Are pets seen in near-death experiences? Yes, they are! In this week’s IANDS Q&A, we take a look at near-death experiences and pets, and examine what the research in the field of near-death studies can tell us.
The loss of a pet can be a truly harrowing, traumatic ordeal. They’re not just animals, but beloved and loyal friends deeply woven into the tapestry of your family, your memories, your life. And just as it’s comforting to think our human loved ones continue on in the afterlife, we naturally hope for the same with our pets.
When confronted with the grief of losing a pet, many of us find ourselves wondering if we’ll ever see them again. And that brings us to one of the many fascinating elements of near-death experiences, or NDEs—near-death experiences and pets appear to go hand in hand, according to numerous detailed NDE reports.
So let’s dive into this question. Are pets seen in near-death experiences? Is seeing pets in near-death experiences common? And perhaps most importantly, what is it like to have a near-death experience visit with pets?
Near-death experiences and pets
For decades, researchers in the field of near-death studies have been compiling and examining personal NDE accounts from those who’ve lived them. And in doing so, they’ve managed to identify clear NDE characteristics that conclusively define a near-death experience.
One of these common characteristics is that near-death experiencers often encounter deceased loved ones. They might be family members, friends, colleagues, or even strangers, religious figures, or indescribable beings. And yes, pets are often encountered as well.
Are pets seen in near-death experiences, and how common is it?
In the Spring 2023 edition of the Journal of Near-Death Studies, noted NDE researcher and IANDS co-founder Dr. Bruce Greyson published his study Animals and Near-Death Experiences. And his work answers the question “are pets seen in near-death experiences” with a resounding “yes”.
Dr. Greyson’s study documents multiple cases of people—children and adults alike—encountering deceased dogs, cats, and birds during their NDEs. And these weren’t just ghostly apparitions that were seen and not felt. In many of these instances, experiencers reported embracing their pets and described the experience as “more real” than real life.
One case features a seven year-old boy who was greeted by a deceased cat and dog, who helped guide him back. In another case, a girl recovering from heart surgery saw her two deceased dogs glowing with light. And one adult was embraced by a poodle named Pepe.
“I hugged my dogs as tight as I could,” one experiencer said. “Thank you, God, for letting my dogs be alive.”
In two cases reported in Dr. Greyson’s research, pets were seen in near-death experiences that had died during the person’s NDE—they didn’t know their pets had passed away. These are often described as peak in Darien experiences, when someone encounters a deceased person without knowing they’ve died.
Do Pets themselves have NDEs?
Another fascinating aspect of Dr. Greyson’s research examines the deathbed behaviors of pets, suggesting they may experience terminal lucidity. For instance, a comatose dog suddenly sitting up, wagging its tail, and “smiling” at something unseen.
There have been post-NDE behavioral changes observed in animals, too. For instance, aggressive cats becoming calm, loving, and gentle after nearly dying. This parallels common NDE aftereffects in humans, who typically see their entire worldview shifted toward positivity in the wake of their near-death experiences.
Are pets seen in near-death experiences? Yes, they are. And it’s fairly common, too
We’d give just about anything for one more chance to watch our dogs run out their zoomies in the yard, or to snuggle with our cats while reading a book, or to watch our hamsters jogging care-free on their wheels. So the topic of near-death experiences and pets is certainly fascinating to those of us who’ve lost pets.
To see these companions even one more time offers solace. And for some, knowing that pets are seen in near-death experiences offers hope. While science can’t confirm that NDE’s prove the existence of an afterlife, these cases offer compelling comfort all the same. We may get to see our pets again one day. And that would be the best possible outcome, isn’t it?
Explore the extraordinary with IANDS!
This question—are pets seen in near-death experiences—is one we can answer thanks to many decades of dedicated research. And our goal at IANDS is to help propel that research in any way we can, while also taking on the monumental challenge of trying to normalize conversations regarding near-death experiences and related phenomena. Not just near-death experiences and pets, but all NDEs
As an educational nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, IANDS relies on the generosity of people like you to continue furthering our research, outreach, support, and educational initiatives. Every gift, big and small, helps IANDS contribute toward and advance the field of near-death studies.
Please consider donating to IANDS, and be sure to also take a look at the benefits of becoming an IANDS member, too. You may also consider checking out the official IANDS shop. And if you or a loved one has had a near-death experience, we would love for you to share your experience with our researchers as well.
