If your bearded dragon has just died, you may be sitting beside their enclosure wondering what you're supposed to do next.
What do I do with my bearded dragon's body?
How long can I keep them at home?
Do veterinarians cremate bearded dragons?
Can reptiles be cremated?
Can I have my bearded dragon's remains returned to me?
These are questions most bearded dragon owners never expect to have to answer.
The first thing to know is that you have options for your bearded dragon's aftercare, including an alternative to traditional flame cremation called Cremation by Water, also known as Aquamation.
What Should I Do When My Bearded Dragon Dies?
If you are certain your bearded dragon has passed away, you do not necessarily have to make an immediate decision about aftercare.
Take some time to say goodbye.
If the death was unexpected and you aren't certain your bearded dragon has actually passed away, contact an exotic-animal veterinarian for guidance.
Reptiles can behave very differently from dogs and cats, particularly during periods of brumation, illness, or extremely low activity.
If you are certain your companion has died, you can begin considering aftercare arrangements.
What Should I Do With My Bearded Dragon's Body?
Until aftercare arrangements can be made, your bearded dragon should be kept in a cool, secure location.
You can gently wrap your companion in a soft towel or blanket and place them in an appropriate container.
If there will be a significant delay before your bearded dragon can be transported to an aftercare provider, contact a veterinarian or pet aftercare provider for specific guidance regarding temporary care.
You can also contact a pet crematory directly to discuss what happens next.
Can Bearded Dragons Be Cremated?
Yes.
Bearded dragons can receive professional pet aftercare just like dogs and cats.
Many reptile owners are surprised to discover that they can have their bearded dragon privately cared for and have the mineral remains returned to them.
Traditional flame cremation is one option.
But it isn't the only option.
Bearded dragons can also receive Cremation by Water.
What Is Aquamation for a Bearded Dragon?
Aquamation is an alternative to traditional flame cremation.
The scientific name for the process is alkaline hydrolysis, but it is also commonly called water cremation or Cremation by Water.
Rather than using extreme heat and fire, Aquamation uses water, gentle heat, circulation, and alkalinity to accelerate the natural process that occurs when a body is returned to the earth through burial.
At Soothing Streams Pet Services, the process uses water heated to approximately 204°F.
Traditional flame cremation can approach approximately 2,000°F.
For some reptile owners, that difference is extremely meaningful.
Is My Bearded Dragon Burned During Aquamation?
No.
There is no burning involved in Cremation by Water.
Traditional cremation relies on fire and combustion.
Aquamation relies primarily on water.
Some bearded dragon owners find the idea of placing such a small and delicate companion into an extremely hot flame-cremation chamber emotionally difficult.
Up until now, they may have assumed that was their only cremation option.
It isn't.
Why Might Aquamation Appeal to Bearded Dragon Owners?
People who have never shared their lives with reptiles sometimes underestimate the relationships owners develop with them.
Bearded dragons have individual personalities.
They recognize routines.
They develop preferences.
They interact with their owners.
They can become part of a household for many years.
When that relationship ends, wanting thoughtful aftercare for a reptile is no different from wanting thoughtful aftercare for a dog, cat, or other beloved companion.
For owners uncomfortable with flame cremation, Cremation by Water provides another choice.
Can I Get My Bearded Dragon's Remains Back?
Yes, when private aftercare is selected.
Private Aquamation allows the remaining mineral bone to be carefully processed and returned to the family.
Although commonly called "ashes," the material returned after Aquamation is primarily processed mineral bone.
For many reptile owners, having those remains returned provides a tangible way to continue honoring their companion.
What Do a Bearded Dragon's Ashes Look Like After Aquamation?
Because bearded dragons are relatively small animals, the quantity of mineral remains will naturally be much smaller than the amount returned from a large dog.
However, the differences between Aquamation and flame cremation still matter.
Aquamation generally produces mineral remains that are lighter and more naturally bone-colored because the bones have not been exposed to intense fire and combustion.
Traditional flame cremation can produce remains that appear darker or grayer.
Aquamation may also allow more of the available mineral bone to remain for return than flame cremation.
The exact amount naturally depends on the animal's size, age, skeletal development, and individual characteristics.
