While the Bible doesn’t specifically talk about “pets” the way we understand them today, it does say a lot about animals and how we are to treat them. Pets are part of God’s creation, and their presence often brings comfort, joy, and companionship. Scripture reflects God’s love and care for all His creatures, reminding us that animals have value and that kindness toward them reflects a heart of compassion. Below are seven themes supported by Bible verses that help us understand God’s view on animals, including the pets we love and care for.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Pets Dying
God Cares for All Creatures
From the birds of the air to the cattle in the field, God shows His care for every living creature. This tells us that our pets are not forgotten or unimportant to God. He created them with intention and sustains them daily. Knowing that God loves and provides for animals helps us recognize their worth and encourages us to care for them as He does.
Matthew 10:29
“What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.”
Psalm 147:9
“He gives food to the wild animals and feeds the young ravens when they cry.”
Job 12:10
“For the life of every living thing is in his hand, and the breath of every human being.”
Psalm 36:6
“Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the ocean depths. You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.”
Luke 12:6
“What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them.”
Animals Are Part of God’s Creation
In the beginning, God created animals and declared them good. They were part of the world He lovingly designed, and they play a role in its beauty and balance. Pets, as domesticated animals, are a part of this creative plan. They enrich our lives and serve as reminders of God’s creativity, generosity, and the joy found in His creation.
Genesis 1:24-25
“Then God said, ‘Let the earth produce every sort of animal…’ And God saw that it was good.”
Genesis 2:19
“So the Lord God formed from the ground all the wild animals and all the birds of the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would call them.”
Psalm 104:24
“O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures.”
Nehemiah 9:6
“You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens and the earth, the seas, and everything in them. You preserve them all.”
Revelation 4:11
“For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.”
We Are Called to Care for Animals
God entrusted humanity with the responsibility to care for His creation, including animals. This stewardship involves kindness, respect, and protection of those who cannot speak for themselves. Our care for pets is a reflection of God’s heart, who watches over even the smallest creature. These verses show that godly living includes compassion for all of God’s living beings.
Proverbs 12:10
“The godly care for their animals, but the wicked are always cruel.”
Exodus 23:12
“You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but on the seventh day you must stop working. This gives your ox and your donkey a chance to rest.”
Deuteronomy 25:4
“You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.”
Genesis 1:28
“Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals.”
Jonah 4:11
“But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people… not to mention all the animals! Shouldn’t I feel sorry for such a great city?”
Animals Show God’s Glory
The beauty and variety of animals reflect the creativity and power of their Maker. Pets display affection, loyalty, and even playfulness—all qualities that mirror aspects of God’s character. Observing animals can stir our hearts to worship, reminding us of the goodness and greatness of our Creator. Scripture often points to animals as evidence of God’s handiwork and wisdom.
Job 12:7-9
“Just ask the animals, and they will teach you. Ask the birds of the sky, and they will tell you… For they all know that my disaster has come from the hand of the Lord.”
Psalm 148:10
“Wild animals and all livestock, small scurrying animals and birds.”
Isaiah 43:20
“The wild animals in the fields will thank me—the jackals and owls too—for giving them water in the desert.”
Psalm 104:21
“Then the young lions roar for their prey, stalking the food provided by God.”
Psalm 150:6
“Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Helping the Poor
Animals Can Teach Us Lessons
Scripture sometimes uses animals as examples for humans to learn from. Whether it’s the diligence of ants, the innocence of doves, or the strength of a horse, God uses animals to communicate truth. Our interactions with pets can also teach us about loyalty, trust, patience, and love—values that align with a godly life. These verses encourage us to learn from God’s creatures.
Proverbs 6:6
“Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise!”
Matthew 10:16
“Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.”
Isaiah 1:3
“Even an ox knows its owner, and a donkey recognizes its master’s care—but Israel doesn’t know its master.”
Jeremiah 8:7
“Even the stork that flies across the sky knows the time of her migration… But not my people!”
Job 39:19
“Have you given the horse its strength or clothed its neck with a flowing mane?”
God Uses Animals for His Purposes
Throughout the Bible, God uses animals to fulfill His plans. From Balaam’s donkey to the ravens feeding Elijah, animals have played key roles in God’s story. This reminds us that our pets are not just companions—they are part of a bigger story. Their presence in our lives can be used for comfort, protection, and even spiritual encouragement.
Numbers 22:28
“Then the Lord gave the donkey the ability to speak. ‘What have I done to you that deserves your beating me three times?’ it asked Balaam.”
1 Kings 17:6
“The ravens brought him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he drank from the brook.”
Jonah 1:17
“Now the Lord had arranged for a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was inside the fish for three days and three nights.”
Genesis 8:1
“But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and livestock with him in the boat. He sent a wind to blow across the earth, and the floodwaters began to recede.”
Mark 1:13
“Jesus was out among the wild animals, and angels took care of him.”
Hope for Animals in Eternity
While the Bible does not give a detailed explanation of animals in the afterlife, it does give us hope. Creation itself looks forward to being restored. The peace and harmony in God’s future kingdom will include animals, symbolizing His complete redemption. Many believe this offers hope that our beloved pets, created by God, may have a place in that renewed world as well.
Romans 8:21
“The creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay.”
Isaiah 11:6
“In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together; the leopard will lie down with the baby goat.”
Isaiah 65:25
“The wolf and the lamb will feed together. The lion will eat hay like a cow.”
Revelation 5:13
“And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang: ‘Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne.'”
Genesis 9:10
“I am making this covenant with you and with your descendants, and with all the animals that were on the boat with you.”