Water Cremation Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT KIND OF ANIMALS CAN YOU CREMATE?
We can cremate all animals under 100kg- from Rats, Guinea Pigs, Birds, Rabbits, Cats, Chickens and dogs.
WHEN WAS ALKALINE HYDROLYSIS INVENTED?
Alkaline hydrolysis was developed and patented in 1888 by Amos Herbert Hanson, a farmer who was looking for a way to make fertilizer from animal bodies. In 1993, the first commercial system was installed at Albany Medical College to cremate deceased human beings. Pet crematories, have adopted the process widely in America, Canada, UK, Australia, Asia and now New Zealand.
DOES WATER CREMATION USE ACID?
NO, this is a typical misunderstanding. Alkali, commonly known as lye, potassium hydroxide, or sodium hydroxide, is a basic, not acidic, solution. When used in water cremation, it interacts with the water and accelerates the natural disintegration process. When handled properly, alkali is harmless and can be found in a variety of cleaning products, soaps, and common cosmetics.
HOW DO I KNOW THE REMAINS RETURNED ARE MY PET?
Our number one priority is making sure every pet is returned back to their family. We use custom designed steel ID tags that are placed on your pet at pickup and will stay with them throughout the complete process. This ID tag number is computerized and checked at multiple points during the process, so we know where your pet is at all times. During cremation your pet is placed in its own individual compartment and there is no cross over with any other pet. We are pet parents ourselves and know how crucial it is to trust any person who is treating your loved ones and we can guarantee that the remains returned to you are your pet only.
ARE THE RETURNED REMAINS SAFE FOR ME TO HANDLE?
Your pet’s ashes returned from Pet Reflections are 100% safe to handle and can be divided amongst family members, moved into a different vessel, or scattered at your discretion.
CAN PETS WITH MEDICAL IMPLANTS BE WATER CREMATED?
Yes, we accept animals with medical or surgical devices such as metal screws from an injury or microchips. Metal is not affected by our process and will be recycled or returned to you upon request.
WHEN CAN I EXPECT MY PETS ASHES BACK?
We aim to get your pets ashes back to you as soon as possible. Due to the gentle nature of this process, you can expect your pet back within 5-7 days.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE REMAINING WATER SOLUTION?
Typically, most water cremation businesses discharge the water into the main wastewater system as it is a sterile solution only containing amino acids, sugars and soaps. We have decided to instead repurpose this water solution and return it directly to the land in the form of fertilizer as it contains many beneficial nutrients.
CAN YOU PROVIDE A PET FUNERAL OR MEMORIAL SERVICE?
Unfortunately, at this time we are solely focusing on the water cremation process and ensuring we provide the best, compassionate care for your pet while they are with us. These services may be available with us in the future.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY PET PASSES AWAY IN THE EVENING OR WEEKEND?
We will always do our best to be available when you need us. Just give us a call and we will come and collect your pet from home.
WHAT DAYS ARE YOU OPEN?
We don’t have set days or hours that we are open, but we will always do our best to work in with you and meet your needs whenever we can.
DO YOU HAVE A PHYSICAL SHOP WHERE I CAN SEE THE MEMORIAL PRODUCTS?
You are able to see our collection of memorial products inside PET SPACE located at 149 Ormond Road, Gisborne.