About Ondara Pet Aftercare
A family-owned and operated business providing compassionate, environmentally-friendly pet aftercare services with complete transparency and dignity.
Our Story
"Ondara" comes from the Spanish word for "wave"—a gentle, natural force that returns everything to the earth in its purest form. It's the perfect metaphor for what we do: using water's gentle power through aquamation to honor your pet's life and return them to nature with dignity and care.
Across nearly 30 years as a Fire Captain and Paramedic, our founder's whole job has been being a calm, trustworthy presence for families in their hardest moments — showing up, telling the truth, and handling everything with care. Caring for your pet now is that same promise.
When our own family lost a beloved pet, we ran into the gap firsthand: aftercare handled by faceless third parties, unclear processes, hidden fees, and families left wondering what really happened to their companion.
Ondara was founded in 2025 to change that. Here, there are no third parties, no outsourcing, and no hidden costs. Our founder is personally involved in every pet's care, from the moment they arrive to the moment they return home. Every family gets a direct phone number. Every process is tracked and transparent. Every question gets an honest answer.
With consultation from veterinary professionals and extensive training in aquamation (including certifications in Pet Alkaline Hydrolysis, Pet Crematory Operations, and Pet Bereavement), we created the service we wished existed: one where families can trust that their pet is treated with the same dignity and compassion shown to human families for three decades.
Built for Boulder
Boulder has always been a community that values environmental stewardship, sustainability, and doing things the right way. When we chose to build Ondara here, it wasn't a coincidence—it was a natural fit.
Boulder's local regulations have long favored low-impact, water-based systems over traditional flame-based alternatives. This forward-thinking approach aligns perfectly with aquamation's gentle, eco-friendly process. By choosing a water-based facility, we're not just meeting regulations—we're embracing the same values that make Boulder the community it is.
Our facility at 2619 Spruce Street was designed from the ground up as a modern, low-impact pet aftercare center—one that uses 90% less energy than flame cremation, produces zero direct emissions, and returns your companion to nature as gently as Boulder's own mountain streams.
Why the Name "Ondara"?
"Ondara" comes from the Spanish word for "wave"—the gentle, rhythmic force of water that has shaped our planet for millions of years.
Like waves returning to the ocean, aquamation uses water's natural power to gently return your pet's body to its elemental form. It's a process that honors the cycle of life, respects nature, and treats your companion with the dignity they deserve.
The name reflects our philosophy: gentle, transparent, natural care. Just as waves are constant and reliable, so is our commitment to your family during this difficult time.
Our Core Values
Compassion First
We understand the profound bond between pets and their families. Every interaction is handled with empathy, respect, and genuine care.
Complete Transparency
No third parties. No hidden fees. No unclear processes. From pickup to return, every step is tracked and documented in real-time. You'll receive a direct phone number to our founder, and you can follow every stage of our care. Complete transparency isn't just a promise—it's how we operate.
Environmental Responsibility
Aquamation uses 90% less energy than cremation and produces no harmful emissions, making it the most eco-friendly choice for pet aftercare.
Community Partnership
We work closely with veterinary professionals and animal care providers to ensure seamless service and support for families in need.
What is Aquamation?
Aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation, is a gentle, eco-friendly form of cremation that uses water and alkali in place of flame. The process uses water, alkaline solutions, temperature, and natural biological processes to return your pet's body to nature.
The result is pure mineral ashes—up to 20% more than flame cremation—returned to you in the memorial urn or container of your choice.
90%
Less Energy Used
20%
More Remains Returned
Zero
Harmful Emissions
Our Facility
Our state-of-the-art facility in Boulder, Colorado at 2619 Spruce St is designed specifically for compassionate pet aftercare. We maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, security, and respect throughout our operations.
As a locally-owned business, we're proud to serve the Boulder community and surrounding areas with personalized care that only a family-run operation can provide. Our founder is personally involved in every aspect of our services, ensuring that your pet receives the compassionate, dignified treatment they deserve.
Certifications & Compliance
- • Colorado pet crematory license still pending (application submitted)
- • EPA environmental compliance certified
- • IAOPCC (International Association of Pet Cemeteries & Crematories) member
- • Regular third-party audits and inspections
Technology & Equipment
- • Advanced aquamation systems with private, partitioned, and communal options
- • QR code tracking for complete chain-of-custody
- • Climate-controlled storage and processing areas
- • 24/7 security monitoring
Tours once we open
We believe transparency builds trust, and once we open in early 2027 you're welcome to visit, see the equipment, and meet the people who will care for your pet. The building isn't ready for visitors yet, but we're glad to answer questions now.
