Discussion on this recently and on a search it appears the RCC does not have a definitive stance on this, although some claim they do…even recent popes such as John Paul and Francis have spoken out supposedly in favor of this being true. Thoughts?
My thought is that the Bible speaks of a new Heaven and a new Earth. If the new Earth has no animals, I would find it a strange place. I like animals, generally. My wife grew up on a farm. I hope there are animals on the new Earth.
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I hope there are animals too, it would be nice to find my dogs there.
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I have a co-worker who LOVES animals (probably more than she loves people) and she was devastated to find out that some Christians do not believe that there will be no animals in Heaven. I joked that I hope there is, because how else would we be able to eat fried chicken ; )
There was an early episode of “The Simpsons” where Bart and Lisa go to Sunday School and Lisa is told that animals do not go to Heaven and she left very disheartened.
From a theological perspective, animals are said to have limited souls and for this reason, may or may not be in Heaven.
I’ve heard others say that if God knows that animals will make you happy in the life thereafter, then He will give you animals in Heaven.
I look at it slightly differently. What if one’s love for animals is greater than their love for God? And what if one would not desire to be with God eternally in Heaven if there are no animals there?
What if, on the other hand, one’s hatred of animals would make Heaven with animals Hell for them?
And are we talking all animals, only cute, domesticated animals, or animal souls whom we ask God to save?
Animals are without sin, so no Hell for them. 
As for which animals would go there, yeah that is a slippery slope…like if so, where is the line drawn? Do reptiles get in? Fish? Insects (ugh I hope not)?
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I adore animals and hope and pray that my passed pets will be waiting for me in heaven. I pray for my pets. I was “bequeathed” with a little soul last week. Someone awful dumped a lab mix puppy on our land. Poor little thing was very dehydrated and skinny!
But folks, I had actually been praying that God would give me a little creature to love, preferably a cat! We could not find ANYONE nor ANYPLACE to take her! Soooo she is at our house, with no dog fence.
We found a faith based organization and we are fostering her through them. But I’m praying for God’s will to prevail for my little pup!
I believe that animals play an important part of our lives. So, I choose to believe that my 18 year old cat that passed 10 years ago, will be in heaven waiting for me. And that when I pass I will see this Precious pup again!
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I feel like our pug has taken ten years off my life. Our daughters are pretty good about taking care of her, but I would rather have no pets. I do not hate animals, I just don’t like extra unnecessary responsibilities (like a swimming pool, a boat, pets, etc.) My life will be greatly improved when either our daughter moves out and takes “Bella” with her or the other. I am more of a cat person. We had barn cats, outside dogs, and a couple evil rabbits growing up : )
My brother had a gerbil that ate its own offspring! I use this as an example when non-Christians try to argue that sąme-sęx attractions are natural, because we see them in rabbits and other animals. That’s when I tell them that my brother’s gerbil ate her own offspring, does this mean it is okay for human beings to eat their babies?
There are four creatures with animal faces in the Book of Revelation and believe them to be angels.
To answer, animals retain their characters, as Eternal, in God, in Heaven.
In animals I see God’s creation. They have souls and are loved by God as is all as creation. It isn’t possible to love creation more than the Creator because your love of His creation is love of Him. St Francis’ Canticle of the Sun expresses this perfectly.
The Highest, all powerful, good Lord,
Yours are the praises, the glory, the honour, and all blessing.
To You alone, The Highest, do they belong,
and no man is worthy to mention Your name.
Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun,
who brings the day; and you give light through him.
And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendour!
Of you, The Highest, he bears the likeness.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars,
in heaven you formed them clear and precious and beautiful.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Wind,
and through the air, cloudy and serene,
and every kind of weather through which you give sustenance to Your creatures.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water,
which is very useful and humble and precious and chaste.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Fire,
through whom you light the night and he is beautiful
and playful and robust and strong.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Mother Earth,
who sustains us and governs us and who produces
varied fruits with coloured flowers and herbs.
Praised be You, my Lord, through those who give pardon for Your love,
and bear infirmity and tribulation.
Blessed are those who endure in peace
for by You, The Highest, they shall be crowned.
Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death,
from whom no living man can escape.
Woe to those who die in mortal sin.
Blessed are those who will find Your most holy will,
for the second death shall do them no harm.
Praise and bless my Lord, and give Him thanks and serve Him with great humility.