A Sustainable Solution for Pet Cremation by Water

The loss of a beloved pet is one of life’s most profound and painful experiences. The owner of Lawrenceville’s Soothing Streams Pet Services understands this heartache deeply, having lost his own Wheaten Terrier, Wrigley, in 2021. When faced with the decision of Wrigley’s afterlife care, Ron Loftin and his family were concerned about the permanence of a backyard burial if they moved. They explored traditional cremation but were ultimately introduced to aquamation. Impressed by its gentle process, results, and eco-friendly benefits, the Loftin family established their own aquamation-based crematory in Gwinnett County in 2022.

What is Aquamation?

Aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis or water-based cremation, is a method of pet cremation that uses warm water, time, and alkali to replicate the natural decomposition of organic material that occurs after burial. This process can take years in nature, but with advancements in water cremation technology, it now takes just a few hours. The result is a lighter, softer, and more natural bone-colored ash. 

Because aquamation is gentler than traditional flame-based cremation methods, it typically yields up to 20% more ash. Soothing Streams has cared for everything from gerbils, birds, sugar gliders, and hedgehogs to Mastiffs and Great Pyrenees. Even the smallest pets, such as cockatiels, leave behind ashes, allowing owners to keep a meaningful memento. Aquamation pricing at Soothing Streams ranges from $185 to $435 based on your pet’s weight.

What Makes it Eco-Friendly?

Aquamation produces no harmful emissions or pollutants. Traditional fire cremations, conducted in incinerators heated to 2,000 degrees, contribute approximately 360,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually. This is concerning, given that current CO2 emissions are heating the planet faster than in the past 500 million years, as highlighted in the 2023 Netflix documentary Life on Our Planet. Aquamation, on the other hand, saves around 600 lbs. of CO2 per cremation. It also uses 90% less energy and produces zero emissions of harmful greenhouse gases. Moreover, 95% of pet owners choose cremation by water when given the option, and over 3,000 veterinarians currently offer water cremation to their clients.

What Other Services Does Soothing Streams Provide?

Beyond providing ashes through this dignified and environmentally conscious alternative to traditional cremation, Soothing Streams offers comprehensive end-of-life care. For families who prefer a peaceful, in-home passing for their pets, Soothing Streams provides in-home euthanasia and transport to and from their facility. They also offer a complimentary wooden photo urn to safeguard your pet’s ashes. 

Why Choose Soothing Streams?

With a slew of 5-star Google Reviews to its credit, Soothing Streams Pet Services is one of the highest-rated pet crematories in Metro Atlanta. With its primary location in Lawrenceville at 465 Maltbie Street, Unit 307, Soothing Streams also has facilities in Alpharetta and Tallapoosa to serve the Metro Atlanta area and beyond. Their service area includes Barrow, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale, Spalding, and Walton Counties.

If you have any questions about gentle cremation by water, founder Ron Loftin welcomes your call at (404) 482-1441. To learn more about Soothing Streams, visit www.SoothingStreams.com.

“We’re not looking to replace traditional cremation by fire; we’re simply offering another option to grieving families who wish to provide their pet with a dignified, softer, and more natural afterlife solution that takes into account a pet owner’s emotional consideration,” shared Loftin. “We are honored to provide this alternative to our neighbors who are mourning. When we return a beloved pet’s ashes to their families, we often hear touching and wonderful stories – moments we know will remain cherished long beyond their pet’s passing.”

Recent 5-Star Review on Google

“Soothing Streams provides a wonderful service that helped bring us closure after the passing of our beloved dog, Karma. I had never heard of “aquamation” beforehand, and I am so grateful that I discovered Ron (the owner) and Soothing Streams for the cost-effective, green option. The process is gentle, hygienic, and better for the environment. Ron was responsive, sensitive, kind, knowledgeable, and supportive throughout the entire process. Soothing Streams prices are competitive, and the family-owned business is top-notch, so I cannot recommend them enough!” 

~ Kara R.

Fun Fact: Ron Loftin is a lifelong Gwinnettian. He grew up in Lawrenceville, not far from where his business is located today. This proud Black Knight alumnus attended Central Gwinnett High School with GC&B’s Schelly Marlatt and Kim Davis.

Do You Own or Manage an Eco-Friendly Enterprise? We Want to Hear From You!At Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful, our mission is focused on Connecting People and Resources for a Sustainable Gwinnett. If you own an environmentally conscious company in Gwinnett County and wish to be considered for a future edition of Gwinnett’s Eco-Friendly Enterprises, please contact us at gwinnettcb@gwinnettcb.org.