All Pets Go to Heaven: The Spiritual Lives of the Animals We Love

by Sylvia Browne

Pets have a special place in our hearts and homes -- but do they share our destiny after death?

World famous psychic, spiritual teacher, and New York Times bestselling author Sylvia Browne exercises her astonishing insight to illustrate the very special purpose our pets have on Earth -- and what animals experience after death.

Cats, dogs, horses, and other creatures not only inhabit our homes but also our hearts. With their never-ending loyalty, heroic deeds, comic behavior, and vibrant personalities, pets are companions but can also be our closest friends and dearest confidants. The death of a pet is always heart wrenching and tragic. Legendary psychic Sylvia Browne provides comfort for those grieving over the loss of a beloved animal by showing how pets continue to be with us even after their deaths.

Sylvia uses forty years of research and decades' worth of true stories culled from readings and her own experiences to show how our pets have unique personalities, quirks, and habits that make up their spirit and soul. Sharing heartwarming stories from pets on both sides of life, Sylvia Browne examines how our animals live in the afterlife, whether we will see them on the Other Side, how their presence affects us daily, and where animals fit into the whole of Creation.

In All Pets Go to Heaven , Sylvia Browne explains how pets, like humans, have a spirit that travels to the Other Side.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Animals, Dogs, Audiobook, Grief

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 6, 2009

About the author

Sylvia Browne was an American author and self-proclaimed psychic who built a lucrative career through books, television appearances, and psychic readings. Known for her frequent guest spots on The Montel Williams Show and Larry King Live, she claimed to communicate with angels, spirit guides, and the deceased, and said she had psychic visions from the age of three. In 1986, she founded the Society of Novus Spiritus, a Gnostic Christian church, and ran a variety of businesses, reportedly earning millions annually.
Browne wrote over 40 books, many of which were bestsellers, and maintained a dedicated fanbase throughout her life. However, her career was marked by controversy. She made numerous high-profile predictions about missing persons and criminal cases that were later proven false—errors that drew widespread criticism and scrutiny from skeptics and media outlets. A 2010 study by the Skeptical Inquirer concluded she had not been accurate in any verifiable case. Her reputation suffered further after her 1992 conviction for securities fraud.
Despite criticism from figures like James Randi and John Oliver, Browne retained a devoted following. Her vague prediction about a “pneumonia-like illness” spreading around 2020 drew renewed attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. She remained a polarizing figure—revered by some, discredited by others—until her death in 2013 at the age of 77.

Reviews

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stories about the amazing feats and heroism of the pets in this book were amazing! I loved reading each and every one of them. But I think what I enjoyed the most was Sylvia's view that "all pets go to heaven". I've always shared her view, however, my religion does not.

I remember my first encounter with this philosophy at thirteen when a nun stated in religion class that animals do not have souls. They just die and that's it. I was appalled by this and tried to philosophize with her by stating, if God made us with souls because He loved us, why wouldn't He do it for the animals He loves too? She in turn insisted she was right, but I persisted. I stated that animals are pure and perfect and do not sin. Our religion states that if you do not sin, you will go to heaven. If animals don't sin, they would (and should) go to heaven. Her response to me was that I would understand when I was older. Now that I am older, I understand that she was completely crazy.

If you have ever been bothered by the dogma of your religion when it comes to your beloved pets, read this book! It's chock-filled with comfort that our pets truly lead another life after this one.

[Libbet Bradstreet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my normal reading material (although I had a total guilty-pleasure fascination with watching Sylvia Browne on Montel when I was in college). My beloved rescue dog of eleven years recently passed away and I turned to this in the midst of my grief and sadness. It is a very sweet book, and it answered a lot of my questions regarding the spiritual side of our connection with animals. It also validated a lot of the emotions I had around my dog passing and made me feel not so alone. The writing style is engaging and easy to read. There was some redundancy in many of the themes present and some disorganization of structure. I would have liked to have heard more of Sylvia's voice and less regarding her client experiences (although those were helpful, just too many). But all in all a very comforting book.

[Max · Rating 2 out of 5]

I skipped over much of this book because it is a rehashing of her background and methods (quite so) and history of the human-animal relationship.

I read the stories that caught my eye and stuck to the "meaty" parts;specifically what happens when the animal dies.

The book is a comfort no doubt; and Ms. Browne always seeks to impart a good feeling and show us how we need to live together.

[Megalion · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd never heard of Sylvia Browne but the subject of this book has really fascinated me since the loss of my soul companion, Captain.

I found her reasonings and explanations very sensible given the huge amount of individual experiences that show the truth of what she says.

It pretty much fits my own privately drawn conclusions and my own strange experiences with Captain. Most notably that he said goodbye to a friend of mine the last time he saw her. I also received a strange message in my mind that was clearly not my own thought because out of the blue came "Before I finish moving into this house, something will happen and Captain will not be here". What a weird thing to think. It was in no way related to my train of thought.

It was even more puzzling because he was a senior but not sick or frail. I expected at least several more years from him. But within a couple weeks, I came home to find him mortally wounded. Rushed him to the ER vet but despite a brief rally, he declined and I knew I had to let him go.

Reading this book has filled in a little bit more for me. How did he know that it'd be the last time he saw my friend? Who put that premonition in my head? That hadn't come from him. He was laying at my feet not looking at me (yet he was with me while the other dogs were laying in the sunshine in the front room). Answer: probably a passed over loved one or an angel told him and gave me the warning.

