Cebu pioneers eco-friendly pet aquamation in Vismin

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu has made history as the first province in the Visayas and Mindanao to introduce pet aquamation, an eco-friendly and compassionate alternative to traditional fire cremation.

The Cebu Pet Aquamation facility, located in Barangay Tisa, Cebu City, officially opened its doors, offering pet owners a sustainable way to honor their departed companions.

Pet aquamation, also known as water cremation, uses water instead of fire to gently decompose pets’ remains. This process significantly reduces carbon emissions and produces water waste that can be repurposed as fertilizer for plants, including fruit-bearing trees.

“Aquamation is gentler and offers a peaceful form of cremation. It’s also very eco-friendly,” said Loren Stephanie Tan, proprietor of Cebu Pet Aquamation.

In an interview, Tan explained that the service caters to pet owners seeking a kinder and more environmentally conscious option for aftercare.

Tan highlighted the unique benefits of aquamation, noting that it uses less energy than traditional fire cremation and produces pure white ash, a testament to its clean and efficient process.

She added that the ashes from aquamation are lighter and purer compared to those from fire cremation.

Since its launch in early 2024, the facility has steadily gained traction, now serving 30 to 50 clients monthly.

While the service initially faced challenges due to limited awareness, Tan observed growing acceptance, especially among environmentally conscious individuals and pet lovers seeking dignified ways to say goodbye to their pets.

The facility accommodates animals weighing up to 100 kilograms, including dogs, cats, hamsters, and even pet goats and pigs. Packages start at P7,500, which includes the aquamation process, a marble urn, fur and teeth keepsakes, framed paw and nose prints, and a 30-minute memorial service.

However, pets must meet specific conditions, such as being free from ticks, maggots, or bodily fluid excretion, to qualify for the memorial service.

Tan revealed that her passion for animals and her family’s bond with pets inspired her to introduce aquamation to Cebu.

“This service is not just a business but also an advocacy for sustainable and compassionate pet aftercare,” she said.

With increasing awareness and acceptance, Cebu Pet Aquamation is setting a new standard for eco-conscious pet aftercare in the region, paving the way for a greener and more compassionate future for pet owners.