Clear Answers During A Difficult Time
Many families are making decisions about pet aquamation or cremation for the first time. It is normal to have questions about how everything works, what it costs and how we make sure your pet is treated with care.
These questions and answers are based on what families in Suffolk County NY, Nassau County NY and Queens NY ask us most often. If anything is unclear or you need to talk through your specific situation, we are always happy to speak with you directly.
Need To Talk To Someone
If you prefer a real conversation instead of reading, you can always call.
Call 234-324-1234
or send us a message.
Common Questions About Gentle Tide
Aquamation is a gentle, water-based process that uses a combination of warm water, time and natural
alkali to return your pet’s remains to a soft ash. Many families describe it as a softer and more
eco-conscious option compared with flame-based cremation. The end result is similar — you receive
your pet’s ashes back — but the process itself does not involve direct flame.
We use a written intake process and a clear identification system from the moment your pet enters our care.
Your pet is logged on arrival, assigned a unique ID, and that ID follows them through aquamation or
private cremation, processing and packaging. Each step is recorded so there is a clear chain of custody,
and that documentation is available if you would like us to review it with you.
With private cremation, your pet is the only pet in the chamber during that cycle, and you
receive only your pet’s ashes back in a simple urn or selected keepsake.
With communal cremation, several pets are cremated together in a respectful, shared process and ashes are not returned to individual families. This option is often chosen when families prefer not to keep ashes at home but still want a dignified farewell.
With communal cremation, several pets are cremated together in a respectful, shared process and ashes are not returned to individual families. This option is often chosen when families prefer not to keep ashes at home but still want a dignified farewell.
In many cases, yes. We often provide same-day pickup when you call early in the day and are
within our primary service area in Suffolk County NY, Nassau County NY or Queens NY. For private
services, next-day return of ashes is frequently possible.
Exact timing depends on when you call, your location, your pet’s size and how many families we are serving that day. We will always give you realistic expectations before you commit to anything.
Exact timing depends on when you call, your location, your pet’s size and how many families we are serving that day. We will always give you realistic expectations before you commit to anything.
Gentle Tide Aquamation primarily serves:
- Suffolk County NY – including Huntington, Smithtown, Babylon, Islip and surrounding towns
- Nassau County NY – North Shore and South Shore communities such as Syosset, Garden City, Rockville Centre and Massapequa
- Queens NY – especially eastern neighborhoods closer to Long Island, such as Bayside, Forest Hills and Little Neck
Yes. We routinely pick up from both homes and veterinary clinics within our service area. When you call,
we will confirm where your pet is, discuss timing and outline any pickup fees up front. If your veterinarian
already works with us, we can coordinate directly with their team so you do not have to manage all the details yourself.
First, take a moment to breathe and be with your pet if that feels right. When you are ready, call us.
We will:
- Confirm your location and your pet’s approximate size
- Explain how home pickup works and what to expect when we arrive
- Discuss aftercare options (aquamation, private or communal cremation)
- Review pricing and timing so there are no surprises
Gentle Tide does not perform euthanasia directly, but we work with veterinarians who provide
calm, in-home euthanasia services. We can:
- Explain what in-home euthanasia typically looks like
- Share how aftercare with Gentle Tide fits into that plan
- Coordinate pickup and aftercare once your veterinarian has completed their visit
Pricing depends on your pet’s weight, the type of service you choose (aquamation, private cremation or
communal cremation), and whether we are providing pickup, same-day service or additional keepsakes.
We believe in transparent pricing. You can review our typical structure on the Pricing & Packages page, then call us for an exact quote for your situation. We will always confirm pricing before you agree to anything.
We believe in transparent pricing. You can review our typical structure on the Pricing & Packages page, then call us for an exact quote for your situation. We will always confirm pricing before you agree to anything.
In many cases, yes. We can typically accommodate large dogs, but we do need to know your pet’s approximate
weight when you call so we can:
- Confirm that our equipment is appropriate for your pet’s size
- Determine whether additional staff or arrangements are needed for pickup
- Give you accurate pricing and timing specific to larger pets
Absolutely. Many families find it helpful to talk with us before a loss, especially if
their pet is elderly or has a serious diagnosis. We can:
- Explain each service option in calm, non-rushed detail
- Review pricing so there are no surprises later
- Discuss how pickup would work from your home or veterinarian
Yes. Many families choose a simple urn at first and decide on keepsakes later, once the immediate shock
has eased. We offer:
- Simple included urns for private services
- Upgraded wood, metal and decorative urns
- Keepsake urns for sharing ashes
- Paw prints and jewelry keepsakes
Still Have Questions About Gentle Tide
No website can answer every question. If something is on your mind, we would rather you ask and feel more settled, even if you are not ready to make a decision yet.
Call 234-324-1234 or send us a message and we will respond as soon as we can.