Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

Aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, is a warm, gentle water-based process that cradles your pet into the afterlife, allowing us to return their remains to you as a powder, much like ashes from cremation but cleaner. Unlike cremation, there are no toxic outputs, and owners receive 20% more ashes from the process than they do with cremation.

Aquamation takes 18-20 hours, but additional time is needed for preparation (like paw prints and fur clippings) and for finalizing the process. You should expect that it will take 7-10 days for your pet’s remains to be ready to go home. We will let you know as soon as they are ready!

Why cremate your pet in fire when you can have your pet cradled into the afterlife in warm flowing water? Plus, you get 20% more powdered ashes back using aquamation than if you used cremation. If you choose the traditional route and bury your pet, you will likely have to leave them behind if you move. Not only is aquamation simply the safest, gentlest process to send your pet into the afterlife, but we offer some of the most unique and beautiful urns and memorials to bring your pet’s ashes with you to any new home.

The amount of water used in aquamation is no more than what you would use to give your pet a bath. Plus, at Cholla Afterlife, we don’t waste a single drop of it. The water that comes out of the aquamation process is pathogen free and full of nutrients, making it an ideal fertilizer. We call it Afterlife Water and we sell it to landscapers, golf courses, and farmers who grow non-edible crops because it has been scientifically shown to boost their yields. Here at Cholla Afterlife, we use Afterlife Water to grow native plants that we sell to celebrate the lives of the pets we have aquamated.

The water that comes out of the aquamation process is completely pathogen free and full of incredible nutrients so it makes an amazing fertilizer. We call it Afterlife Water! We sell this water to landscapers, golf courses, and other businesses that can make use of this rich resource so it does not go to waste. Here at Cholla Afterlife we use the water to care for native plants that you can buy from us as a memorial to your pet, knowing that the life of your pet is contributing to the life of that plant. You can also buy it by the gallon to use on your own plants at home.

You have many choices when it comes to afterlife care for your pet. Cholla Afterlife is by far your best option! We will ensure that your pet is handled respectfully by staff who love animals and will treat yours as they do their own. We assure with 100% certainty that the powdered ashes that you receive belong to your pet and your pet alone thanks to our high tech tracking system and individual cradle compartments in our aquamation system. Plus Cholla Afterlife is the sole provider of many of the unique memorials we offer. They are crafted locally here in the southwest desert, thereby supporting other small local businesses and our community. Finally, your purchase at Cholla Afterlife supports the care of geriatric, special needs, and hospice animals at Old Souls Animal Rescue and Retirement Home, a local nonprofit animal rescue. Schedule your pickup today using the button below, or call us for more information.

Yes, as long as you choose individual or private aquamation. Each pet goes through aquamation in their own chamber so the only ashes you will receive are from your own pet. If you choose communal cremation, you will not get any ashes back.

We aquamate all kinds of animals, including house pets like cats and dogs, pocket pets like guinea pigs and mice, reptiles like tortoises and lizards, little birds like parakeets and cockatiels, and livestock like goats and potbelly pigs.

Your pet is tracked closely from the moment it comes into the care of one of our staff until the time the ashes are returned to you. Each pet is assigned a small metal ID tag that travels with it throughout the process, and it is tracked with a high tech electronic system as well.

There are lots of options to store your pet’s ashes! We offer traditional and unique urns, as well as artistic options that include paintings, ceramics, sculptures and jewelry.

Yes, you are welcome to bring your deceased pet to Cholla Afterlife. Call us at 520-334-5966 to make a drop off appointment.

We can spread your pet’s ashes in the Memorial Garden at Old Souls Animal Rescue and Retirement Home for a small fee.

Yes, we can pick up your deceased pet at any location, including from your home or your vet’s office. Call us at 520-334-5966.

Yes, we are happy to return your pet’s ashes to you along with the memorials that you purchased. Please see our transport fees for pricing.

Yes! Old Souls holds monthly Scatterdays when you can scatter your pet’s ashes in their Memorial Garden for a donation to Old Souls Animal Rescue and Retirement Home (they are a nonprofit 501(c)(3)).

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