FAQ’s
What is the difference between Aquamation and flame cremation?
Eco-friendly water cremation, also known as aquamation, saves energy and reduces pollution while still providing you with your pet’s aquamated remains. It is a slow, gentle, and quiet process that simply speeds up the natural decomposition of soft tissue.
When will my pet be picked up?
We will coordinate a pickup time that works for you. We pick up 24 hours a day 365 days a year. There is an additional charge for pickup service outside our regular business hours (M-F 9am to 6pm). We usually pick up the same day as you call. We can pick up from your home or your Veterinary Office.
How long will it take to get my pet’s remains back?
Your pet’s aquamated remains will be delivered within 3-7 business days in most cases to either you or your veterinarian’s office. If you order custom services, such as Parting Stones, then additional business days may be required.
How do I know if the remains I’m getting back really belong to my pet?
We use stamped stainless-steel tags that are attached to your pet at time of pick up. The tag includes your pet’s name and the Oregon Aquamation order number. Your pet’s stainless-steel ID tag will stay with them throughout the aquamation process (including in the aquamation equipment). After aquamation, the tag will be cleaned (so that you can read the number) and attached to the bag holding your pet’s aquamated remains. The fact that we invest in uniquely numbered steel ID tags sets us apart from our competition. Some cremation services don’t use tags at all. Using stainless-steel ID tags is the only way to guarantee the return of your pet’s aquamated remains. Once a pet is aquamated it is impossible to tell who the remains belong to, unless there is a stainless-steel ID tag in the aquamated remains to confirm the identity. Using stainless-steel ID tags and a strict chain of custody allows Oregon Aquamation to guarantee, with 100% surety, the return of your pet’s aquamated remains.
Who can use your services?
Anyone. It’s your choice who cares for your pet.
What do you do with communal cremated remains?
We have a farm where we scatter communal remains. Usually under a nice tree.
Are you willing to aquamate a toy with my pet’s body?
This is considered on a case-by-case basis. Usually, the items cannot go into our equipment, unless they are made of stainless steel, as they will hinder the process. We have in the past placed items on top of the machine while the process takes place and return them to the pet parent afterward.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. The total cost can be made in 4 equal payments monthly using Angel Paw.
Can I donate money to help low-income pet parents pay for cremation services?
We are not a registered non-profit organization, but if there is someone who you want to help, please contact us and we will be happy to coordinate payment with you.
If I pay by credit card, what will you do with my information?
We do not retain credit card information electronically or in a paper format. Period. If for some reason your credit card information must be written down for temporary reference, once payment is processed then that information is shredded.
Do you provide pet cremation services for large animals, like horses?
Currently, we do not accommodate horses. If you have a large animal please call us to see if we can accommodate you.
How can I know if an urn I’m interested in buying is large enough for my pet?
For water cremation you will need approximately 1.25 square inches of urn volume for each pound. To be certain, consider waiting until you have your pet’s cremated remains. We can provide the actual volume measurement for you.
If I leave my pet’s bedding with you, what happens to it?
Towels and blankets that are in good shape are laundered and donated to local animal shelters or returned to you.
If I have cremated remains for a pet, but Oregon Aquamation didn’t perform the aquamation, can I still order Parting Stones or art that incorporates aquamated remains?
Absolutely. Simply call us and we will pick up your pet’s ashes and send to our Parting Stones partner.
What if I want to keep one of my pet’s bones?
With aquamation, typically one or more bones will remain in-tact and solid enough to be saved. However, the bones will still be fragile and will need to be carefully handled and stored. This request must be made at the time of pick up. The strength of a pet’s bones, and the chance to save a bone, largely depends on the pet’s age and health. Older pets have much more fragile bones than younger pets.
What if I don’t want my pet’s bones ground at all?
No problem. Just ask. However, the aquamation process will result in at least some bone deterioration. You will most likely receive a combination of whole and fragmented bone. This request must be made at the time of pick up.