Author Confessions: Does it Matter if Pets Go To Heaven?

I figured I should address this, especially after I took over my blog on April 24th to do a book review because I don’t believe my dogs are sanctified. Oh, they are good pups to be sure, but I wonder: Does it matter if pets go to heaven?

Don’t cut me off just yet.

In recent years I’ve had to say good-bye to four dogs, and with each one, I wept, missed them, and kept looking for them. They live in on my memories, but I not entirely certain that dogs (or any pet) goes to heaven.

Scripture doesn’t mention it. God cares about every sparrow that falls though and all animals are created by Him. He mentions sparrows in Luke and Matthew.

Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.  Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

(Matthew 10:28-30)

Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God.  Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.

(Luke 12:6-7)

When I grieved the first of those dogs I put down, I had to take comfort in a few things:

• My dog(s) had been loved. Each one was a rescue and their last days, weeks, and months were filled with affection and love.
• My dog(s) had been well-cared for. Good food, medical care when needed, and fresh air and exercise.
• My care and love for that pet, mattered to God. Showing kindness to one of His creatures matters.

My pets were a blessing God used in my life:

• My dogs provided unconditional love–a reflection of their Creator.
• Every dog I’ve owned had their own distinct personality and quirks that delighted me. How much more does God delight in mine?
• One dog was my mainstay through a very painful experience and brought me support. The requirements of needing to maintain the daily care of that dog, kept me grounded when the ground in my life was shifting.

Here’s the main point I want to make: Heaven will be wonderful and God loves me and cares about my pets. Is it possible I would be reunited with all of them in Heaven? What a delight that would be. Having said that, heaven isn’t about reuniting with pets, or even people we’ve loved and miss terribly. It is all about Jesus and His kingdom. Being able to be in God’s presence should fill us with all the joy and delight we could ever want for eternity.

Here one earth, He is gracious enough to give us people to love, and pets to steward and care for, but nothing will be greater than being in His presence.

Is it wrong to talk about the “rainbow bridge”? Does it matter if pets go to heaven and to one plans to reunite with them there? My conclusion is no. However, God knows our hearts and if any one person or animal is more important that He is, we are living in idolatry. He longs to be first in our hearts in every way. God cares for our pets and whether or not I believe my dogs will be in heaven, isn’t as important as knowing the God who loves them more than I do, loves me too.

That should be enough.