Please help us share God's truths and hope in Christ.

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?

***For in-depth answers to some of the most challenging Bible questions, Visit

Christian apologists Alex McFarland and Shari Abbott answer some of life's many questions concerning the gospel, faith, and the Bible by sharing Truth for a New Generation and Reasons for Hope found only in Jesus. For more information about apologist, evangelist, author, and religion and culture analyst, Alex McFarland, visit www.alexmcfarland.com. For more information about Shari Abbott, executive director of Reasons for Hope* Jesus, click here.


Truth for a New Generation (TNG) serves nationwide, featuring a multi-year conference tour and student-led club program to equip teenagers, parents, grandparents, and others who lead them to live for God. TNG's mission is to creatively communicate a compelling Christian worldview to the next generation by giving answers to tough questions, based on the truths of Scripture, and to build up the Body of Christ to stand strong and boldly proclaim the gospel in the world. For more information and resources visit www.truthforanewgeneration.com.

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***A Hidden Message in Psalm 23?***  

Hidden in the six verses of Psalm 23 are 11 names for Jesus.  When you subscribe to our newsletter, we’ll send you The Names of God in Psalm 23 PDF that reveals all 11 names and Scripture verses of comfort and hope (link will be sent in your confirmation email).

A Room with a View of Eternity—The Last Will & Testament of Jesus Christ   Take a seat at the Master's table. Learn about the riches He gives to all who are His. This book will bless and encourage you, give you hope, and help you live in the joy of your salvation and the riches of Christ that are yours.

The Top Ten Got Questions? in 2023 

  1. The Meaning of NUMBERS in the Bible?
  2. Was Jesus CRUCIFIED on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday?
  3. How was Jesus Like a Worm? What’s the CRIMSON (OR SCARLET) WORM in Psalm 22?
  4. How are the Shepherd’s ROD and STAFF Different?
  5. How long did JOB SUFFER?
  6. What is the Significance of the Wise Men's THREE GIFTS? And were they kings?
  7. Did The Wise Men Arrive 12 DAYS AFTER JESUS’ BIRTH? Or Was It Much Later?
  8. Jesus’ Last Days TIMELINE: the Cross and the Resurrection
  9. The Meaning of COLORS in the Bible?
  10. Did Jesus Fight Satan to Take Back the KEYS of Death and Hell?

There is much to be learned from those who have gone before us in the faith.  Check out our Cloud of Witnesses category that features the words of departed saints who are now with the Lord in glory.  Their words equip and encourage us even to this day.  Take a few minutes to hear...

  1. ONLY ONE LIFE, Twill Soon Be Past – by C.T. Studd (1860 – 1931)
  2. “The Love of God is Greater Far” by Frederick M. Lehman (1917)
  3. Prayers from Billy Graham
  4. Who Was Robert Robinson? What’s the Story Behind “Come Thou Fount”
  5. “Immanuel” — A Poem by Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)
  6. Who Am I? A Poem by Deitrich Bonhoeffer (1905-1945)
  7. Understanding the Everlasting Arms of God, by J.R. Miller (1840–1912)
  8. 24 Reasons Why I Love America, by John Wayne (1907-1979)
  9. Give Me Perpetual Broken-heartedness (from The Valley of Vision)
  10. Abide with Me, by James Smith, 1859

This remains one of our most popular pages viewed.

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TOP TEN Videos from Reasons for Hope* Jesus
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