Question 1

What makes you different from other Denver pet cremation and aquamation providers?

Accepted Answer

Green Heart is a small family business owned and operated by Dr. Megan Niedens, a licensed veterinarian with over 20 years of experience in caring for animals. As a veterinarian, Dr. Megan understands the deep bond you share with your pets and is uniquely qualified to provide the respectful and compassionate care they deserve. Every step of the process is handled or supervised by Dr. Megan. We treat every pet as if they were our own, offering a level of care and attention that only a veterinarian can provide.

Question 2

What is pet aquamation?

Accepted Answer

Pet aquamation, also called water cremation or alkaline hydrolysis, is a modern and environmentally friendly method of final care. It uses a gentle warm water bath and alkali salt to break down organic material, mimicking natural decomposition but in a fraction of the time.

Question 3

How is aquamation different from flame cremation?

Accepted Answer

Unlike traditional flame cremation, aquamation uses water instead of fire. This process is:
Eco-friendly: It uses 90% less energy and produces no harmful emissions.
Gentle and respectful: Your pet’s remains are handled with the utmost care.
Cleaner: The resulting ashes are pure and free of carbon residue.

Question 4

Is aquamation safe for the environment?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Aquamation is one of the most sustainable aftercare options. The process does not produce any greenhouse gases and leaves behind a nutrient-rich liquid that is safely returned to the environment. It significantly reduces your pet's carbon pawprint compared to other aftercare methods.

Question 5

What happens to the ashes after aquamation?

Accepted Answer

After the aquamation process, we dry and finely process the remaining bone material into soft, white ashes. For individual cremations, these ashes are returned to you in an urn of your choice. For group cremations, the ashes are respectfully scattered on a private property in the mountains of Conifer, Colorado.

Question 6

How long does the aquamation process take?

Accepted Answer

At Green Heart, we prioritize respectful, personalized care for every pet, which takes time. The aquamation process is slow and gentle, typically taking 24-36 hours to complete. Afterwards, the cremation ash is allowed to air dry for a few days before being respectfully placed into the urn of your choice. Your pet's ashes are usually ready to go home within 7-10 days.

Question 7

Do you offer keepsake options for my pet?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We offer a range of memorial keepsakes including clay paw prints, framed ink paw and nose prints, resin fur hearts, memorial pendants and keychains, and memorial stones.

Question 8

What types of pets can be aquamated?

Accepted Answer

We serve pets of all sizes, including dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, birds, reptiles, and other small animals. Because aquamation is so gentle, it is the preferred method of cremation for small pocket pets. Most animals up to 250 pounds can be safely and respectfully cremated at Green Heart.

Question 9

Why choose aquamation over burial or traditional cremation?

Accepted Answer

Both flame cremation and burial can carry negative environmental impacts. Flame cremation releases greenhouse gases and mercury emissions, while traditional burial may introduce chemicals into the soil and groundwater which can harm the environment and wildlife.

Aquamation offers a gentler, greener alternative. It’s the perfect choice if you’re looking for:
Environmentally friendly aftercare – Aquamation uses 90% less energy than flame cremation and produces no harmful air emissions.
A gentle and natural process – This water-based method mirrors the way the body naturally returns to the earth, without flames or smoke.
A positive impact on the planet – By choosing aquamation, you honor your pet’s memory while also making a sustainable choice for future generations.

For many families, water cremation feels like a loving way to say goodbye that reflects the same care and respect they gave their pet in life.

Question 10

How do I know aquamation is right for my pet?

Accepted Answer

We understand this is a deeply personal decision and that every family's journey with loss is unique. Aquamation is ideal if you value sustainability and want to give your pet a respectful, eco-friendly farewell. Our compassionate team is here to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.  Our compassionate team is here to walk alongside you, explain each step of the process, and answer any questions so you can feel at peace with your choice.

Question 11

Where is your facility located?

Accepted Answer

Green Heart Pet Water Cremation is conveniently located in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. We serve Northern Colorado, providing pet cremation in Denver and the surrounding areas including Arvada, Golden, Boulder, Evergreen, Conifer, Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Centennial, Aurora, Brighton, and Thornton.  We operate by appointment only to provide undivided attention to each family and pet.

Here is our address:
9751 W 44th Ave Unit 106

Question 12

Do you offer in home euthanasia?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Dr. Megan provide in home end-of-life care including euthanasia through her veterinary practice Companion Crossroads. If cremation is elected, Dr. Megan provides curtesy direct transportation to Green Heart after the home care visit.

Question 13

What services does Green Heart provide?

Accepted Answer

Green Heart offers compassionate, eco-friendly pet aftercare through aquamation (water cremation), along with memorial keepsakes and transportation assistance.

We serve all household pets, including:
Dogs 
Cats 
Rabbits 
Ferrets
Guinea pigs
Birds
Hamsters, rats, and other small mammals 
Reptiles such as lizards, snakes, and turtles

In addition to pet cremation, we also offer:

Memorial keepsakes such as clay paw prints, ink nose/paw prints, resin fur hearts, and urns (including sustainable bamboo options).

Transportation including pick-up services within the Greater Denver area.

Guidance and support during the grieving process, with resources to help families honor their pet’s memory.

Green Heart
Pet Water Cremation

Call/Text: 720-292-2226

Serving the Greater Denver Area.

Office Hours by Appointment.

Owned and operated by a veterinarian.

Returning to Nature: Questions Answered