian
Supervised by a Veterinarian
Supervised by a Veterinarian
Dr. Barrett oversees all animal handling and pet Aquamation procedures.
Water, not Fire
Supervised by a Veterinarian
Supervised by a Veterinarian
Your pet is placed in a final warm water bath, not incinerated by fire.
Environmentally Friendly
Supervised by a Veterinarian
Environmentally Friendly
There are no emissions of harmful greenhouse gases as in flame cremation. There is no production of methane gas or leakage of harmful chemicals into the soil as with ground burial.
Energy Efficient
More Remains Back To You
Environmentally Friendly
The Aquamation process does not burn any fossil fuels, has greater than 90% energy savings compared to flame-based pet cremation and has only 1/10th of the carbon footprint.
More Remains Back To You
More Remains Back To You
More Remains Back To You
Aquamation will result in more remains on average than flame cremation as some of the bone is destroyed and expelled into the atmosphere through incineration.
Peace of Mind
More Remains Back To You
More Remains Back To You
You have made a choice to honor your family member with a dignified and gentle goodbye that will not harm the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Kindred Spirits stainless steel identification tag
How long will it take to receive my pet’s remains?
As a more gentle and eco-conscious process, pet Aquamation takes longer than flame-based pet cremation, but less than 24 hours to complete. There is also a period for the bone remains to air dry naturally. You can expect your pet to be ready in 7-10 days.
How much energy can pet Aquamation save?
One pet Aquamation cycle at Kindred Spirits can save enough energy to drive 500 miles. That's from Tucson to Los Angeles!
Aquamation machine with divided compartments for pet segregation
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.
Flame Cremation vs Aquamation Remains
Kindred Spirits Recommends Euthabag for Home Burial
From Euthabag:
Can EUTHABAG be buried?
Yes. The cover contains no heavy metals or chemical components that can contaminate the soil. It is for this reason that the recycled material we use is post-consumer and not industrial.
Is EUTHABAG biodegradable?
No and for good reasons. According to regional statistics, more than 90% of animals will be cremated and not buried.
- A deceased animal should be contained as it can be a health threat to wild and domestic animals. Some jurisdictions prohibit burial altogether. Most municipalities prohibit the burial of animals outside farms. (please check with your city or county)
- Pet remains can be accidentally dug up by unsuspecting individuals or animals. It is important that remains are contained to avoid these situations.
- Some families exhume their pet’s body when they move. It’s more practical if contained. The remains can be safely cremated in a EUTHABAG.
- Many believe that blankets are a good alternative; however, the majority of the time, they are non-biodegradable and can alter the remains.
- Our primary concern for the environment is to prevent soil and water contamination. As tissues decompose, pentobarbital may leach into the soil and from there migrate to groundwater.
The speed of deterioration of EUTHABAG is actually not the priority because the skeleton of the animal will persist for decades or more. In the event that the site is excavated, voluntarily or not, by a human being or an animal, it is essential that the remains are at least contained in a bag.
Is EUTHABAG ecological?
Since the vast majority of EUTHABAGs will end their lives in cremation, it was imperative that they didn’t contain vinyl or chlorinated compounds nor produce dioxins or furans at incineration.
EUTHABAG is made in part from recycled post-consumer recycled material (PCRM) containing NO heavy metals, unlike that of industrial-recycled material.
The adhesive used in EUTHABAG is made from rosin resin and polymer resin (styrene-butadiene), which is considered synthetic rubber. This mixture forms a powerful adhesive free of volatile organic compounds.
The white screen printing ink used is water-based.
Please ask Kindred Spirits for a Euthabag if planning on a home burial after our euthanasia service. We will supply at no extra charge because we believe in protecting the environment. (A $25 - $30 value.)
