What is aquamation?
Aquamation is the common name for alkaline hydrolysis — a water-based process that gently breaks down the body using warm water and a small amount of potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide. It accelerates the same natural process that would happen in the earth, but in a matter of hours rather than years.
At the end of the process, only the bone structure remains. The bones are gently dried and processed into a soft white powder — your pet's ashes — which is returned to you in a container, just like traditional cremation.
The water used in the process is clean, with a neutral pH, and is safe to re-enter the municipal water supply. Nothing harmful is released into the air.
How aquamation works — step by step
Intake and ID tagging
Your pet is received by the provider and tagged with a permanent ID that stays with them throughout the process — the same standard used in traditional cremation.
Placement in the aquamation chamber
Your pet is placed in a stainless steel vessel. Warm water (around 200°F / 93°C) and a small amount of alkali are added. The chamber is pressurized to keep the water liquid at higher temperatures.
Gentle decomposition (8–20 hours)
The alkaline water gently dissolves soft tissue over 8–20 hours, leaving only the bone structure. The process is completely enclosed — no smoke, no flames, no odor.
Bones are dried and processed
The remaining bones are rinsed and dried, then processed into a fine white powder. Aquamation typically returns 20–30% more ashes than flame cremation because the process is gentler on the bone.
Ashes are returned to you
Your pet's ashes are placed in a container and returned to you, usually within 5–10 business days. You can use any urn, scatter them, or make them into jewelry — the same options as traditional cremation.
Aquamation vs. traditional flame cremation
| Factor | Aquamation | Flame Cremation |
|---|---|---|
| Energy use | 90% less than flame | Baseline |
| Direct emissions | None | CO₂ + greenhouse gases |
| Process time | 8–20 hours | 1–3 hours |
| Ashes returned | 20–30% more | Standard amount |
| Ash color | Bright white | Gray-white |
| Cost (Florida) | Comparable or slightly more | Varies by type |
| Private option available? | Yes | Yes |
| Legal in Florida? | Yes, since 2014 | Yes |
Why aquamation is greener
90%
less energy than flame cremation
1/10th
the carbon footprint
Zero
direct air emissions
Traditional flame cremation burns at 1,400–1,800°F for 1–3 hours and releases carbon dioxide, mercury (from dental fillings), and other compounds into the air. Aquamation uses gentle heat and water chemistry — no combustion, no smoke, no air emissions at the point of service. For pet owners who care about their environmental footprint, this is a meaningful difference.
What does aquamation cost for pets in Florida?
Aquamation pricing is generally comparable to private flame cremation, sometimes slightly higher due to specialized equipment. Costs vary by provider and pet weight.
| Pet size | Typical Florida range |
|---|---|
| Small pet (under 20 lbs) | $200 – $400 |
| Medium pet (20–60 lbs) | $300 – $550 |
| Large pet (60–100 lbs) | $450 – $750 |
| Extra large (100+ lbs) | $650 – $1,200+ |
Ranges are estimates based on publicly available Florida provider pricing. Always confirm directly with the provider — prices vary and may include or exclude home pickup, urns, and paw prints.
Florida providers that offer aquamation
Aquamation is still less common than flame cremation. Not every provider offers it — here are some that do.
Gentle Pet Crossing
South Florida (Lake Worth, Fort Lauderdale, Port St. Lucie)
One of Florida's most established aquamation-specific pet providers. Three locations serving South and Treasure Coast Florida.
Nature's Pet Loss
Tampa Bay area
Specializes exclusively in pet water cremation. Serves the greater Tampa Bay region.
Monarch Pet Memorial Services
South Florida
Veterinary-owned, family-run practice offering aquamation alongside traditional services.
Is aquamation right for your pet?
Aquamation may be a good fit if…
- ✓You want a greener, lower-emission option
- ✓You'd like more ashes returned
- ✓You prefer a gentle, flame-free process
- ✓Your pet lived an eco-conscious life with you
- ✓A provider is available in your area
Consider traditional cremation if…
- –No aquamation provider serves your area
- –You need ashes back within 1–3 days
- –Cost is the primary concern
- –Your vet has an existing cremation partnership
There is no wrong choice. What matters most is that you feel at peace with the decision. Both aquamation and traditional cremation return your pet's ashes to you, both have private options, and both can be done with care and dignity.
Is aquamation legal in Florida?
Yes. Aquamation has been legal in Florida for both pets and humans since 2014. It is regulated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) under the air general permit system — the same agency that oversees traditional animal crematories.
Providers must register in AGPERS (Air General Permit Electronic Registration System) and comply with county-specific DEP air contacts. Written authorization from the pet owner is required before any cremation — by water or flame — can proceed.
Frequently asked questions
Is aquamation legal in Florida for pets?+
Yes — legal since 2014 for both pets and humans, regulated by the Florida DEP.
How much does pet aquamation cost in Florida?+
Roughly $200–$400 for small pets and $450–$750+ for large dogs, depending on provider and weight. Comparable to or slightly above private flame cremation.
How long does aquamation take?+
The process itself takes 8–20 hours. Most Florida families receive ashes within 5–10 business days.
Do you get ashes back after aquamation?+
Yes. The remaining bone structure is dried and processed into a white powder — your pet's ashes — just like traditional cremation. You typically get 20–30% more ashes than with flame cremation.
Is aquamation the same as composting?+
No. Aquamation (alkaline hydrolysis) uses water and alkali chemistry to dissolve soft tissue, leaving bone ashes. Pet composting/natural organic reduction is a different process and is not currently legal in Florida.
Can I scatter aquamation ashes in Florida?+
Yes. Aquamation ashes can be scattered exactly like traditional cremation ashes — at sea (3+ nautical miles from shore per EPA rules), on private land with permission, or at designated memorial gardens.
Find aquamation providers near you