Can I Keep My Bearded Dragon's Remains in an Urn?
Yes.
Many families choose a small urn or memorial container for a reptile's mineral remains.
Others may choose to scatter or bury the remains somewhere meaningful.
Some owners eventually incorporate a small portion into memorial jewelry or another keepsake.
There is no correct way to memorialize a bearded dragon.
What matters is choosing something meaningful to you.
Can I Get a Bearded Dragon Footprint or Other Keepsake?
Depending on the condition and size of the animal, memorial keepsakes may be possible before aftercare begins.
Ask about options such as:
Ink impressions
Clay impressions when appropriate
Photographs
Other personalized memorial items
If a particular keepsake is important to you, mention it when making arrangements so the provider can determine what is possible before Aquamation begins.
Do I Have to Take My Bearded Dragon to a Veterinarian for Cremation?
No.
You can choose your own pet aftercare provider and contact the crematory directly.
Veterinarians, particularly exotic-animal veterinarians, may help families arrange aftercare.
But you are not necessarily required to use the provider associated with the veterinary practice.
If you specifically want Cremation by Water rather than traditional flame cremation, you can contact Soothing Streams Pet Services directly.
What If My Bearded Dragon Dies at the Veterinarian?
If your bearded dragon passes away or is euthanized at a veterinary hospital, tell the clinic if you have selected your own aftercare provider.
Ideally, do this before authorizing cremation arrangements through the veterinary practice.
Ask the clinic what arrangements are necessary for your selected provider to care for your companion.
You have the right to ask what will happen to your bearded dragon after they leave the veterinarian's care.
How Much Does Bearded Dragon Cremation Cost?
The cost can vary depending on the provider and the type of aftercare selected.
Important factors can include:
-
Private or communal aftercare
-
Transportation
-
Return of mineral remains
-
Urn or memorial container
-
Memorial keepsakes
-
Shipping or delivery when applicable
When comparing bearded dragon cremation prices, make sure you're comparing the complete service.
If having your companion's individual remains returned is important, specifically ask whether the quoted price is for private aftercare.
Where Can I Find Bearded Dragon Cremation Near Me?
Soothing Streams Pet Services provides Cremation by Water for bearded dragons and other reptiles from our Lawrenceville, Georgia location, serving families throughout Metro Atlanta and surrounding communities.
Families searching for:
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Bearded dragon Aquamation
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can contact Soothing Streams directly.
We serve families throughout Lawrenceville, Suwanee, Duluth, Buford, Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Atlanta, Gwinnett County, and surrounding Metro Atlanta communities.
Your Bearded Dragon Was a Pet Too
Reptile owners understand something other people sometimes don't.
A bearded dragon isn't simply an animal living inside a terrarium.
They become part of your daily life.
You turn on their lights in the morning.
You prepare their food.
You monitor their temperature.
You watch them bask.
You learn their expressions and behaviors.
You recognize when they're curious, comfortable, irritated, hungry, or simply watching what's happening around them.
Over years of caring for them, those small routines become part of your own routine.
And when they're suddenly gone, the empty enclosure can feel remarkably quiet.
Wanting meaningful aftercare for that relationship is completely understandable.
Up Until Now, You May Not Have Known Reptile Aquamation Existed
Most people associate pet cremation with dogs and cats.
And most people associate cremation itself with fire.
Unless someone tells you differently, how would you know?
Bearded dragons and other reptiles can receive professional aftercare.
And traditional flame cremation isn't the only option.
There is another choice.
Water instead of fire.
Approximately 204°F water instead of temperatures approaching 2,000°F.
No burning.
Lighter, naturally bone-colored mineral remains.
And the opportunity to have your companion's remains returned through private Aquamation.
Gentle Cremation by Water for Bearded Dragons
If your bearded dragon has died and you're wondering what to do next, contact Soothing Streams Pet Services.
We specialize in Cremation by Water, also known as Aquamation, for dogs, cats, reptiles, birds, and many other beloved companion animals.
From our Lawrenceville, Georgia location, we serve families throughout Metro Atlanta.
Your companion may have been small.
The relationship wasn't.
And when the time comes to decide how your bearded dragon will be cared for, you have another option.
Gentle Cremation by Water.