Pet Cremation: A Gentler Return

Our cremation is water-based — also called aquamation, or alkaline hydrolysis. Warm water and gentle chemistry return your pet to the earth naturally. No fire. No smoke. Just water.

What Is Aquamation?

Aquamation, or alkaline hydrolysis, is a water-based process that gently accelerates nature's own decomposition. Your pet is placed in a stainless steel vessel filled with warm water and a small amount of potassium hydroxide — the same chemistry found in soil. Over 6–8 hours, the soft tissue dissolves completely, leaving only the mineral bone structure.

The result is a set of soft, white remains — similar to traditional cremation ash, but about 20% more volume, and a finer, silkier texture. Many families find the remains more beautiful and easier to incorporate into keepsakes.

The water used in the process (called effluent) is sterile, pH-neutral, and returned safely to the water cycle. There are no emissions, no smoke, and no chemicals released into the air.

Water-based cremation — gentle, eco-conscious
90% Less energy than flame cremation
20% More remains returned
0 Emissions released

Step by Step

What to Expect

  1. Pickup

    Our team comes to your home or vet clinic. Gentle, discreet, and available day or night.

  2. Gentle Preparation

    Your pet is given a stainless steel ID tag that stays with them throughout. They never leave our care.

  3. The Aquamation Process

    6–8 hours of gentle, warm water treatment. Your pet rests peacefully.

  4. Remains Processing

    The mineral bone structure is gently processed into fine, silky ash.

  5. Return to You

    Remains are returned in your chosen vessel, along with your included keepsakes.

Individual or Communal?

Feature Individual Communal
Your pet processed alone
Remains returned to family
Respectfully scattered at sea
Certificate of aquamation
Cedar urn
Fur clipping
Clay paw print
Price From $349 $179 flat rate
We recommend individual aquamation for families who want their pet's remains returned. Communal aquamation is a beautiful, affordable option — remains are respectfully scattered at sea.

Every Individual Aquamation

What's Included

  • Cedar Urn

    A beautiful handcrafted cedar urn to hold your pet's remains

  • Certificate of Aquamation

    A handwritten certificate documenting your pet's care

  • Fur Clipping

    A preserved clipping of your pet's fur as a keepsake

  • Clay Paw Print

    A handmade clay impression of your pet's paw

Urn Upgrades

Prefer a more lasting vessel? Choose from our handcrafted selection:

Cedar keepsake box $95
Hand-thrown clay urn from $125
Biodegradable burial urn $75
Premium brass urn $185

Browse All Urns & Keepsakes

Aquamation Pricing

Individual Aquamation

Includes cedar urn, fur clipping, certificate of aquamation, and a clay paw print.

Weight Price
20 lbs or less $349
21–60 lbs $399
61–99 lbs $479
100+ lbs $549

Communal Aquamation

$179 flat rate — all sizes

Remains are respectfully scattered at sea. Includes certificate of aquamation.

See Full Pricing

Aquamation Questions

Individual aquamation takes 6–8 hours. From pickup to remains returned, expect 5–7 business days. Rush processing (3 days) is available for +$75.
A dedicated, private space for spending time with your pet before the process begins is coming soon. Please reach out and we can discuss what works for your family.
Yes. Alkaline hydrolysis is fully licensed and regulated in California. Passing Paws is fully licensed and insured.
The effluent water is sterile and pH-neutral. It re-enters the water treatment system exactly as wastewater from any home or business does. It contains no toxins, no pathogens, and no pharmaceuticals.
We don't offer witnessed processing. We're happy to walk you through every step by phone — transparency builds trust.
Yes — dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, reptiles, and other small animals. Contact us for exotic or very large animals.

Ready to learn more?

We're happy to answer any questions by phone, text, or email. No pressure — just honest information.