HSCO
FAQs

Aquamation, or water cremation, is a gentle, eco-friendly alternative to traditional cremation. This process uses warm water and an alkali solution to respectfully return your pet’s remains. It’s designed to mirror natural decomposition, but in a shorter time. Aquamation produces more ashes, which are softer and lighter in color. This approach offers a peaceful farewell with significantly less impact on the environment.

Water cremation offers a compassionate and environmentally friendly aftercare option for pets and their families. Water cremation requires very little natural gas and produces almost zero emissions compared to traditional cremation. It’s a flame-free process, offering a respectful farewell that also aligns with our desire to be more environmentally sustainable. The process uses a combination of water and alkali, which mimics natural decomposition, fully neutralizing all alkali. The process is simple and safe. Our old cremation furnace served us well for over 30 years, but needed replacement. Rather than disrupting services to install a new, natural gas dependent furnace, we chose this innovative, sustainable option to better serve pets and families in Central Oregon.

While water cremation might be new to some pet owners, it’s a process that has been used safely for human and pet aftercare for decades.

To arrange services, please contact our team at cremation@hsco.org or 541-706-1023. We will guide you through the process and help you decide on the best options for your pet. We also partner with many local veterinary practices, so you may be able to coordinate for this service through your veterinarian.

Water cremation is suitable for most pets, including dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, reptiles, and other small mammals.

We offer both options. Private water cremation: Your pet is placed alone in a secure compartment, and you receive only their remains. We also offer memorial options like clay paw prints. Communal water cremation: Your pet will go through the process with other pets whose families also chose this option. Remains are not returned when the communal option is chosen. We also offer memorial options like clay paw prints.

We use a steel tag with a unique identification number that stays with your pet throughout the process. Your pet is placed in a separate compartment to ensure only their remains are returned to you.

All inorganic materials must be removed prior to the water cremation process. Please plan to remove any items you would like to keep prior to dropping off your pet’s remains. You may include organic materials, such as flowers or paper notes, to stay with your pet throughout the entire process.

You will receive your pet’s remains within 7-10 business days. Our staff is always available to discuss the timing so you know when you can expect to receive your pet’s remains. Remains, or "Cremains" as they are sometimes referred to, from water cremation are typically soft white or off white, and you will receive 20 to 30% more volume compared to flame cremation. The remains are completely safe for handling, scattering, or burial. If you plan to scatter them in a garden or natural area, we recommend using an organic soil mix like "Let Your Love Grow" to help balance the pH of the soil.

If your pet has a bone plate or other metal surgical implant, our aftercare team will ask if you would like the implant included with your pet’s remains. If not, we will recycle it on your behalf. Chemotherapy medications and other drugs are broken down during the water cremation process and rendered completely harmless.

Water cremation uses warm water and alkali at lower temperatures (200°F), compared to the high heat (1,400-1,800°F) used in fire-based cremation. The process produces no direct emissions, uses 95% less energy, and releases no mercury, making it a more eco-friendly choice.

Yes, water cremation is a safe and eco-friendly process. It uses 95% water and 5% alkali (sodium and potassium hydroxide), similar to those found in cosmetics and even food processing. After the process is complete, all alkali is fully neutralized and safe for release back into the environment.

Each animal’s water cremation uses about the same amount of water as a 10-minute shower, making it an efficient and environmentally friendly choice. The water left after the process contains amino acids, sugars, and nutrients. It is safely returned to the ecosystem through municipal water treatment.