FAQ
Questions families ask us.
We’ve gathered the questions that come up most often — about water cremation, our process, pricing, and what to expect. If you don’t see your question here, give us a call. We’re happy to talk through anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Water cremation, also called alkaline hydrolysis, uses gentle water-based chemistry to return a body to its natural elements — the same process that occurs when a body returns to the earth, simply accelerated. Flame cremation uses high heat instead. Water cremation involves no combustion — no flame, no smoke — and returns approximately 20 to 30 percent more cremated remains than flame cremation, according to the Cremation Association of North America and the American Animal Hospital Association.
- Personal items are documented and held with your companion through every step. Items that cannot go through the cremation process itself are returned to your family along with your companion's cremated remains. Just let us know what matters to you when we put your Care Plan together.
- No. The water left at the end of water cremation is sterile and chemically neutral. It contains no DNA, no proteins, and no harmful byproducts. It is safely returned to the local water system in accordance with North Carolina environmental regulations.
- After cremation, the sterile water is returned to the public water system through our regulated wastewater connection — just as water from any other plumbed facility would be.
- Yes. The cremated remains returned to your family after water cremation are completely safe to handle — sterile, dry, and lighter in color than flame cremated remains. They can be kept, scattered, or memorialized however your family chooses.
- No. Water cremation produces no smoke and no flame. The process is fully enclosed and uses gentle chemistry rather than combustion.
- Yes — most families complete payment online through their Care Plan. We just don't start there: cremation begins with a conversation. Call or text us, or begin a Care Plan, and we'll walk through everything together — your veterinarian can also arrange everything for you. Memorial keepsakes from our shop can be purchased online anytime.
Still have questions?
Some questions are easier to answer in conversation. Call us any time — we’re here.
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