Ask a QuestionProfessional Certifications & Affiliations
Our Professional Credentials
Industry Certifications
- • Certified Pet Alkaline Hydrolysis Operator
- • Certified Pet Crematory Operator (CPCO)
- • Pet Bereavement Certification Program (CANA)
Professional Memberships
- • International Association of Pet Cemeteries & Crematories (IAOPC)
- • Cremation Association of North America (CANA)
IAOPC Member
Ondara Pet Aftercare is a proud member of the International Association of Pet Cemeteries & Crematories (IAOPC). This membership demonstrates our commitment to adhering to the highest standards of professional ethics, service quality, and responsible pet aftercare practices.
What IAOPC Membership Means: As an IAOPC member, we follow strict industry standards for cremation practices, facility operations, and customer service. We're committed to transparency, proper identification procedures, and maintaining the dignity of every pet in our care.
Colorado State Licensing
Crematory License (Still Pending): Ondara Pet Aftercare has applied for licensure as a pet crematory in the State of Colorado; our application is still pending. We are building our operation to comply fully with all state and local regulations governing pet aftercare services.
Regulatory Compliance:
- • Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies oversight
- • Boulder County health and safety regulations
- • Environmental protection standards (EPA compliant)
- • Annual inspections and license renewals once licensed
License information available upon request. Contact us at Dave@Ondara.pet for verification.
Meet Our Founder & CEO
Dave Edler
Founder & CEO
You're going through something incredibly difficult right now. I want you to know — I understand. Across nearly 30 years as a Fire Captain and Paramedic, I have sat with families during the hardest moments of their lives. I delivered news no one wants to hear. I held space for grief when there were no words. And through all of it, I learned something that shaped everything I do today: what families need most during loss is someone they can trust completely.
When I lost my own pets over the years, I experienced firsthand how difficult it is to find aftercare that feels personal, transparent, and genuinely compassionate. Too often, families are left in the dark — uncertain about the process, unsure if their pet is truly being cared for individually, and dealing with impersonal service at the worst possible time. I founded Ondara to change that.
At Ondara, I am personally involved in every step of your pet's care. When you call, you reach me directly — not an answering service or a call center. I will walk you through every option honestly, answer every question you have, and make sure you feel supported from the very first conversation through the return of your pet's ashes. This is not just a business to me. It is a continuation of the work I have done my entire life — being there for families when it matters most.
You will not have to wonder, worry, or wait in the dark. You will know your pet is in gentle hands — every step of the way.
Professional Certifications & Memberships
Industry Certifications
- • Certified Pet Alkaline Hydrolysis Operator
- • Certified Pet Crematory Operator (CPCO)
- • Pet Bereavement Certification Program (CANA)
Professional Memberships
- • International Association of Pet Cemeteries & Crematories (IAOPC)
- • Cremation Association of North America (CANA)
Our operations benefit from consultation with Dr. Susan Edler, DVM, who provides veterinary guidance on animal care protocols and compassionate practices, ensuring every pet receives care that meets the highest medical and ethical standards.
"Your pet was your family. Your grief is real, and it deserves to be honored — not rushed, not minimized, and never forgotten."
— The Ondara Family
Our Commitment to You
Tier-Accurate Care
Every pet is handled in line with the tier you select — Private alone in an exclusive chamber, Individually-Partitioned with physical dividers, or Communal cared for together. Every pet receives the same respect and dignity throughout the process.
Direct Access to Our Founder
No automated systems, no runaround. Every family receives a direct phone number. When you call, you reach the person who's personally caring for your pet—not a call center or third party. You're never alone in this process.
Complete Communication
We keep you informed every step of the way with status updates, so you'll always know where your pet is in the process. After-hours messages are answered by 9 a.m. the next morning. After-hours, weekend, and holiday pickup is available by arrangement — we come to you. A higher transport rate applies.
Grief Support & Quality
We provide resources and compassionate support to help you through this difficult time. If you're not completely satisfied, we'll make it right.
Here to Help You
Whether you want opening updates or need to talk through your options, our compassionate team is here for you.