Welcome to petrichor!
EARTH
HUMAN
PET
kind
The eco-sustainable cremation option that honors your pet companion’s life in a meaningful way.
about us
Honoring Your Pet with Compassionate Aquamation
Pawscare is the largest specialty pet retailer of services and solutionsfor the lifetime needs of pets. At Pawscare, we love pets, and we With the lowest carbon footprint, this safe and gentle process uses a combination of flowing water and alkalinity, thereby harmonizing with the cycle of life as it unfolds in nature. Your decision to choose flameless cremation goes beyond just commemorating your pet companion, it becomes a meaningful contribution to the planet, creating a profound and lasting connection to the world they once knew and loved.
Services
Guidance for Every Pet Farewell
In addition to our Aquamation service, we provide:
FAQ
Pet Parents Now Have Choices.
Aquamation
Petrichor
Loss Support
Service Expectations
Keepsakes
Partnerships
What is aquamation?
Aquamation, also called water-cremation, is a sustainable form of cremation that mimics the naturally occurring process in nature when an animal passes. With the reduction of fossil fuels, water-based cremation achieves a remarkable 90% energy savings in comparison to traditional cremation methods. As a more gentle method, there are no direct emissions of harmful greenhouse gasses and the process yields 20% more 'ash' that are lighter in color and fine like sand.
The technology is called alkaline-hydrolysis and was first used in the late 1800's on many farms. Within the last 20+ years aquamation services can be found all around the United States and Canada for humans and their pet companions. Aquamation is part of the growing green funeral movement and has been adopted by many teaching universities and scientific communities. The first pet facility was opened in 2007, and the first funeral home to use the technology was in 2011.
Is aquamation safe?
Much like fire-based cremation, the residual bone mineral (or ash) produced through the aquamation process is not only environmentally friendly but also safe for handling. In fact, the bones are completely pathogen and disease-free regardless of the medications or medical procedures endured by your pet companion. The remaining by-product of the aquamation process is ecologically sound as it is made up of nutrients, amino acids and sugars.
The ash remains can be safely kept in a vessel of your choice or distributed in your pet companion's favorite spot.
What will I receive back?
If you opt for the individual service, you will receive the remains of only your pet companion placed in a sustainably made wooden urn. Also included is their one of a kind digital paw print emailed to you with exact measurements, accompanied by an embossed signed certificate of aquamation delivered in your Earth Human Pet Kind forever tote.
What is the Green Funeral Movement?
The green funeral or burial movement is a movement dedicated to any technology in death care that avoids using non-biodegradable materials and promotes natural decomposition.
Are there other aquamation facilities in MA?
Yes. Pawsitive Memories in Cape Cod serving south of Boston, Norfolk, Bristol, Barnstable counties and the islands. A facility will be opening soon in Chicopee to serve Western, MA.
Why the name Petrichor?
The word petrichor describes the earthy, fresh aroma that arises when the rain falls on the earth that many of us love.
Just like petrichor, our cherished pet companions leave behind a unique and lasting impression on our lives. Their presence is a warm, comforting memory that lingers in our hearts long after they're gone. And, remarkably, the smell of petrichor can serve as a gentle reminder of these beloved companions that can instantly reconnect us to nature’s beauty and rejuvenation.
In 2016, our favorite band, Phish, released the song, Petrichor. The song weaves together beautiful instrumental arrangements with lyrics that invoke a call to action to protect the environment.
Our desire when shifting to our encore career was to make a positive change while holding true to what brings us joy; our love for our pet companions and the power of live music. These elements laid the foundation for Petrichor Aquamation.
Petrichor is nature's way of telling us that life continues, that memories endure, and that our pet companions, in their own special way, are forever intertwined with the collective beauty of the world around us.
What are your hours of operation?
All services by appointment only. Please call or text us at 978-551-2699. We are committed to returning your call within 1 hour during normal business hours and within 3 hours outside of normal business hours/weekends/holidays.
Business Operations are Monday-Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm
Closed all Federal Holidays and Observed Holidays
Special arrangements can be made for after hours, weekends and holiday pick-up services.
Can I tour your facility?
Yes. We think our facility is warm and welcoming! Please call us to schedule a tour at 978-551-2699.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes. Please contact us by submitting a request or call us at 978-551-2699.
When is it time?
The decision to say goodbye is highly personal and is influenced by a range of factors, including your beliefs and values.
Contact us us to be connected with a number of trusted mobile veterinarians who make house calls and can assist you in making the most compassionate decision for your beloved pet companion and your family.
We offer euthanasia services in a calm, home-like environment.
Do you have grief support resources?
| Topic | Recommended For | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| What to tell your children when a pet dies | Parents with Children | The importance of the discussion |
| 3 Ways To Help Your Child Cope After A Pet Dies | Parents with Children | Honesty, Communication, Remembrance |
| Pet loss grief; the pain explained | Sarah Hoggan DVM | TEDxTemecula | Teens/Adults | Discusses Grief in Depth, addresses unexpected death, discusses why grieving can be more difficult when losing a pet companion |
| Goodbye Book | Children 2-4 yrs | Losing a companion from the perspective of a fish |
| Always Remember (Book) | Children 3-7 yrs | Remembrance for anyone that has experience the loss of a loved one |
| Only Gone from Your Sight (Book) | Tween/Teen/Adults | From the Pet Companions perspective |
| Tufts - Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine | Adults | Myriad of resources and hotlines available locally |
| How to help a grieving teen | Teens | Helps adults understand how grieving can be different for teens. Interesting quotes from teens experiencing grief and loss and how they process what they are going through |
| Teen Grief Patterns | Tween/Teen | Understanding a grieving teen |
What if my pet companion passes at home?
