Trusted by 150,200+ Families
The Best Pet Cremation (Aquamation) Service in Portland, OR
- Private and communal options
- We operate our own crematory for aquamaton
- Home pickup available for an additional fee
- Located in Portland and Oregon City
Losing my 13 year old lab was one of the hardest things I have ever gone through, but I am so grateful to Compassionate Care for making it as good of an experience as possible. From my very first phone call to them, through me scheduling and cancelling appointments, to the day it was needed, and to picking up sweet Charly's ashes, they were nothing but kind, helpful, and calming. I cannot recommend them enough. Thank you to everyone who I worked with, you made it so much easier.
Chantel Herbert (1 week ago)
Private Pet Cremation or Communal Pet Cremation
We offer two options to fit your needs:
Private Cremation:
- Your pet is cremated individually
- Cremains are returned to you
- You can choose a standard container or purchase an upgraded urn
Communal Cremation:
- A respectful and affordable option where pets are placed together
- Cremains are not returned to you
- Cremains will be respectfully scattered at the facility
If you choose private cremation, your pet’s ashes will be returned in a biodegradable pressed fiber container made from sustainable mulberry bark.
It includes a biodegradable inner bag, so it’s suitable for burial or safe to keep at home long-term.
Note: This is not a wooden box. Additional urn options are available
here.
What Is Pet Aquamation?
Mimics Nature’s Decomposition Process
Aquamation (also known as alkaline hydrolysis, green, eco or water-based cremation) is a sustainable alternative to flame-based pet cremation.
Utilizing gently agitated water, a small amount of alkali, and controlled temperature, aquamation accelerates the natural decomposition process.
What is Aquamation?
Mimics Nature’s Decomposition Process
Why Choose Compassionate Care for Pet Aquamation?
15+ Years of Compassionate Service
Since 2009, we’ve served thousands of pet owners each year and have consistently earned an exceptional reputation as well as a 4.8-star rating across platforms like Google, Yelp, and more.
Our Own Pet Crematory in Portland
We operate our own pet crematory, so your pet remains in our care from start to finish. Our mission is to provide ease and comfort, we're committed to making this process as simple and gentle as possible for you and your pet,
The First Aquamation Provider in Portland, an Eco-Friendly Cremation Option
Staring 2015, we were the first in Portland to offer aquamation for pet cremation. Aquamation utilizes water, a small amount of alkali and gentle agitation to mimic natural decomposition. This process offers a natural, more gentle way to honor your pet.
Rooted in the Portland Community
We’re a proud Portland small business, deeply rooted in the community, and honored to provide exceptional care to local families.
Two Ways to Schedule a Pet Cremation Service
We offer two options for pet cremation services:
After-Passing: Cremation Only
If your pet passed away at home or was euthanized by another veterinary provider, we can arrange cremation services. You can bring your pet to our crematory or schedule a home pickup for a fee.
Our team is here to answer all of your questions and provide the support you need.
In-Home Euthanasia with Cremation:
If you use our in-home pet euthanasia service, we will provide cremation and handle transportation to our facility. A care specialist will guide you through all the details during scheduling.
What Our Customers Are Saying
700+ 5-Star Reviews on Google, Yelp, Facebook, and More.
The professional and caring team at Compassionate Care made a very sad circumstance better. They provided a peaceful end to our beloved Finn in our home. Beth P., DVM provided a sense of calm, dignity, respect, and efficiency....for which we are grateful. Joseph W. who collected Finn afterwards was equally caring and respectful.
Hopefully, you won't need their services any time soon, but when you do they're the ones to call.
Thomas Mannix
Enormous gratitude for Dr. Wong. She came in the night and was kind, gentle, and conscientious. Our beloved Dobby was always terrified of being handled by veterinarians...
Susan Remmers & Gillian Leichtling
We will never be able to give enough stars to this company. They accommodated us twice in moving our appointment to an earlier date and time, without any hesitation.
Greg Harris and Steve Kopkau
It’s been almost 24 hours since Jess departed, and I’ve already given your company’s name to several friends who will be facing that difficult decision in the months to come, and I will continue to sing your praises. His dog groomer and I have become good friends and I’ll be sure to give your card to her so she can pass it along to her many clients who will eventually need your services...
Janine K. Suarse
Serving Portland and Its Surrounding Areas
Please note that while we offer 24/7 in-home euthanasia, our cremation facility is not staffed around the clock.
NE Portland:
Pet aquamation drop-off: available 7 days a week by appointment. You can also arrange an at-home pickup.
Cremains pickup hours at MLK facility:
Tuesday - Friday: 12pm - 4pm
Saturday: 10am - 2pm
Sunday & Monday: no cremains pickup
Oregon City:
Pet Aquamation and Cremains pickup (By appointment only at this location)
Pet Cremation FAQs
If your pet has passed at home, you may make an appointment to bring your pet in to us for cremation at the crematory number 503.379.1292, or arrange home pick up for an additional fee.
Keep your pet’s body cool and dry, away from other animals and the elements. We recommend arranging cremation as soon as possible, but urgency is mostly dependent on the temperature in which the your pet would be stored (cold but not frozen is best) as well as size of pet. The larger the pet, the more quickly the body will begin to degrade.
Privately cremated pets are cremated individually, and their cremains are returned to you. Communally cremated pets are cremated in a group, and the cremains are not returned.
We return cremains for privately cremated pets within 7-14 days after receipt at the crematory.
We will contact you within 7-14 days of euthanasia (or within 7-14 days after we receive your pet for those who bring their pet to us after it has passed) to let you know you may pick up their cremains. Our standard method to contact is by email; arrangements may be made for alternative contact method if needed.
What’s left after the first step of both Aquamation and flame-cremation are bone, which are further processed to the finer cremains that are returned to the family. Aquamated cremains are lighter in color , as they contain only calcium phosphate without carbon discoloration from burning. Aquamation also results in about 20% more cremains than flame-cremation since no bone is destroyed by incineration or lost during the process.
Yes, aquamation cremains are 100% safe and free of pathogens or disease. They are rinsed with clean water and air-dried, making them safe to handle. They can also be safely scattered in the environment.
Aquamation Options for All Creatures, Great and Small
We provide aquamation services for a variety of pets, including:
Dogs and Cats
Birds and Reptiles
Exotics and Pocket Pets
Other Small Animals
If you have questions about a specific pet, our team is here to help. Feel free to reach out for more information.
Articles and Resources
What Do I Do if My Pet Dies at Home: A Practical & Compassionate Guide
How Long Does It Take to Cremate a Dog? Understanding the Process
Helping a Dog Die Naturally at Home: What to Expect and How to Provide Comfort
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