Greenlee Pet Aquamation
Common Questions
What is aquamation, in simple terms?
Aquamation is a water-based alternative to flame cremation. Using gentle water flow, moderate heat, and an alkaline solution, the process accelerates the natural return of a pet's body to the earth. At its conclusion, your pet's ashes are returned to you in a personalized memorial urn.
Is aquamation safe and approved?
Yes. Aquamation - known technically as alkaline hydrolysis - has been used in veterinary and human aftercare for years and is performed using purpose-built professional equipment. Greenlee uses systems manufactured by Bio-Response Solutions, the leading U.S. manufacturer of aquamation equipment.
How is aquamation different from traditional cremation?
Traditional cremation uses high heat to reduce a pet's remains. Aquamation uses water, gentle heat, and time. The result is a more environmentally responsible process that returns a greater quantity of your pet's remains to you, in a softer, lighter form.
What happens to my pet's remains?
At the conclusion of the process, your pet's ashes are placed in a personalized wooden memorial urn and returned to your partner veterinary hospital for you to pick up. Engraving with your pet's name is included at no additional cost.
How long does the process take?
Because aquamation is gentler than flame cremation, it takes a bit longer. Families can expect to receive their pet's remains within approximately seven days.
Will I get my pet back? In what form?
Yes. Your pet's ashes are returned to you in a wooden memorial urn at your partner veterinary hospital. The remains from aquamation are typically whiter and finer than those from flame cremation, because they are not exposed to fire.
Can I choose a communal service instead?
Yes. Some families prefer that their pet be honored alongside other beloved companions, rather than have ashes returned to them. In a communal service, pets are honored together and respectfully interred in a peaceful natural setting. Your veterinarian can help you decide which option is right for your family.
What kinds of pets does Greenlee serve?
Greenlee serves all companion animals up to a certain size, including dogs, cats, exotics, and pocket pets. If you have any questions about whether aquamation is right for your pet, please ask your veterinarian.
How do I arrange aquamation for my pet?
Aquamation services through Greenlee are arranged through our three partner veterinary hospitals: Printz Veterinary Services in Englewood, Northridge Animal Clinic in Dayton, and Tipp City Veterinary Hospital. If your veterinarian is one of our partners, simply ask them about Greenlee. They'll handle every step of the process with you.
Can I visit your facility?
Greenlee Pet Aquamation operates as a behind-the-scenes service partner to local veterinary hospitals. All family interactions - from arrangements through return of your pet's remains - take place at your veterinarian's office, where you'll receive personalized care and guidance throughout the process. This allows our team to focus fully on the careful work of honoring the pets entrusted to us.
Is aquamation environmentally responsible?
Yes. Aquamation uses approximately 90% less energy than flame cremation, has roughly one-tenth of the carbon footprint, and produces no direct greenhouse gas emissions or smoke. The byproducts of the process are sterile and contain no DNA, and are returned to the earth as a beneficial organic substance.
What about my pet's collar, ID tags, or other personal items?
Personal items - collars, tags, favorite toys, blankets - are best discussed with your veterinarian. They can ensure these items are returned to you separately, or honored alongside your pet, according to your wishes.