CCP172: On Whether Pets Will Be in Heaven

Nov 7, 2025

The hosts dive into a thought-provoking discussion on whether our beloved pets will join us in Heaven. They clarify that animals lack the human soul necessary for salvation, yet consider their potential presence in a joyful afterlife. Three arguments for and against this idea are outlined, alongside guidance on how churches can offer support to grieving pet owners. Insights on the stewardship of animals and creation care also emerge, making for a rich exploration of spirituality and pet love.

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ANECDOTE

Loss Of A Friend's Dog Sparks The Topic

Alexis introduces the episode after friends lost a beloved dog and questions whether pets go to heaven.
She frames the issue by comparing pet loss comfort to human assurances about seeing believers in heaven.

INSIGHT

Animals And Salvation Distinct From Humans

Animals do not have souls like humans and will not be saved through Christ as humans are.
Everything you need for perfect joy in heaven will be present, and that could include animals or pets.

INSIGHT

Three Arguments For And Against Animals In Heaven

Classic arguments both support and oppose animals in the new creation, drawing on Scripture, visions, and God's care.
Even if animals return, Scripture gives no guarantee that every current pet will be individually present.

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In this week's conversation between Dr. James Emery White and co-host Alexis Drye, they discuss how when someone dies, those who call themselves Christ followers often find comfort in the thought that we'll see them again in Heaven (assuming, of course, that our loved one had a relationship with Jesus). But can we say the same thing about our beloved pets? Will we see them in Heaven?

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Too often, this question is framed in such a way that people are essentially asking whether animals have a soul akin to humans, and therefore can they be saved. To that, the answer is, “No.” Biblically, theologically, no, they don't have souls. But there's for sure more to it than that. Dr. White wrote a recent blog on this same topic that you might be interested in reading HERE.

When it comes to animals and their presence on Earth, the conversation led to a discussion of creation, and specifically creation care. Dr. White did a series at Mecklenburg Community Church that you should check out if you'd like to go deeper on this topic. You can find that series HERE. Dr. White also mentioned a book that he found to be very helpful related to the series titled Stewards of Eden: What Scripture Says About the Environment and Why It Matters written by Sandra L. Richter.

Finally, Alexis referenced an article from The Washington Post about churches wading into the waters of things related to pets and grieving pet owners. You can read the article “Will My Dog Be in Heaven? Why Grieving Pet Owners Turn to Religious Groups” by Michelle Boorstein HERE.

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