Do animals go to heaven?

Dear Chaplain: I’m wondering if animals go to heaven? My parents had to put my dog to sleep and I’m so sad. It would make me feel better to know that he’s in a good place and I’ll see him again one day. — Signed, Missing My Buddy Dear Missing My Buddy: Thanks so much for your question. It’s one that has sparked many debates among religious people around the world for centuries. There isn’t a clear cut answer on the subject, therefore I will give you an answer based on my interpretation of the Bible, which may differ from other answers you may find or receive.

Is there a dog heaven where all dogs go in the afterlife? I don’t believe so. I do not believe God has a separate heavenly place for dogs or any other type of animal when they die. We read in the Bible that animals were an intricate, purposeful part of creation, and they were created to live together with God, humans and other animals on earth, for our companionship and enjoyment. So I can’t imagine they wouldn’t serve the same purpose in eternity. In fact, God never intended for animals to die. Like humans, they were created to live forever, but when mankind fell into sin and received a death sentence it affected all of creation and all that they had dominion over, including the animals.

But unlike humans, when animals pass on I don’t believe they will go through a judgement where they will receive a reward for deeds done on earth like we will, because they can’t choose right or wrong, which leads me to further believe they will not receive an eternal punishment either.

When our pets and animals die, it’s my belief that they will be elevated to a heavenly place, and eventually be with believers in eternity where there will be a new heaven and a new earth, as it says in Revelation 21:1. And I believe not only will we continue to be companions and enjoy God and one another, but I also believe we will all praise God together, as it says in Psalms 145:2, “My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, And all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever.” It’s no wonder that almost every animal was born with a voice box!

Do animals go to heaven? I believe this age old question is best answered in a prophetic vision of our future given to us in Isaiah 11:6-9, “The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the cobra’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” Be of good courage, the Lord is merciful and just, and through faith in him, we have hope and a future.