4 Ways Pet Aquamation Reflects Native American Traditions

At Ikaroa Falls, we believe that the way we say goodbye to our beloved animal companions should honor both their spirit and the natural world. Aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, offers a gentle and environmentally responsible alternative to flame cremation. Using a combination of water, temperature, and a natural alkali, aquamation accelerates the natural decomposition process—returning remains to the earth in the same way nature would, only faster and cleaner.

This process is deeply aligned with values that have guided Native American traditions for centuries—values rooted in balance, gratitude, and reverence for all living things.

Here are four ways pet aquamation reflects those timeless beliefs:

1. Respect for Life

In many Native American traditions, all living beings are seen as sacred and interconnected. Life is honored at every stage—from birth to passing. Aquamation embodies this same respect. Rather than using flames, the process uses water, the source of all life, to gently return a pet’s remains to nature. It’s a compassionate way to honor the love, loyalty, and companionship that animals bring into our lives.

2. Environmental Stewardship

Native teachings often emphasize our shared responsibility to protect the Earth for future generations. Aquamation aligns with that philosophy by being one of the most environmentally sustainable forms of aftercare available. It uses up to 90% less energy than traditional cremation and releases no greenhouse gases or harmful emissions. The result is a choice that reflects care—not only for the pet we’ve lost, but for the planet we all share.

3. The Cycle of Life

The circle of life is a central theme in Native American worldviews, representing the natural rhythm of birth, death, and renewal. Aquamation mirrors this belief beautifully. Through this process, a pet’s physical form is gently transformed back into the elements of the Earth, continuing the eternal cycle of life. It’s a powerful reminder that even in loss, there is transformation—and that love, like energy, never truly disappears.

4. Memorialization and Connection

Honoring those we’ve lost through ritual or remembrance is a universal act of healing. Many Native cultures hold ceremonies to express gratitude for an animal’s spirit and the lessons it brought. With aquamation, families can create their own meaningful moments of remembrance—whether by scattering ashes in a favorite place, keeping a memorial urn, or simply taking time to reflect. Each act becomes part of a larger story of love and connection that continues beyond physical life.

At Ikaroa Falls, we are humbled to offer a service that not only helps families through loss but also reflects ancient values of respect, sustainability, and spiritual balance. In choosing aquamation, you are choosing a path that honors both your beloved companion and the Earth that sustains us all.