NCCG.ORG NCCG.ORG, FAQ 282: Are There Animals in Heaven?

Isn't it interesting that most Christians believe there are plants and trees in heaven (like the Tree of Life) and yet some say that animals have no souls like human beings and so aren't immortal. Do they believe that plants have immortal souls, then, but not animals? Is an apple tree of more worth than a horse?

The Bible teaches that "all flesh shall see the salvation of God" (Lk.3:6) and that "all the living things in creation - everything that lives in the air, and on the ground, and under the ground, and in the sea" will praise Yahweh and the Lamb" (Rev.5:13). God's care and love extends to even the humble sparrow (Lk.12:6) and He has promised that He will restore all living things (Ac.3:21; Eph.1:10). Death as a whole will be annulled or abolished (1 Cor.15:25-26; 2 Tim.1:10) and the whole creation will be renewed (Rev.21:4-5). The resurrection will affect all celestial (heavenly) creatures and all terrestrial (earthly) ones (1 Cor.15:35-42). There will be a world-wide restoration of all life in its perfect frame - the curse pronounced by God after the Fall will be reversed - parasites will no longer live a parasitical lifestyle, carnivorous animals will become vegetarians, and all will be at peace. I suppose the renewed animal life will be very different from what we see today.

So, yes, I firmly believe your late pets are alive in the spirit world awaiting the resurrection. The Word of God does not seem to suggest any other scenario. And I myself have seen a pet dog in heaven - in a vision many years ago. Her name was Josephine and I saw that she was perfectly happy where she was and looking forward to our reunion. That was over 20 years ago.