Will Our Pets Go To Heaven?

Question: I have heard the saying “all dogs go to heaven”, but animals don’t have a soul. Still, do our beloved pets go to heaven when they pass, and will we see them again? It is truly difficult to lose a pet because they become like family. My wife is a dog groomer, and we have seen numerous people lose their dogs, and it is always difficult to offer words of comfort. Also, we have an aging dog who one day will pass on, so I’m trying to find comfort for myself and my family with an answer ( if there is one).

Our Response

While we all hope that our beloved pets will go to Heaven, we must look at what information the Bible gives to determine if they will.  Sadly, we find there is no biblical support to suggest animals (domesticated or wild) will go to Heaven.

We agree that the pain of losing a pet is great.  Therefore, the best we can offer in comfort is to remind people to hold on to the memories that will make them smile.  A great sentiment to focus on memories, rather than on seeing the pet again, is: “No longer by our side, but forever in our hearts.”

Many times people will say, “it WON’T be Heaven if my DOG isn’t there.”  That is, of course, not true.  It WILL be Heaven because our GOD is there.  We certainly wish our pets might be there, but we can only reason from what the Bible teaches.  Be a Berean and search the Scriptures (Acts 17:11).  If you find anything to support pets going to Heaven, please let us know.  We would love to be wrong on this, but for now, we stand on what we have found Scripture to reveal.

This question has been asked before and answered with Scripture in Reasons for Hope*Jesus’ Got Questions category.  Read: Do our pets go to Heaven when they die?

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