Pet Cremation & Aquamation Aftercare
We provide compassionate aftercare for your beloved family pet, including Traditional Flame Cremation and now Water Aquamation, Cremation by Water.
We provide compassionate aftercare for your beloved family pet, including Traditional Flame Cremation and now Water Aquamation, Cremation by Water.
At Heartstrings, we understand the bond between pets and families. Our services, born from personal experience, offer comfort in tough times. We handle hospice, palliative care, in-home euthanasia, and the return of pet ashes with care. Partnering with crematoriums and aquamation firms, we provide a holistic approach, letting families focus on farewells. We’re committed to exceeding expectations, guiding families through the grieving process with meaning.
What to expect from CremationBy choosing this option, your pet will undergo a private aquamation process at our Authorized Aquamation Facility. Through rigorous evaluation, including site visits and a thorough assessment of top-tier qualities, we’ve established a trusted partnership. Our doctors have immense confidence in our provider entrusting their own pets to their care. Once the aquamation process is complete, we’ll promptly notify you when your pet’s ashes are ready for retrieval. If desired, we can arrange a private, in-home delivery by a team member to bring your beloved one’s ashes directly to your residence for a personal touch.
Opting for this choice ensures your pet undergoes a traditional cremation at our partner’s authorized facility, a local Crematorium. Following a rigorous assessment involving site inspections and a comprehensive evaluation, we’ve established a trusted collaboration with them. Our doctors have unwavering confidence in the Crematorium, even entrusting their own beloved pets to their care. Once the cremation process is complete, we’ll promptly notify you when your pet’s ashes are ready for retrieval. If preferred, we can arrange for a team member to deliver your beloved one’s ashes directly to your residence through a private and personal in-home delivery.
Your pet will undergo traditional cremation alongside other cherished companions, and the Crematorium will respectfully scatter their ashes together.
For families seeking a more intimate farewell, Heartstrings Pet Hospice can provide guidance and support around private at-home burial options. While Heartstrings does not perform or coordinate the burial itself, we are committed to helping families understand what to consider when exploring this choice. This includes encouraging families to review and comply with local zoning ordinances and regulations.
Our compassionate team is available to answer questions, offer emotional support, and help families thoughtfully plan a farewell that aligns with their wishes. We honor the uniqueness of every family’s decision and strive to make this part of the journey as clear, respectful, and comforting as possible.
Every family is different, and there’s no "right" way to prepare. We encourage you to create a space and moment that reflects the love you’ve shared with your pet.
Our Pet Aquamation system employs alkaline hydrolysis to effectively expedite the natural decomposition process that occurs in the soil. It utilizes a combination of gentle water circulation, controlled temperature, and alkalinity to accelerate the natural passage of time. At the conclusion of this process, the body is restored to its original form in liquid form, akin to cremation, with the sole solid remnants being the mineral ash derived from the bones. These ashes exhibit a light sage or white hue because they retain more minerals, remain pristine, and are free from carbon discoloration. Due to the bone and ash requiring a drying period, an additional day or two is necessary before cremated remains can be returned to families, should they desire it.
Aquamation results in the production of a sterile, EPA-neutral liquid solution containing amino acids, peptides, and sugars, which can be released onto the earth or safely discharged into the sewer system. For communal services, the cremated remains will be thoughtfully scattered on private land....
We offer both individual and communal aquamation services. Opting for communal aquamation means the cremated remains will not be returned to families. Conversely, individual aquamation ensures that your pet's cremated remains will be tracked and returned to your family. The machine is equipped with private chambers, ensuring a complete separation between individual pets throughout the process....
Light candles or bring comforting items like blankets or toys.
Our veterinarians are here to support you through every detail. Whether you want a quiet, simple goodbye or a more ceremonial moment, we’re honored to help create a peaceful experience that feels right for you and your pet.
Appointment InformationWe offer both individual and communal aquamation services. Opting for communal aquamation means the cremated remains will not be returned to families. Conversely, individual aquamation ensures that your pet's cremated remains will be tracked and returned to your family. The machine is equipped with private chambers, ensuring a complete separation between individual pets throughout the process.
Dr. Jennifer Tate is a dedicated veterinarian with a deep passion for providing compassionate end-of-life care to pets and the families who love them. A graduate
Dr. Lattimer brings a wealth of experience, compassion, and a unique background to her role at Heartstrings Pet Hospice.
Has dedicated her life to caring for animals with compassion, dignity, and respect. Born and raised just west of Nashville, Tennessee
