Gentle water cremation
Pet Aquamation in Chicago: How Water Cremation Works
Aquamation is a gentle, flameless alternative to traditional cremation. It uses water, warmth and alkalinity to return your pet to nature, produces zero carbon emissions, and returns about 20% more of their remains to you.
From $400
About 20% more remains · Zero carbon emissions
What is aquamation?
Water instead of flame
Aquamation, also called water cremation, alkaline hydrolysis, flameless cremation or hydromation, is the same process that happens naturally when a body returns to the earth, simply carried out gently and much faster in warm, moving water.
There is no flame and no smoke. When it is complete, only your pet’s bone minerals remain. These are returned to you as soft, fine remains, just as with flame cremation, and like every cremation we perform, it is always private.
The process, step by step
How aquamation works
Tap each step to see what happens. There are no surprises, just gentle care from start to finish.
Step 1 of 5
Gently placed in our care
Your pet is carefully placed, alone, in a stainless steel aquamation vessel. Every aquamation we perform is individual. Your pet is never with other animals.
Aquamation vs. flame cremation
How the two compare
Both are private, and both bring your pet home to you. Here is how they differ.
| Feature | Aquamation | Flame cremation |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Water, gentle warmth and alkalinity | High heat and flame |
| Carbon emissions | Zero | Releases emissions |
| Remains returned | About 20% more | Standard |
| Look and feel of remains | Soft, fine, usually lighter in color | Coarser, usually gray |
| Private and individual | Always | Always |
| Starting price | $400 | $300 |
Prefer traditional cremation? Learn about private flame cremation
Aquamation pricing
Clear prices, by weight
Every aquamation includes:
- A private aquamation for your pet alone
- About 20% more remains, returned to you
- A cremation certificate
- Updates from our team at every step
Aquamation, by your pet’s weight
- 0–5 lb $400
- 6–25 lb $450
- 26–50 lb $500
- 51–75 lb $550
- 76–100 lb $650
- Over 100 lb? Call (312) 582-9090 for a price.
The gentleman they sent to come pick him up were very kind and considerate. They had a stretcher and equipment that allowed them to take him out of the apartment with a lot of respect… I had the Hydromation performed. It was so worth that little extra.
FAQ
Aquamation questions
Curious about aquamation? Call us and we’ll explain anything you’d like to know.
What is pet aquamation?
Aquamation is a gentle, flameless form of cremation. It uses water, warmth and alkalinity to return your pet’s body to its natural elements, leaving only the bone minerals, which are returned to you.
Is aquamation the same as water cremation?
Yes. Aquamation, water cremation, alkaline hydrolysis, flameless cremation and hydromation all describe the same process.
Is aquamation gentle and respectful?
Yes. It mirrors what happens naturally in the earth, with no flame or smoke, and every pet is cared for individually and with dignity.
Will I get my pet’s remains back?
Yes, always. Aquamation is private, and it returns about 20% more of your pet’s remains than flame cremation.
What do aquamation remains look like?
They are soft and fine, and usually lighter in color than flame-cremated ashes.
Is aquamation better for the environment?
Aquamation produces zero carbon emissions and uses no flame, which is why many families choose it.
How long until my pet comes home?
Aquamation takes a little longer than flame cremation. We’ll give you a timeframe when you arrange and keep you posted until your pet is home.
How much does pet aquamation cost?
From $400 for pets up to 5 lb to $650 for pets up to 100 lb. For pets over 100 lb, we’ll quote you by phone. Vet pickup is free and home pickup is $100.
Can I choose an urn or keepsake?
Yes. Choose from urns, keepsake necklaces, clay paw prints and Parting Stone when you arrange.
Related services
Choose a gentle goodbye.
Arrange aquamation online in a few minutes, any time, or call us 8am to 8pm.