Do pets/animals go to heaven?

TL;DR:

The Bible does not specify whether pets or animals go to heaven; however they do not have the capacity to choose eternal life through Jesus Christ. Regardless, our joy in heaven will come from God's presence, and until then we can enjoy and care for our beloved pets.

what does the bible say?

Many of us are animal lovers. In fact, there is no doubt that our lives on earth are made richer and fuller by the presence of our animals and pets. Who can resist the joyfully wagging tails that our dogs greet us with when we come home? Or the furry warmth of a purring cat on our laps on a cold night? Who can look at a magnificent horse prancing around a pasture and not be awed by his strength and majesty? Clearly, the God-given breath of life resides in animals just as it does in man (Genesis 1:30, 6:17, 7:15, 22), and God declared that His creation of animals was good (Genesis 1:25). However, the Bible does not tell us specifically whether pets/animals have "souls" or whether they will be in heaven. Regardless, our ultimate joy in heaven will come from being in God's presence, and the absence of pets or loved ones will not diminish that joy (Revelation 21:4).

from the old testament

God gave animals the breath of life just as He did for humanity (Genesis 1:30, 6:17, 7:15, 22), and God declared that His creation of animals was good (Genesis 1:25).
Animals, however, were not created in the image of God. Mankind was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27) and has the capacity to choose eternal life in heaven through the plan of God to send His Son to pay for our sins on the cross. Animals have no such choice to make. So looking at it strictly theologically, animals will not be in heaven because they do not have the capacity to choose or reject the only access to heaven—Jesus Christ.
The Bible indicates that there will be animals during the millennial kingdom (Isaiah 11:6, 65:25). Whether they will include the animals and pets we knew or owned personally on earth is unknown.

from the new testament

There is no reason why there could not be animals on the new earth (Revelation 21:1), after the millennial kingdom.

implications for today

It is reasonable to say that the breath of life that exists in animals and pets has to go somewhere when they die, and many believe that it returns to the Creator. So, in that sense, the life of the animal returns to God when it leaves the animal's body. What form it takes when it returns to God, if it does, is unknown. There is no evidence in Scripture to affirm or deny this theory, but for those who have lost a pet, it provides great comfort. While we care for and enjoy animals as part of God’s creation, we are called to do so responsibly and with gratitude, recognizing them as a reflection of God's goodness. In heaven, with or without our animals, our ultimate joy will come from being in God’s presence. The absence of a beloved pet on earth will not reduce the bliss we will experience in heaven; and neither will the absence of a beloved friend or family member, for that matter. Our joy will come from being in the presence of God and the completely sinless state in which to enjoy His fellowship. There will be no tears in heaven, not even for those who have not joined us there (Revelation 21:4). Our joy in the presence of our Lord and Savior will be complete and unimpeded for eternity.

understand

The Bible doesn't say if pets go to heaven, as they cannot choose eternal life through Jesus.
Animals will be present in the millennial kingdom and may be present in the new earth.
Our joy in heaven will come from God's presence, not from the presence of pets or loved ones.

reflect

How do you view the relationship between caring for pets and recognizing them as part of God's creation?
How does the idea of pets not having eternal life through Jesus influence how you see them in your life today?
How does the assurance of joy in God's presence, regardless of the absence of pets, affect your perspective on heaven?

engage

How can we care for animals in a way that reflects God’s goodness and responsibility?
How do animals being in the millennial kingdom challenge or expand our understanding of God’s creation and future plans?
In light of Revelation 21:4, how can we comfort those grieving the loss of pets while emphasizing the fullness of joy found in God's presence?