Do Animals Go to Heaven?

When I was growing up I was told that animals didn't have souls and therefore wouldn't be in Heaven, but as an adult I've done a lot of research and a lot of thinking on this controversial subject. I've developed a deep understanding of the love of God and the love He has for the animals of this earth. God loves all of the animals He has created, and I've always found it difficult to believe that animals aren't in Heaven and their lives end upon the death of their physical bodies.

Although I respect the beliefs of fellow Christians, I have an explanation and an answer for anyone who says our animals won't be in Heaven when we pass on to everlasting life. I dearly love all of the animals I've cared for during my lifetime - from the wild birds and squirrels that visit my feeders to my precious pets, and I expect all of my beloved pets to be waiting for me in Heaven when my life on earth is through. Specific passages in the Holy Bible tell us that animals are in Heaven, and this is a comfort to those who want to know they'll see their beloved pets again.

Animals Mentioned in Heaven

God dearly loves all of the animals of the earth, and the following Bible passage specifically mentions animals in heaven. Isaiah 65:25 says, "The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the Lord."

The Book of Revelation 5:13 also mentions animals in heaven. It says, "And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever."