News Summary

Heartland Pet Aquamation in Kansas City is expanding due to increased demand for eco-friendly pet cremation services. Founded by Jarrod Hammond, the business utilizes aquamation, a process that dissolves remains using water instead of fire, making it a more sustainable option. The company has moved to a larger facility to accommodate more clients and plans to add a second machine to keep up with growing interest. The aquamation process is gaining traction nationally, and Hammond aims to provide a respectful service for grieving pet owners while promoting environmentally friendly practices.

Kansas City’s Heartland Pet Aquamation Business Expands Amid Growing Demand for Eco-Friendly Pet Cremation

Kansas City, Missouri – Heartland Pet Aquamation, a business specializing in eco-friendly pet cremation through a process called aquamation, is experiencing significant growth. This expansion is a response to rising demand for sustainable pet aftercare options in the area.

The process known as aquamation, or alkali hydrolysis, utilizes water to dissolve pet remains, setting Heartland Pet Aquamation apart from traditional cremation services. This method is touted for its eco-friendliness, consuming less energy and producing no emissions or greenhouse gases during operation.

Jarrod Hammond, the founder of Heartland Pet Aquamation, launched the business five years ago after being laid off from his previous job at Cerner Corp. He opened the doors of the initial 1,000-square-foot facility located at 1414 Wyoming St. out of a desire to pursue an environmentally sustainable career while providing comfort to families mourning their pets.

As demand for aquamation services increased, Hammond decided to relocate to a larger space at 1700 W. Ninth St., which measures approximately 5,000 square feet. This transition was necessary to accommodate both individual families and partnerships with five local veterinary clinics, allowing the business to service a broader clientele.

Since its inception, the company has processed around 4,000 pets, with prices for aquamation services ranging from $110 to $300 based on the size of the pet. Currently, Hammond operates with one part-time assistant and has seen a notable accumulation of pet remains at the facility, which has led to space constraints.

Customer feedback has been largely positive, with Heartland Pet Aquamation boasting a 4.8-star rating on Google from 174 reviews. Many customers appreciate the compassionate service and respectful treatment of their beloved pets during the grieving process. However, some individuals have raised concerns regarding the visibility of remains during the drop-off process, expressing discomfort with encountering deceased pets in the facility. One customer reported an unsettling experience while dropping off a pet bird, indicating the need for improvements in customer interactions during sensitive moments.

The aquamation process at Heartland Pet Aquamation employs a specialized machine called the Pet-550, which operates for 15 to 18 hours to decompose organic material. The end product consists of bones, which are subsequently ground into a fine powder and returned to pet owners in urns or boxes. In contrast, the water used in the aquamation process is safely disposed of through the sewer system.

To meet the increasing demand for services, Hammond plans to expand operations by adding a second Pet-550 machine. The trend of aquamation is gaining traction nationally, with the Cremation Society of North America reporting an uptick in cremation rates. Although water cremation currently represents a small segment of the overall market, its popularity is growing across the nation, with many facilities now offering this service.

Importantly, aquamation is legal in all 50 states, allowing pet owners across the country to access this environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cremation practices.

Hammond’s vision for Heartland Pet Aquamation is to provide a dignified and respectful experience for grieving pet owners while supporting sustainable practices within the pet aftercare industry. As eco-friendly options continue to rise in popularity, the future looks promising for this Kansas City-based business.

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Additional Resources

• Kansas City Star: Heartland Pet Aquamation Business Expands
• Wikipedia: Pet Aquamation
• Kansas City Star: Business News
• Google Search: Eco-Friendly Pet Cremation
• The Pitch: Processing Pet Grief
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Pet Cremation
• KWCH: Aquamation Alternative to Cremation
• Google News: Pets Aftercare
• Daily Camera: Pet Aquamation in Denver
• Google Scholar: Pet Aquamation

Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER

The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.