Arranging aquamation is simple. Fill out a Fond Farewells submission form with the pet's details and client preferences (available to download on the 'request a pick-up page). Complete the 'request a pick-up' form on our website to arrange collection. For urgent cases or special requests, we're here to support you - reach out via email, phone or submit an enquiry on the website.
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Aquamation
Now available in Auckland
At Fond Farewells, we offer aquamation - a gentle, water-based alternative to traditional cremation. This natural, eco-friendly process provides a respectful and sustainable option for pet end-of-life, allowing you to support your clients with a compassionate farewell.
What is aquamation?
A sustainable end-of-life care option for you clients
As a veterinarian, you play a vital role in guiding pet owners through difficult end-of-life decisions. At Fond Farewells, we are proud to offer cremation services alongside our newest offering - aquamation - a gentle, water-based alternative to traditional cremation that aligns with modern pet end-of-life care preferences. This eco-friendly process offers a meaningful option for pet owners who seek a sustainable and compassionate farewell for their beloved companions.
Why should my clinic offer aquamation?
Simple integration
Easy to offer as part of your practice’s end-of-life care services.
More end-of-life care choices
Expands your service offerings, giving clients more end-of-life care choices.
Commitment to sustainability
Demonstrates your commitment to sustainability, which is important to many pet owners.
A gentler alternative
Provides a gentle, dignified option, enhancing client satisfaction and trust.
Benefits of aquamation— What to share with pet owners
Aquamation is an eco-friendly, gentle, and dignified alternative to traditional cremation. By offering aquamation, you provide pet owners with a sustainable choice that aligns with their values, helping your clinic stand out as a compassionate and forward-thinking practice.
Eco-friendly impact
Uses 90% less energy than flame-based cremation and emits no harmful greenhouse gases. It is a sustainable, water-based process that gently returns your pet to nature.
A gentle process
Mimics natural decomposition, using a gentle flow of warm water and natural alkaline solutions to break down remains.
More ashes returned
Often yields more ashes than cremation, allowing for a more substantial keepsake.
No harsh chemicals or emissions
The process leaves only bone remains and water, free from toxic chemicals.
How does aquamation work?
For pet owners who value sustainability, compassion, and a natural farewell, aquamation provides a softer, respectful way to honour their beloved companion.
Placement in the aquamation chamber
The pet is respectfully placed in a chamber where warm water and an alkaline solution (95% water, 5% alkali salts) begin the natural breakdown process.
Gentle & natural process
Over 8-10 hours, the water-based solution flows gently around the pet’s remains, mimicking natural decomposition while preserving the integrity of the bone structure. This non-invasive approach offers a comforting alternative for pet owners who may be concerned about traditional cremation.
Returning remains to owners
Once the process is complete, the bone fragments are dried and processed into a fine, sand-like powder. This allows your clients to receive more ashes compared to cremation, which can be returned in an urn or keepsake of their choosing.
Frequently asked
— questions
Unlike cremation, which uses fire and high temperatures, aquamation is a softer process that uses warm water and alkali to naturally break down remains. It is also eco-friendly, using 90% less energy and producing no harmful emissions. Additionally, aquamation returns more ashes to pet owners.
Pet owners will receive their pet's ashes in an urn or keepsake of their choice, which can be viewed on the Fond Farewells website, and purchased through their vet. Standard ash returns take 3-5 working days, though custom urns or keepsakes may take longer. By default, ashes will be returned to your clinic unless other arrangements are made.
The cost of aquamation is based on the pet's weight. This can then increase based on the owner's selection of urn or keepsake. We can supply pricing resources to help you assist with their decision.
It is easy to offer as part of your practice’s end-of-life care services, it expands your service offerings, giving your clients more end-of-life care choices and it provides a gentle, dignified option, that is environmentally friendly.
Fond Farewells is now available in Auckland (since July 2025).
Our aquamation baskets measure 37 cm (width) x 140 cm (length) x 34 cm (depth). The length and width are the most critical dimensions, as it is acceptable for the body to extend slightly above the top edge of the basket without any issues.
