Where do animals go when they die?

Question

No, this is not a question for myself...it's for someone I know..., since, I don't know how to answer. So, don't tell me about all that junk people pile up.

Answer 1

I hope it's heaven. But there is really no way of knowing until we get to heaven ourselves - it's entirely up to God either way. Animals certainly do have personality, but God might want to reserve our focus in the afterlife to people-only. Whether our pets join us or not, God will make sure that there will be no sadness over it.

Answer 2

The Bible does not give any specific teaching on whether pets / animals have “souls” or whether pets / animals will be in heaven. However, we can take some general Scriptural principles and shed some light on the subject. The Bible states that both man (Genesis 2:7) and animals (Genesis 1:30; 6:17; 7:15,22) have the breath of life. The primary difference between human beings and animals is that man is made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27). Animals are not made in the image and likeness of God. Being made in the image and likeness of God means that human being are like God, capable of spirituality, with mind, emotion, and will - and - have an aspect of being that continues after death. If pets / animals do have a “soul” or immaterial aspect, it must therefore be of a different and lesser "quality." This difference probably means that pet / animal “souls” do not carry on after death.



Another factor to consider in this question is that God did create animals as a part of His creative process in Genesis. God created the animals and said they were good (Genesis 1:25). Therefore, there is no reason why there could not be animals on the new earth (Revelation 21:1). There will most definitely be animals during the millennial kingdom (Isaiah 11:6; 65:25). It is impossible to say definitively whether some of these animals might be pets we had while here on earth. We do know that God is just and that when we get to Heaven we will find ourselves in complete agreement with His decision on this issue, whatever it may be.

Answer 3

In my experience, the back garden.......there is no predjudice there! Dogs, cats, horses (under the chestnut tree with a JCB believe it or not), hamsters, mice and gerbils. If you are spiritually minded, can you imagine an after life without some of your best friends? In my experience my Jess ( a Battersea special) is still here, it's up to the individual really. I think you if you have a connection then that person or partner they are with you constantly.If your friend has just lost a pet or furry companion the grieving process can be as long as for that of a family member, FACT. I hope that wasn't too much junk.

Answer 4

The same place you're gonna go. To the incinerator, or to the ground. They dug up Tut 3000 years after he died, and was left with all the things he would "need in the next life". He was still there, and so were all the things he "needed" so badly. Guess there was no "next life". If there was, would he be so inconsiderate as to not use the things that were so carefully left there for him? Could he enter into his "next life" and not "need" these things? He never moved an inch, and he never used any of this stuff. I think 3000 years is a fair test. Get ready......

Answer 5

This is a very good question. But only God can answer this one correctly. I am not sure He is on Yahoo! Below, for what its worth is my musing on this difficult subject.

Hindu philosophy believes in re-incarnation and a progression of every living soul from one life form to another. The popular belief is in the gradual evolution from lower forms of life (simple bacteria) to more complex forms and eventually to humans.

Thereafter man is just re-born again and again into the world - probably because he just can'thave enough of it.

The problem says Buddhism is that life is full of existential suffering. Therefor man's quest in this life should be to find a way to break out of this cycle of birth, suffering and death and evolve into the next plane of existence, a heavenly plane of peace, joy and bliss.

What do you think ?

Answer 6

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown

Answer 7

Men see in animals part of God’s generous provision for human welfare. Animals have served man as burden bearers, as sources of food and clothing, as sanitation agents, and as helpers in the vital activities of plowing and harvesting. Their variety of form and color has delighted his eye; their habits and instincts have been and still are an extensive field for inquiry into the marvels of God’s creative work. Though animals die in the same manner as man, they do not share his hope of a resurrection.—2Pe 2:12;

Animals were created with a limited life span, humans had the prospect of living on earth forever. (Genesis 3:22, 23; Psalm 37:29) Jesus Christ said that to enjoy “everlasting life,” we must exercise faith and take in knowledge of God—things that animals are incapable of doing. (John 3:36; 17:3)

God created animals for the sake of humans. Animals can help them do their work and can serve as their companions or pets. They also serve to magnify God’s love and wisdom.

The Creator gave life to both humans and animals. But for how long were they to continue to live? Scientists report that humans seem to have the potential of endless life, so that investigators are perplexed as to why man dies. The Bible gives the reason. It says that the Creator gave the first humans the opportunity of living forever. Death came only because they rebelled. (Gen. 2:17; 3:17-19; Rom. 5:12) What, though, of animals? They are not capable of conscious rebellion against God; yet they live only for a length of time and then die. Hence, it is clear that the Creator never purposed that individual animals live forever. For them death was natural.—2 Pet. 2:12.

Answer 8

The afterlife has 7 spheres...spreading from the first nearest the earth plane and elevating to the 7th sphere of spirituality. The animals find the same conditions on sphere 1 as on earth and can enjoy the love and attachment of earth connections.

Answer 9

Pet Heaven

Answer 10

This is not addressed in scripture. Several excellent biblical authors have addressed particular passages noting that at times there are indicators that animals will be in heaven and other passages that indicate our pets will not join us. I'm happy to share the info - just msg me. Believe what you choose since we cannot be certain and will be at peace with it either way once we're in heaven. God assures us of that! God bless you. ~Nisa