Animals going to Heaven?

Big question for animal lovers so I like finding others' views on it.

Random picture of our bunny we called Bun Bun.

We’ve had the privilege of having many little—and not so little—animal beings bless us with their presence in this household over all these years. So, naturally, my girls attending bible studies and being of the super inquisitive sort during their ‘growing up years’, have always wanted to know if their animal “brothers and sisters” would be heading to Heaven when they pass from this ‘world’.

There never really seem to be a concrete answer, and everyone who participates in this conversation with us has one extreme take or another on it.

When I came across this particular page, I felt the need to share:

There is a passage in Genesis chapter 9, where God says:

I will demand an accounting from every animal. And from each man, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of his fellow man (Genesis 9:5).

Why would God hold animals to account if their lives are extinguished upon death? If there is an accounting for every animal, then it seems logical to assume that they will survive death and live beyond this world of flesh. If not, why would God hold them to account? We know that horses exist in heaven, for white horses arrive with Jesus and the armies of heaven at the Second Coming of Christ:

11Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses (Revelation 19:11-14).

I don't think horses are needed to get around in heaven, so I guess it is logical to assume that they are there for the sheer love of animals in heaven. As we have already said, the Bible says that the whole order of creation is changed after the Lord descends to earth. Little children will play with lions and snakes, and nothing will hurt them (Isaiah 11:8). If that is true for the new earth, why do we think heaven would be any different? I do believe that we will see our pets in heaven. I cannot imagine heaven to be without our beloved pets.

Here is the full page for you to peruse at your leisure: https://www.groupbiblestudy.com/enginsights/7.-answering-afterlife-questions

This whole page is worth reading. Mr. Thomas has a way of getting his points across in a way you actually understand what he’s saying. His website has become one of my favorites, and I hope it helps you on your journey!

God bless!