Paws to Heaven is based in Brisbane and supports families across Greater Brisbane and surrounding areas. If you are located a little further away, please feel welcome to contact us to discuss your location. In some cases, we can still assist by arrangement, although additional travel fees may apply.

Yes. We understand this is one of the most important questions families have, and we take it extremely seriously. At Paws to Heaven, every pet is individually identified from the time they come into our care, whether from home or from a veterinary clinic, and that identification stays with them throughout the entire process.

Your pet’s details are carefully recorded, checked on arrival at our facility, confirmed before the water cremation process begins, checked again before the ashes are placed into the selected urn or memorial item, and checked once more before they are returned home.

During the water cremation process, each pet is cared for individually in their own separate space. The remains are then individually processed, one pet at a time, to ensure the ashes returned are all of and only your beloved pet.

We guarantee the ashes returned to you are your pet’s alone. As an added reassurance, many pets also have a microchip that remains present and can be returned with their ashes. Another benefit of water cremation is that the equipment is thoroughly cleaned between each individual process.

That is absolutely okay. If you do not wish to have your pet’s ashes returned, we will care for them with the same dignity and respect shown throughout our process. Your pet’s ashes will then be lovingly scattered on your behalf in a peaceful and respectful manner.

Paws to Heaven can assist with in-home pet euthanasia through our trusted partner vets who provide this service. If you contact us, we can help arrange a peaceful, gentle and dignified passing for your beloved pet in the comfort of home.

If you would rather make your own arrangements with your veterinarian, that is absolutely okay too. Once your booking is confirmed, Paws to Heaven can collect your pet from either your home or your veterinary clinic and continue with compassionate aftercare.

Yes — absolutely. The aftercare of your pet is entirely your choice and your family’s decision. If your pet is euthanised at the vet, you have the right to choose who cares for your pet afterwards. If you would like Paws to Heaven to care for your beloved pet, we can arrange collection directly from your veterinary clinic.

Yes. With your permission, we can provide a complimentary ink paw print, lock of fur, and memorial certificate as a special keepsake of your beloved pet. These are included at no additional cost and can offer families a lasting memento to treasure.

Yes. If you already have a preferred urn or memorial item, we are more than happy to place your pet’s ashes into it instead of one of our standard urn or memorial box options.

If your pet passes away in the evening, overnight, or on the weekend, please give us a call. We understand this is an incredibly difficult time and we are available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support you and help guide you through the next steps.

Payment is due once your invoice or account details have been provided, and before your pet’s ashes are returned home. If you have selected a personalised urn, keepsake, or other custom memorial item, payment is required before that item is ordered.

Water pet cremation is not a new idea. The underlying alkaline hydrolysis technology has been used for many years for the treatment and disposal of biological tissues and animal remains, and has gradually been adapted as a gentle aftercare option for pets. While water pet cremation is still newer than flame cremation in Australia, the process itself is well established and is not experimental. Many families choose it as a gentle alternative to flame cremation.

The actual water cremation process is slow and gentle. It occurs over a number of hours depending on size of the animal (approx 8 hours). The process combines flowing water, warmth and alkalinity to mimic mother nature in the breakdown of tissue.

Whether it be Fire Cremation or Water Cremation – Ashes are the pet’s bones which are returned.  Fire cremation is an oxidative technique (or burning); water pet cremation is a reductive technique. Water pet cremation is environmentally friendly and pollution free. Water pet cremation actually mimics the natural breakdown that takes place when you are buried, but is an accelerated version.

The water pet cremation process generates an EPA neutral solution of peptides, amino acids, soap and sugars and is sterile which allows for the safe release into the environment. Besides the process being completely non-toxic, water pet cremation only uses 1/20th of the energy, 1/10th the carbon footprint, is 100% mercury free, and reduces >90% of carbon dioxide emissions when compared to fire pet cremation. Environmental concern is a top priority for governments all over the world and the introduction of water pet cremation into the funeral industry will assist combat the pollution caused by crematoriums.

In water pet cremation there are no air emissions, no methane gas is produced and no “organic matter” escapes from chimneys. 100% pollution free. There are no toxic emissions and no contribution to greenhouse gasses with water pet cremation, unlike fire pet cremation.

This process (alkaline hydrolysis) and machinery (for Tissue digesting) are and have been used all over the world by research laboratories and leading hospitals. It is the most effective way to reliably destroy toxins and infectious viruses. This technique and machinery were, in fact, used to control Mad Cow disease in Britain.

They are totally safe. In fact, they are 100% pathogen and disease free. The ashes are able to be handled safely.

The ashes are similar to those of fire pet cremation but are whiter, larger in volume (up to 20% more ashes) and more finely textured. The process of water pet cremation preserves up to 20% more bone fragments than fire pet cremation. Water pet cremation leaves a pure white powder while fire pet cremation produces a greyish course material.  Please note whether it be Fire Cremation or Water Cremation – Ashes are the pet’s bones which are returned.

Our pets (as is the same with humans) are 65% water. Water pet cremation reduces us to that elemental water.

Water pet cremation destroys all pathogens i.e. Any chemotherapy or any drugs/toxins your pet has had would be rendered harmless. Any plates, screws, and/or micro-chips will remain after the water pet cremation process is completed and will not form part of the ashes.

The remaining water is benign and beneficial. The water consists of an EPA neutral solution of amino acids, sugars, peptides, soaps and electrolytes that is suitable for release to a sanitary sewer or for use as a rich, organic fertiliser or as feedstock for biogas or biodiesel production.

Yes they are. Of the 100% of the solution used in the process, the alkalis make up only 5% of the solution – the other 95% is plain water. AND at the end of the cycle, the alkali has been completely used up.

Alkaline hydrolysis, also now known as water cremation, is a new application of a well-established technology. This technology was patented in Great Britain in 1888.

Temperature starts with cold water and increases to a warmth of approx 90 degrees (not boiling).

The PH level increases to maximum of 13 and when cycle is complete the PH Level is around 11.5.  Citric acid or vinegar is added to the water to bring the PH down to around 9.5.