Do All Dogs Go To Heaven

We love our pets and we think of them as family members. It only stands to reason, then, that we would want to see our dogs in Heaven just like we’re going to see our dearly departed family members later in Heaven. Whether or not pets are allowed entry into Heaven has been the subject of debate for years. Everyone has his or her own opinion. There are varying interpretations of the Bible to support each view. In this article, we will explore the opposing viewpoints of the question of whether or not dogs go to heaven when they die.

One Point of View: Dogs do not go to heaven.

While this is not the answer that most people want to hear, it’s not very likely that we’ll see our pets in Heaven. There is no mention of pets running around in heaven in the Bible. While there isn’t any direct language concerning dogs or cats in Heaven, the Bible does have a lot to say about what to expect after we die, so we can draw from what it says about heaven and its purpose.

Heaven exists for those people who chose Jesus as their Lord and Savior and allows them to live with Him in eternity. Animals cannot make choices and don’t have souls, so their fate would be different than that of humans.

One Point of View: Dogs do go to heaven.

Agreeing with the above viewpoint, the Bible was written for the salvation of man and doesn’t specifically address whether not dogs are going to get into Heaven. The Bible does state; however, that there will be animals in Heaven. Therefore, one can assume that because a dog is an animal, that dogs would be part of the animal group in Heaven.

The argument here is that Heaven is described as perfection – a place where no sadness or misery exists. If it would make us sad to be there without our previous pets, then it stands to reason that our dogs would have to be there to save us from sadness and suffering.

Although the author of The Rainbow Bridge poem is unknown, we’ve included it below as another viewpoint on this subject.

Rainbow Bridge

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 that 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, someone who was 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 begins to quiver. Suddenly, he breaks from the group, flying over the green grass, 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 those trusting eyes, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together.