Frequently Asked Questions

Aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, is a gentle and eco-friendly alternative to traditional pet cremation. It uses water, alkali, and gentle heat to accelerate the natural decomposition process. This process leaves behind only the mineral bone remains and a sterile liquid byproduct.

Traditional cremation uses high temperatures to reduce the body to ash. Aquamation, on the other hand, is a much gentler process that uses significantly lower temperatures in a water-based solution. Many consider it a more natural and environmentally friendly option.

Aquamation offers several benefits, including:

• Gentle Process: It's a less harsh process compared to traditional cremation.
• Eco-Friendly: It uses less energy and has a lower carbon footprint than cremation.
• Higher Ash Yield: Aquamation typically results in a higher volume of bone remains compared to cremation.
• Preservation of Remains: The process is gentle on the bones, potentially making them more suitable for certain keepsakes.

We offer two main types of aquamation services:

• Private Aquamation: Your pet is placed in its own individual cradle, ensuring that only their remains are returned to you. This option includes a keepsake package with a tin or wooden urn (engraved with your pet's name and dates), a Forever Clay Paw Imprint, a Paws Remembered Certificate of Aquamation with paw and nose ink prints, a lock of your pet's fur, and an epoxy heart with fur.
• Communal Aquamation: Multiple pets are placed together in a shared cradle for the aquamation process. With this option, it is not possible to separate or return individual remains. The ashes are respectfully scattered in a designated area. We can provide a paw print, ink print, and lock of fur for an additional charge with this service.

Yes, Paws Remembered is honored to provide individual aquamation services free of charge for law enforcement K9 dogs who have passed away in the line of duty or due to age or illness. We recognize their invaluable service and the strong bond they share with their handlers. Please contact us for more details.

Our Private Aquamation service includes:

    • Private and individual aquamation of your pet.

    • Your pet's mineral bone remains returned to you.

    • A keepsake package containing: 

        ◦ A tin or wooden urn of your choice from our selection, engraved with your pet's name and dates.

        ◦ A Forever Clay Paw Imprint.

        ◦ A Paws Remembered Certificate of Aquamation with your pet's paw and nose ink prints.

        ◦ A lock of your pet's fur.

        ◦ An epoxy heart with fur.

Our Communal Aquamation service includes the respectful aquamation of your pet along with others. Individual remains are not returned, but are scattered in a designated area. You can request a paw print, ink print, and lock of fur for an additional charge.

Yes, we offer a selection of tin and wooden urns as part of our Private and Communal Aquamation packages. For additional options, including custom urns and cremation jewelry, please inquire about our Urn Catalog.

Yes, our facility features a private viewing room where families can gather and spend final moments with their pets before the aquamation process. Please let us know if you would like to arrange a viewing.

Yes, we offer pick-up services for $150 and delivery services for $75 within a 30-mile radius of our facility in Knightdale. For distances exceeding this radius, there is an additional charge of $1.50 per mile. We serve Knightdale, Raleigh, and the surrounding areas.

We are located on Pope Farms in Knightdale, North Carolina. Our facility is newly built and state-of-the-art, designed to provide a comfortable and respectful environment.

Yes, we encourage you to memorialize your beloved pet by sharing their legacy through a brief obituary on our website. This allows us to honor their memory and the special bond you shared. You can submit a tribute, including a photo, through the form provided on our "Pet Tributes" page.

You can contact us through the "Contact Us" page on our website or by calling us directly. We are here to support you during this difficult time with care and compassion.

Our pricing varies depending on the type of aquamation service (Private or Communal) and the weight of your pet. Please refer to the "Our Services" section of our website for detailed pricing information for each weight category. We also offer add-ons such as the Forever Clay Paw Imprint & Epoxy Heart with Fur.