Do Animals Go To Heaven?

What happens to our sweet pets when they die? Will we see them again? It’s a fair—and deeply personal—question. Some say yes. Others say no. But what does God’s Word say?

Let’s take a closer look.

Solomon once wrote: “Surely the fate of human beings is like that of the animals... All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return. Who knows if the human spirit rises upward and if the spirit of the animal goes down into the earth?” (Ecclesiastes 3:19–21 (NIV)

Interpretation: This passage suggests that animals have a “spirit” (Hebrew ruach), but it leaves the eternal fate of that spirit open-ended. It seems Solomon is pondering, not declaring.

The Author of Genesis says: “And to all the beasts of the earth... I give every green plant for food.” — Genesis 1:30

Interpretation: Animals are part of God’s original design—created, sustained, and called very good along with everything else in creation (Genesis 1:31).

Isaiah gave us a glimpse of what’s to come: “The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat... and a little child will lead them.” (Isaiah 11:6–9; 65:25)

Interpretation: In this prophetic vision of a renewed world, animals are present—and at peace. Some see this as evidence that God includes them in His future kingdom.

The Apostle Paul adds to the picture: “For the creation waits in eager expectation... the whole creation has been groaning...” (Romans 8:19–22)

Interpretation: All creation—including animals—is longing for redemption. That longing suggests they too may have a place in God's renewal.

John, when describing heaven, wrote: “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse... The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses.” (Revelation 19:11, 14)

Interpretation: There are animals in heaven—at least symbolically. While it doesn’t confirm whether your specific pet is there, it does show that God’s heavenly realm includes creatures.

Do animals have souls? The Hebrew word nephesh (soul/life) is used for both humans and animals (Genesis 1:20; 2:7). They breathe and live because of God. But only humans are made in His image (Genesis 1:27), capable of moral choice, repentance, and salvation.

Will there be animals in the New Heaven and Earth? Revelation 21–22 describes an Eden-like restoration. And since animals were part of Eden, many theologians believe they’ll be part of the renewed world as well.

Does God even care about animals? Absolutely. He saved them in the ark, gave them rest in the Sabbath command (Exodus 20:10), and takes note when even a tiny sparrow falls (Matthew 10:29). He created them, and He cares.

But here’s the final biblical truth: “...that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

Only people are invited into salvation—because only humans can believe, repent, and be redeemed. Animals are not moral beings. They aren’t sinners needing salvation.

So, will your pet be in heaven? The Bible doesn’t say for sure. But we do know this: animals matter to God. He created them, He delights in them, and He promises to restore all things. If He included them in the first paradise, it’s not a stretch to imagine they’ll be part of the next.

LORD, it’s just amazing how much truth is in your words. It has so much direction for us. All we have to do is desire to know it, dig in and learn. Help us have discernment and always seek your word for wisdom, direction and peace. You are truly amazing. IJNIP amen ♥️