Frequently Asked Questions

 Aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, is a process that uses a combination of water and alkaline chemicals to break down a body into its basic elements. This method is considered more environmentally friendly than traditional cremation or burial, as it significantly reduces carbon emissions and does not involve harmful chemicals like embalming fluids. 

• Eco-Friendly: Reduces the environmental impact associated with traditional burial and cremation methods.
• Cost Effective: Often less expensive than traditional cremation, making it accessible for more families.
• Safe and Sterile: The process effectively destroys pathogens, ensuring a hygienic outcome.
• Growing Acceptance:  Interest in aquamation is growing as a more natural and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cremation. 

No, Aquamation uses a catalyst called alkali,  which is the chemical opposite of an acid. The water-based process uses a solution  of 95% water and 5% alkali (a combination  of sodium and potassium hydroxide). The alkalis  used in this process are the same alkalis used  in biodiesel production, common cosmetic  products, body washes, shaving creams, and  even in food preparation. At the end of the  process, the chemical has been completely  consumed, neutralized, and no longer remains  in the water solution 

 Yes, with 20-30% more ashes than one would receive from a flame cremation, you certainly have the option to place the remains in an urn.  At the end of the process, the inorganic remains of the body (the calcium phosphate of the bones) resemble skeletal remains.  In North America and other parts of the world, it is customary to process the minerals into a powder for placement in an urn.  This is the same processing step that is performed for the remains that result from flame cremation.  Some cultures wish to keep the mineral remains as whole as possible for ceremonial burial, and because Aquamation is so gentle to the remains, it is the ideal process for this purpose. 

 Yes, the ash remains are 100% safe to handle. Alkaline hydrolysis is a proven sterilization process that results in pathogen and disease free remains.  

 Absolutely anything that can be done with flame cremation ashes can be done with Aquamation ashes.  Some families bury the urn in a cemetery, or permanently inter the urn in a columbarium.  There are numerous memorial products that can be made with the ashes – hand blown glass memorials, ceramic art pieces, man-made diamonds, memorial plantings for your garden, and many more.  Many families choose to scatter some or all of the remains in a special place and can be placed in our memorial garden coming soon at Rainbow Bridge Pet Memorial Services.   

 The water is returned to the ecosystem via the normal wastewater treatment facility, just as all funeral homes in Canada and the United States, and many other parts of the world do during the embalming process. The Aquamation process produces a completely sterile solution of amino acids, sugars, nutrients, salts, and soap in a water solution. These are the byproducts of natural decomposition.  

Rainbow Bridge Aquamation hours of operation coming soon.

Rainbow Bridge Aquamation provides pet services in the St. John's, Mt. Pearl, Paradise and surrounding areas. Contact us to see if we can service your location.

Our prices vary depending on the size and breed of your pet, as well as the specific services requested. Contact us for a personalized quote.