Do Dogs Go to Heaven? A Compassionate Exploration for Grieving Pet Owners

Over 60% of US households include a pet, and many of us have felt the profound pain of losing an animal we love. The bond between humans and dogs is powerful—they’re family. So it’s only natural to long for a heavenly reunion.

If you’re wrestling with this issue after losing a cherished dog, cat, or other pet, you need to know that your grief is valid and that you’re not alone. This article will explore the theological question of whether our animal companions join us in heaven with gentleness, empathy, and biblical insight. 

What Does the Bible Say?

To understand whether we will see our cherished pets again, let’s look at what Scripture says about animals, heaven, and the relationship between humans and creatures. While the Bible doesn’t definitively answer this question, it provides important insights to consider prayerfully.

From the very beginning, animals have been part of God’s good world. Genesis tells us that God made sea creatures and birds on the fifth day of creation and declared them good. On the sixth day, He made land animals—and then humans—uniquely created in His own image.

Importantly, God gave humans dominion over the animals (Genesis 1:26). We’re called to care for and steward these creatures well. As Proverbs 12:10 says, “The righteous care for the needs of their animals.” 

This implies a special relationship and responsibility.  

A Peaceable Kingdom?

Some believe Isaiah 11:6-9 suggests animals will be present in the new heaven and earth. This passage describes a future time when “The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat . . . and a little child will lead them.” 

Predators and prey resting together peacefully evoke Eden before the Fall.  

Revelation 21:1 also speaks of a “new heaven and the new earth” with “no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” Could this idyllic new creation include the animals God called good from the beginning? It’s a comforting thought, especially for grieving pet owners.

The Power of the Human-Animal Bond

This question matters so much because of the deep bond people forge with their pets. Dogs, cats, and other animals enrich our lives with companionship, affection, and unconditional love. For many, they’re truly part of the family.

Pets show us a little of God’s lavishly loving, loyal character. And they rely on us, just as we rely on our heavenly Father. The human-animal connection is profound and meaningful. So, it’s natural that pet lovers long for an eternal reunion with their treasured companions.

Will Pets Be in Heaven?

While these Bible passages provide intriguing clues, they don’t definitively say whether our pets will join us in eternal life. As a result, respected Christian thinkers have come to different conclusions. 

Let’s take a look at some arguments on both sides.

The Case for Fluffy’s Heavenly Home

Some theologians believe that animals will be present in the new heaven and earth. C.S. Lewis, for example, once said of his beloved dog, “The theory I am suggesting … makes God the center of the universe and man the subordinate center of terrestrial nature: the beasts are not co-ordinate with man, but subordinate to him, and their destiny is through and through related to his.”

The idea is that because animals were part of God’s original unspoiled creation, they will also be part of the restored creation – the new heavens and earth. If our faithful companions aren’t there, it would feel like something important is missing from God’s perfect world. 

Other theologians, like John Wesley and Martin Luther, also affirmed the possibility of animals in heaven. Luther playfully envisioned his dog in the afterlife with “skin of gold and hair of pearls.” For these thinkers, God’s eternal “good creation” would naturally include the creatures He called good from the beginning.

A Different Theological Take

Not all Christian scholars agree that pets go to heaven, however. The main argument on this side is that the Bible never explicitly states that animals have eternal life. There’s no clear indication in Scripture that they have souls that persist after death like humans’ souls do.

Father Dan Klimek notes, “Church tradition, taking a cue from St. Thomas Aquinas, teaches that animals do not have eternal souls so they wouldn’t be present in the afterlife.” Humans alone are made in God’s image with a special spiritual nature. We alone can choose salvation.

Proponents of this view argue that the new heaven and new earth are about God restoring His relationship with humanity. The emphasis is on people’s eternal destiny, not animals. So, as much as we may love our pets, we shouldn’t expect to see them in heaven.

So, where does this leave Rover? 

The Bible doesn’t provide a definitive answer either way. We can’t know with certainty whether we’ll be greeted by wagging tails on the other side.

But here’s what we do know: God is infinitely wiser than we are. 

In heaven, His goodness and love will satisfy us completely. If our pets are part of His plan, we can trust He will make it so. And if not, the bliss of His presence will be more than enough.

As animal lovers, we may find it hard to imagine eternal happiness without our furry friends. But as an old saying goes, “If having your pets with you in heaven is necessary for your happiness, then God will surely make it so. But if He doesn’t, it will only be because He knows it’s unnecessary for your perfect joy in Him.”

The Heart of the Matter: Why It Means So Much 

If the theological debate feels a bit academic, that’s because, for many of us, this question is far more personal than theoretical. It springs from a place of deep love and equally deep loss.  

When I brought home my dog Laika, I had no idea how much she would change my life. She became my constant companion through career changes, moves, and the loss of my father. On days I could barely get out of bed, her wet nose and wagging tail reminded me I was loved. My bond with her was one of the purest loves I’ve ever known.

If you’re a pet owner, I’m guessing you understand. Our animals aren’t just creatures we care for—they’re dear friends and family members. They show us affection, loyalty, and unconditional acceptance that touches our souls. The connection is deeply intimate and meaningful.

So when the dreaded day comes to say goodbye, the pain is crushing. Losing a pet can feel like losing a part of yourself. The grieving process is as real and valid as with any loved one.  

If you’re experiencing that kind of grief, my heart goes out to you. It’s a hurt that only other animal lovers can truly understand. And it’s what drives us to ask the question we’ve been exploring—will we have a heavenly reunion with the creatures we love so dearly?  

Finding Peace in God’s Tender Care

While we can’t say definitively whether our pets will be with us in heaven, here are some eternal truths we can cling to:

First and foremost, God is sovereign and infinitely loving. He’s not arbitrary or capricious but tender and purposeful. We can trust His good plans for our lives and our pets’ lives. 

As Psalm 36:6 says, “[His] righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, LORD, preserve both people and animals.”

It’s also important to remember that no matter how wonderful animal companionship is (and it IS wonderful), an eternity with God will satisfy us completely. The Bible tells us that in His presence is fullness of joy, and at His right hand are pleasures forevermore. Heaven’s delights will be richer than we can fathom.

The chief joy of heaven will be God Himself. Being with Him face to face in unhindered relationships will fulfill the deepest longings of our souls in ways even our most cherished earthly loves can’t. While the idea of heaven without pets may seem incomplete, we can trust it will be more than enough.

And if our sovereign, loving God does choose to include animals in the new creation, that will be a beautiful bonus. We know He values and cares for His creatures—not even a sparrow falls to the ground apart from the Father, Jesus said. It’s not unthinkable that there may be some happy surprises on the other side.

Blessed Assurance for the Brokenhearted  

Dear friend, I pray these thoughts have comforted you as you grieve (or anticipate grieving) a beloved pet. We may not have a definite answer as to whether we’ll see them again. 

But we can find deep peace in truths we do know.

God understands how He made our hearts bond with animals and knows the pain of losing them. Whatever is ahead, we can trust His unshakeable care for us, for our cherished companions, and all His creation.

The Bible promises that one day, God Himself will wipe away every tear from our eyes—there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain. We can confidently look forward to that.