Pet owners in Chatham-Kent, Ontario, can now use aquamation as a greener alternative to traditional pet cremation [1].
The shift toward alkaline hydrolysis reflects a growing demand for sustainable end-of-life options for animals. As pet owners seek to reduce their environmental footprint, these services offer a way to avoid the high carbon emissions associated with flame-based cremation.
Aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, uses a solution of water and alkali to accelerate the decomposition of the body [1]. This process produces a liquid that can be safely returned to the earth, rather than releasing smoke and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere [2].
The method is significantly more efficient than traditional heat-based processes. The procedure takes approximately two to three hours to complete [2]. Furthermore, the process uses about 90% less energy than traditional pet cremation [2].
These services are expanding across North America. While available in Chatham-Kent, similar facilities have opened in the U.S., including a Denver-based facility that launched in December 2024 [2].
Supporters of the technology said it addresses the environmental concerns of traditional cremation by lowering energy consumption and eliminating the need for fossil-fuel-powered furnaces. The resulting remains are returned to the owner as bone fragments, similar to the outcome of traditional cremation, but without the atmospheric pollutants.
“Aquamation uses about 90% less energy than traditional pet cremation.”
The adoption of alkaline hydrolysis in the pet industry signals a broader trend toward 'green' funeral services. By replacing combustion with a chemical process, providers can drastically reduce the carbon intensity of pet after-care, catering to an environmentally conscious demographic of pet owners in Canada and the US.
