When Should You Choose Aquamation?
The situations where water cremation makes the most sense—and when it doesn't.
My neighbor spent weeks researching aquamation before her elderly cat passed. She wanted to make the 'right' choice. When the time came, aquamation wasn't even available in our county. She felt like she'd wasted emotional energy on something that wasn't an option.
So let's be practical about this.
Is aquamation even available where you live?
This is the first question, and it eliminates the decision for many people. As of 2024, aquamation for pets is legal in about 28 states, but legal doesn't mean available. You might be in a state where it's legal but the nearest provider is two hours away.
Call ahead. Check availability before you invest emotional energy in this choice.
When aquamation makes sense
**If environmental impact genuinely matters to you:** Aquamation uses 90% less energy than cremation and produces zero emissions. If you compost, drive an electric car, or generally try to reduce your footprint—this aligns with those values.
**If you want more remains returned:** Aquamation produces 20-30% more remains than cremation. For some families making memorial jewelry or dividing ashes among relatives, this matters.
**If the idea of flame bothers you:** Some people find comfort in the gentler, water-based process. It's at lower temperatures and feels more natural to them. This is emotional, not logical—and that's okay.
**If you're willing to pay more and wait longer:** Aquamation costs 10-30% more and takes longer (6-20 hours vs 1-3 hours for cremation). If budget and timing aren't constraints, it's a valid choice.
When cremation makes more sense
**If you need remains quickly:** Traditional cremation is faster. If timing matters for a memorial service or your own closure, cremation may be the practical choice.
**If budget is tight:** The price difference is real. A medium dog's aquamation might cost $350-$450 versus $200-$350 for cremation. That $100-$150 difference matters to many families.
**If aquamation isn't available nearby:** Don't torture yourself over an option that requires shipping your pet hours away or isn't offered at all.
**If you honestly don't care about the process details:** Some people don't, and that's fine. If the end result (receiving ashes) is what matters, cremation is well-established and reliable.
The honest truth
Both options are dignified. Both result in remains you can keep, scatter, or memorialize. The 'right' choice is whichever one feels right to you—or whichever one is available and affordable.
Don't let marketing make you feel guilty about cremation. Don't let unfamiliarity make you dismiss aquamation.