Our heartfelt condolences for your loss. Grieving is a deeply personal journey, and there's no right or wrong way to navigate it—each person's experience is unique. Take solace in knowing that your beloved pet companion can remain in their familiar spot until we arrive.
What is your pricing?
We have individual and communal aquamation services available. Please contact us for an appointment to discuss logistics and any support that you may need.
If you would like to keep the remains for memorialization or to personally scatter them at a favorite location, please choose individual aquamation. Alternatively, please choose communal aquamation if you do not wish to have the cremated remains returned to you.
Will you pick up my pet companion at my home?
Yes, pick-up services are available and subject to a service fee.
If your pet companion is over 50lbs, please ensure that someone is available to help transition them out of your home and into our care.
If you prefer to drop off your pet companion, please call for an appointment. (Free)
What are your after hours and holiday pricing?
We recognize that the timing of your beloved pet companion's passing is rarely convenient. Pick-up services outside of normal business hours and holidays are subject to availability. If you prefer to drop-off your pet, please call us to make arrangements. Our goal is to accommodate your needs as best as possible.
Can I drop off my pet companion?
Yes, by appointment only. You are welcome to drop off your pet companion and utilize our private sitting room to say your goodbyes free of charge.
K-9 and public service first responders
We are proud to offer discounted services for animals serving the community. There are a few terms and conditions to arrange for pick up and how we memorialize the event for your municipality. Please contact us and we will help.
What size animals can you accommodate?
All domestic animals, pocket pet companions (bird, snakes, guinea pigs etc.), farm animals up to 200 lbs.
How can I be sure that I am receiving my pet companion's remains?
As pet parents and stewards of quality care, we are committed to tracking your pet companion as if it were our own. Through the dual use of physical and digital tracking tags we follow your pet companion through each stage of care, ensuring that you are receiving your pet companions' remains. As part of our keepsake packaging, we include the one-of-a-kind stainless steel tag that followed your pet companion while in our care.
When can I expect to receive my pet companion's remains?
We commit to a 7-day turnaround time. Please allow for additional time if you have selected any of our alternative memorialization keepsakes or urns.
Requests for rushed aquamation services (less than 7 days) will carry an additional $100 fee.
Do you offer in-home euthanasia?
No, however please choose from one of these mobile veterinarians who make house calls in your area. If you prefer, you may use our private and cozy sitting room for their services, free of charge.
What other services do you offer?
We offer the below additional support services free of charge.
• Use of our private sitting room
• Planning ahead consultation
• Guidance and support through selection of services and memorialization options
• Coordination with all Veterinarian providers
Complimentary Forever Tote Keepsake
We provide a carefully curated keepsake for all customers that achieves sustainability standards. Some customizations are included.
Do you offer alternative keepsakes and urns?
Yes. We offer a number of unique and beautiful options for keepsakes and urns. We are also looking to curate a list of local artists that offer memorialization options to support local small businesses. If you are a local artist and interested, please call or text us at 978-551-2699.
Can you handle special requests?
Our goal is to ensure that you have a positive experience working with Petrichor and feel guided and supported through a very difficult time. While every special request may not be able to be granted, we encourage you to ask.
Please call or text us at 978-551-2699 or contact us for more information.
I'm an artist and would like to extend my services to your customers.
We would welcome the opportunity to showcase your artistry both online and in our showroom. Please call or text us at 978-551-2699 and we will share details on how to get started.
What if my Veterinarian does not offer Petrichor Aquamation as a service?
We will work with any Veterinarian Provider in the serviceable area. When asked by their customers, Veterinarians and Animal Hospitals are typically willing to honor your preferred end of life aftercare arrangements.
Please contact us and we will reach out to your Veterinarian Provider to coordinate pick-up.
Do you love what we are doing and want to be a part of it?
There are a number of ways to get involved! Whether you are a Veterinarian provider who wants to offer our services, a local artist that wants to offer your services, or you want to learn more about supporting the green funeral movement, we encourage you to contact us to set up an appointment to chat or visit to discuss opportunities.
Are there other aquamation facilities in the US?
Yes. Across the United States there are around 30 aquamation facilities and growing. There are also aquamation facilties in Canada and Europe.
In MA, Pawsitive Memories in Cape Cod services south of Boston, Norfolk, Bristol, Barnstable counties and the islands. Plus a facility will be opening soon in Chicopee to serve Western, MA
Will you pick up from my preferred Veterinary provider?
Yes, we continue to expand our list of friends and we would gladly pick up your pet companion free of charge from any practice in the Suffolk, Middlesex, Essex, Worcester MA counties and up into Hillsborough county of New Hampshire.
Please complete our Aquamation Release Form and we will reach out to your Veterinarian Provider to coordinate pick-up.
Can you recommend palliative care professionals?
The decision to say goodbye is highly personal and is influenced by a range of factors, including your beliefs and values. In addition to seeking guidance from your trusted veternarian, please see the list of resources from local mobile veternarians who make house calls and can assist you in making the most compassionate decision for your beloved pet companion and your family.
I am an artist and would like to showcase my memoralization work in your showroom.
We would welcome the opportunity to showcase your artistry both online and in our shop. Please contact us and we will share details on how to get started. We look forward to working with photographers, painters, glassblowers, lapidary, and jewelry artisians.
testimonials
Kind to Pets. Kind to Earth.
Pawscare is the largest specialty pet retailer of services and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets. At Pawscare, we love pets.
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