Water Cremation (Aquamation)
Aftercare Services by Dr. Lydia Weber
What Is Water Cremation?
Water cremation — also called aquamation or alkaline hydrolysis — uses warm water and natural alkalinity to gently return your pet's body to its organic elements, leaving only the bone ash (cremains) to be returned to your family or scattered. It reaches the same outcome as flame cremation, through a gentler, water-based process. Your pet can be cared for individually, with their ashes returned to you, or communally.
How Water Cremation Compares to Flame Cremation
Aquamation and flame cremation arrive at the same place — your pet's bone ash, returned to you with individual aftercare. They differ mainly in method: water and gentle alkalinity rather than heat. There are smaller practical differences too, such as the volume of ash returned and each method's environmental footprint. Neither is better than the other. Some families are drawn to the gentleness of water; others to the familiarity of flame. The right choice is simply the one that feels right for your family.
Our Process
Each pet in our care is adorned with fresh petals and honored with a poem as the process begins. Their remains are then gently reduced over several hours in a warm, alkaline bath. Afterward, the bone ash is collected by hand, dried over two to three days in a dedicated space, and placed in a sealed bag inside a hand-wrapped urn.
For individual aquamations
Your pet is tracked through two layers of identification — a digital QR code and a physical metal ID tag — that stay with them throughout the process, so you can trust that the ashes returned are your pet's. You'll receive their ashes, flower petals, and ID tag.
For communal aquamations
Ashes are respectfully scattered in local community gardens, returning to the earth's natural cycle.
Pricing
Individual Aquamation
Your pet is aquamated individually. Their ashes, ID tag, and petals are returned to you in a complimentary urn.
Dogs
Under 50 lbs — $250
51–99 lbs — $275
100–150 lbs — $325
151–220 lbs — $375
Cats — $225
Pocket Pets (under 1 lb) — $150
Communal Aquamation
Your pet is aquamated communally. Ashes are not returned, but each pet is honored with the same care and dignity.
Under 100 lbs — $95
100–200 lbs — $130
Payment accepted: cash, check, and major credit cards.
Prices as of November 2025 and subject to change.
Transport Arrangements
Bringing Your Pet to Us
You're welcome to bring your pet to our facility by appointment. A private space is available for your family to spend a few unhurried moments together before aftercare begins.
If you'd prefer, we offer in-home pickup.
Your pet is carefully wrapped in a blanket and carried with care — small pets in arms, larger pets on a stretcher. All of our vehicles are unmarked, for your privacy.
We serve a radius of about 70 miles around Mobile, within Alabama. Families from neighboring areas are always welcome to come to us.
Pickup — within 70 miles of Mobile, AL
From your veterinarian's clinic — Free
From your home — 0–15 mi $65 · 16–40 mi $95 · 41–70 mi $115
Ash Return — within 70 miles of Mobile, AL
Pickup from our facility, or return to your veterinarian's clinic — Free
Hand delivery to your home — 0–15 mi $45 · 16–40 mi $65 · 41–70 mi $95
Keepsake Items
Every individual aquamation includes a complimentary urn. If you have a custom urn, we're honored to transfer your pet's ashes into it at no additional charge.
For families who find comfort in something to hold, we also offer keepsakes — available with both individual and communal aftercare:
Clay Paw Print $40
Ink Print (Paw or Nose) $55
Fur Clipping $15
Engraved Nameplate $30
Foam Paw Print $35