Why Choose Water Cremation for Your Pet?
At Gentle Waves, we believe every pet deserves a farewell that is as gentle and natural as the love they gave us. That’s why we offer water cremation – a softer, more eco-friendly alternative to traditional flame cremation.
But what exactly is water cremation, and why is it a beautiful choice for your pet’s final journey?
What is Water Cremation?
Water cremation, also known as aquamation or alkaline hydrolysis, uses a gentle flow of warm water and natural alkali (like potassium salts) to return your pet’s body to its natural elements.
It’s a peaceful process that mirrors how nature would care for them over time, but in a much shorter and controlled environment.
At the end of the process, you receive your pet’s ashes, just like with flame cremation — but through a method that’s kinder to the earth.
Why Choose Water Cremation?
1. It’s Gentle and Respectful
Water cremation is a soft, natural process. There’s no fire or intense flames. Instead, your pet is cared for in a warm, calming environment, ensuring a farewell that feels more in tune with the love and care they deserve.
Many families find comfort in knowing that over 90% of the body is gently returned to nature through water, not destroyed by fire.
2. It’s Eco-Friendly
Traditional flame cremation uses high temperatures (around 760–980°C) and releases an estimated 245 kg of carbon dioxide per pet cremation into the atmosphere.
In contrast, water cremation uses 90% less energy and produces zero harmful emissions into the air.
According to environmental studies, water cremation can save the equivalent of a 500 km car journey’s worth of carbon emissions, just from a single service.
Choosing water cremation means you’re leaving a lighter footprint on the planet — a beautiful way to honour your pet and care for the world they lived in.
3. It Gives You Beautiful, Pure Ashes
The ashes you receive after water cremation are lighter in colour and softer in texture compared to flame cremation ashes.
They are made up of pure bone mineral, which many families find feels more natural and comforting to keep in urns or scatter in meaningful places.
4. It Reflects a Natural Cycle
Water has always been a symbol of life, renewal, and return.
Through water cremation, your beloved pet is gently returned to the earth, embracing the natural cycle in a way that feels healing and serene.
Why Gentle Waves?
At Gentle Waves, we specialise in pet water cremation services in Auckland.
Our service was created from a deep love for animals and a wish to offer families a farewell that feels right, full of care, respect, and kindness.
We are proud to offer an option that is not only gentle for your pet but also for our environment.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about how we can support you, please feel free to contact us here.
