A wagging tail at the door, comforting licks when you’re down, and a playful spirit when you’re having a tough day—our dogs hold a special place in our hearts. When we lose a pet, it hurts like we’ve lost a dear family member. When the love of our animals meets the mystery of death, we start wondering if we’ll see them again.
Will There Be Dogs in Heaven?
Have you ever wondered if our pets go to Heaven when they die? Let’s start with the broader question of whether we will see animals in Heaven. The Bible describes an enticing image, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared” (Revelation 21:1). This new, beautiful version of our world will remind us of the old world but it will be so much better. Would we recognize this new world if animals weren’t there?
When God created animals, He said they were “good.” Genesis 1:25 says, “God made all sorts of wild animals, livestock, and small animals… And God saw that it was good.” If God thought animals were good when He made them, then it’s likely they would make the new earth even better.
Do Animals Have Souls?
The Bible describes how animals have the “breath of life” (Genesis 1:30) just like humans do. But when we look at Genesis 2:7, we see a difference.
“Then the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.”
Humans have the breath of life, but also the unique touch of God Himself. And there’s another important detail. God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us” (Genesis 1:26). This means humans were made to reflect God’s image, something not said about animals.
So, while animals share some things with us, like the breath of life, they weren’t made in God’s image. Does this mean they don’t have souls? We can’t say for sure, but it’s something to consider. No matter what, it’s clear that God had a plan for dogs and the rest of the animal kingdom when He created them.
Do Pets Go to Heaven?
God loves us and has made a special place in Heaven for us. Jesus said, “There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:2). This place will have everything we need to be happy forever.
But what about our pets? Will they be in Heaven with us? The answer isn’t clear, but we know that God knows us better than we know ourselves. If He thinks we need our dogs to be happy in Heaven, then they’ll be there.
However, if our pets aren’t in Heaven, we shouldn’t worry. Revelation 21:4 tells us, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” So, if our pets aren’t there we know we won’t be sad about it.
What About You?
Will you be in Heaven to find out? In the end, we can trust God. He loves us and our pets. God created them, cares for them, and can’t forget them—so our dogs are important to Him. God’s plan for Heaven is perfect and, most importantly, it includes you. 1 Timothy 2:4 says God “wants everyone to be saved.” It continues, Jesus “gave His life to purchase freedom for everyone” (1 Timothy 2:6).
