An Afterlife For Animals?

Results from the first study to systematically explore beliefs about animal afterlife were recently published in the journal Anthrozoös. The study, which surveyed 800 U.S. participants, found that 45 percent of pet owners believed in animal afterlife (compared to only 37.8 percent of non-pet owners). 59 percent of participants reported a belief in human afterlife and, of that 59 percent, 75 percent believed in animal afterlife as well.

The survey also found certain demographics more likely to believe animals have a life after death. Women, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Black/ African Americans, Buddhists, people living in the South, and pet owners are all more likely to believe in animal afterlife.

The researchers additionally discovered people held different beliefs for different animals. The leader of the study, Kenneth Royal of North Carolina State University, noted, “In general, dogs, cats, and horses were rated the most likely to experience an afterlife, whereas insects, fish, and reptiles were rated the least likely.”

For our part, we definitely hope our dogs will be waiting to greet us on the other side.