Do Pets Go to Heaven?

This question probably enters the mind of every pet owner, especially when they lose a beloved pet companion. We have pets that have personalities and feelings, and can think and reason.

We do know the Bible indicates that animals will exist after His return and at the beginning of the millennial kingdom (Isaiah 11:6; 65:25). Here is the Word of God declaring that animals will still exist in the future, after Christ’s reign begins. Ecclesiastes mentions that there is a "spirit" in man but also in animals in (3:19, 21) but this does not necessarily mean that it is an eternal spirit.

The most general point is….The Bible does not give any explicit teaching on whether pets/animals have "souls" or whether pets/animals will be in heaven. However, we can use general biblical principles to develop some clarity on the subject.

The Bible states that both man (Genesis 2:7) and animals (Genesis 1:30; 6:17; 7:15, 22) have the breath of life.

The primary difference between human beings and animals is that humanity is made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27), while animals are not.

Being made in the image and likeness of God means that human beings are like God, capable of spirituality, with mind, emotion, and will, and they have a part of their being that continues after death. If pets/animals do have a "soul" or immaterial aspect, it must therefore be of a different and lesser "quality." This difference possibly means that pet/animal "souls" do not continue in existence after death.

Another factor to consider is that animals are a part of God’s creative process in Genesis. God created the animals and said they were good (Genesis 1:25). Therefore, there is no reason why there could not be animals on the new earth—(Permanent Heaven) see Revelation 21:1. As mentioned, there will most definitely be animals during the millennial kingdom (Isaiah 11:6; 65:25). It is impossible to say definitively whether some of these animals might be the pets we had while here on earth.

So, where does that leave us? It leaves us with the truth—the Bible is NOT DEFINATIVE regarding an afterlife for animals.

However, we do have one hope. The key passage for this question does not deal with animals directly, but rather God’s promise to those who inherit God’s kingdom—those people who have gotten right with God and will go to heaven themselves. See Corinthians chapter 2 ….."Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him."

Obviously, what God has prepared for us is wonderful beyond comprehension. Therefore, love your pets as much as you can while they are here. Those of us who go to heaven will later understand that everything worked out perfectly regarding our pets.

Because we know God is just when we get to heaven we will find ourselves in complete agreement with His decision on this issue, whatever it may be.

A Final Word: It is pointless to ponder the question of whether your pet goes to heaven if you yourself are not there. Decide today to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and have the full assurance that you can go to heaven and receive eternal life.

Contact me at tsmiley@lakewoodlife.org to learn more about "How to be Assured of Heaven".