Will We See Our Pets in Heaven?

It may be sad to think about but, one day, every one of our pets will pass away. Some of you, like myself, may have already experienced the loss of a furry companion. The question many people ask is, will Fido or Meow-meow be in heaven after they die? Let’s see what the Bible says about it.

Whether we talk about humans or animals, it’s clear that we are all living creatures made by God. We have all been given the ‘breath of life.’ So, if that’s the case, do pets go to heaven?

Well, the answer isn’t really black and white. The Bible neither confirms nor denies that animals will be in heaven with us, but it’s important to take a look at Scripture to get a better understanding of what that answer may be.

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

Genesis 1:26

Nowhere in the verse does it say that God created animals in His image or likeness. That’s something God crafted only for humans. It shows that we hold a special place in God’s heart and hierarchy of importance. We are to also have complete dominion over all living creatures of the earth — including animals. That doesn’t just mean having total power and control over animals, but also a personal connection with them. That’s why we are able to form mutual bonds between specific animals, such as dogs and horses. It’s not man versus animals, but man with animals.

So, if man has dominion over animals, does this mean God does not care about them as much? Of course not.

Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them…

Matthew 6:26

God makes sure that all animals are taken care of by never going hungry or without some sort of home, but if we finish the verse, it states that humans are far more valuable than birds.

…Are you not of more value than they?

What we do know is that Heaven will be a place where humans will forever worship God and experience complete joy without any suffering. This is something animals cannot comprehend. Sure, your dog may be happy when he sees you or your cat may purr after a nice head scratch, but animals cannot comprehend the joy that only God can give someone. Dogs are generally happy with whatever you give them, but it’s not an everlasting joy.

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Revelation 21:4

Heaven is designed for you and me. That is why Christ said:

2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

Matthew 14:2–3

However, with all of this said, I also acknowledge that God can do whatever He wants, so if God wants animals to be in heaven, then He can definitely have animals in heaven. God gives us everything in life for us to enjoy, whether that’s money, a job, technology, relationships, trips, or even pets (1 Timothy 6:17). Having a pet cat, dog, bird, fish, hamster, or snake is for us to enjoy while living on this planet for a short amount of time. God asks us to care for the animals, and by showing love and compassion to them, we are showing our respect for God’s creations. Whether pets go to heaven or not, we must enjoy them while we can on earth.