I'd already figured out early on that the point of the warning was to stave off any feelings of guilt over his death. Despite obvious reasons to feel so, I never did so I didn't have that extra burden in my grief.

He's been gone for almost three years now but I still cried a lot while reading this book (I've a hard time crying at all usually). The poem dictated by a passed over pet to his human really got to me. I know I don't need to grieve because I will be reunited with him but I miss him so very much.

[Gayle Gordon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Borrowed audiobook from Dallas Public Library.
I'm not much of a believer in this stuff, but I do love animals and have had lots of pets. I wanted to read about Sylvia Browne's take on their afterlife. I'm not sure whether I believe in an afterlife or not. I figure I'll find out when it is time, so I don't have a hard and fast opinion. I'd like to believe I will be with my loved ones, including pets, after this life. Some of the stuff in this book is hard to take. Jobs in heaven? A check in area? People planning their next life chart and choosing what will happen to them? I have an especially hard time with that last bit. Who would choose slavery or dying in a concentration camp or any number of other horrible things?
The things I like about the book were the tales of the history of humankind's relationship with animals and some of the stories from her readers. I was so touched by the story of one woman's relationship with her horse, near the end of the book, that it made the whole book worthwhile.
Sylvia also has some sweet things to say about the human-animal bond that I totally agree with.

[Joey · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's always interesting to read one of Sylvia Browne's books, and this one on pets and the afterlife was particularly interesting to me since I've lost numerous pets over the years, most recently my Kobi, an 18-yr-old tabby female that I'd had since she was 6 weeks old. Sylvia's reassurance that she is healthy, happy, and in God's hands now makes me feel much better. I've always known I will some day see the pets that have passed on and Sylvia confirms it in this book. Grief is lessened in that knowledge. Interesting tales of some of the things our beloved pets do to protect us, keep us safe and healthy was great reading as well. If you have pets, you should read this book to get a better understanding of them.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another of the many books written by psychic Sylvia Browne, All Pets Go To Heaven, is entertaining and certainly thought-provoking. After having read a few of her other books I was ready for (curious about) more of her spirit-guided insights about the Other Side. Whether you believe it or not, it does make you think about what lies beyond our current lives. This one is focused, as the title implies, on our pets and what happens to them when they die. The author explains that our pets are the first to greet us when we finally make our own way to the other side. Whether you read this and other books by this author as a believer or primarily as entertainment and an escape from everything else happening today, you will most likely find it worth your time.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really comforting book. It is full of inspirational animal stories of heroism, healing, and love. This is perfect for anyone who feels an uncommon bond with animals or who has recently lost a beloved pet. It explores the intelligence animals have that is often unrecognized by many people, their psychic and intuitive abilities, and their pureness of spirit since they do not have the same evil characteristics of their human counterparts. Her book argued many of the things that I have believed intuitively most of my life and I was so very glad I stumbled across this book at my local library.

[Devin Milana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so awesome.
The reasion why I bought this book in the 1st place is beausse when I go to the other side. One animal that I can not wait to see is of course my own Dog name rocco. but when my mom had 2 little dogs before she had me..... So i have 2 dogs looking over at me in the sky.- I also found out that my grandfather had horse. Never new that one before, I can`t wait to ride horse... never done that.-
I want to make sure that I see my animals That I love on the earth. Found out that I was. There was awesome storys in the book on what other religions believe in anmials such as Budduims, and many other and sybols of birthdays that host as humeans.

[Wendy D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye Opening & Inspiring!!

I always loved watching Sylvia Browne and believed she was really connected with the spirit world but now I’m even more convinced. This book answered so many questions I had over and above about animals and the spirit world and our reason for being on this earth. Animal lovers and pet owners alike will fully enjoy this book and feel closer to their pet after reading this!
5 stars because I will definitely re-read this one!

[Caralee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up out of curiosity while walking past it at the library. It was interesting and had a unique perspective on what happens after we and our animals die. I enjoyed it, but I can't say whether or not I believe it. The best part of the book just reminded me to take the time to spend with my own animals - even when life is busy.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a little while to get into this book, but once I got to the stories from pet owners, I absolutely loved it. I do truly believe that our beloved pets will be waiting to greet us when we die. I believe, as Sylvia says in this book, that animals are pure souls and have such an ability to save us both physically and emotionally.

[Julie Brant-Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a love story

We recently lost a beloved dog to cancer. We did everything we could to save him, but it was his time. I was with him as we let him go so he knew he was loved till the very end. I am so sad. This book helped me. I’ve always firmly believed that all pets go to Heaven and this book helped to validate my beliefs. What a joy this book was to read.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be very comforting and uplifting! I believe that all pets go to heaven, and was glad to know that I will be reunited with my pets some day! This is the first book of Sylvia's that I have red cover to cover and have suggested it to all my pet loving friends!

[Tatiana Vilardo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A majority of it was the history of animals and stories about animals that have passed away from other readers. It wasn't what I expected, but it provided useful and reassuring information about our pet and even how to communicate with them better. Overall, it was a good book.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the huge loss of my fur brother Midnight I've been reading n looking for anything that an provide comfort. I was never into the whole medium stuff n never read any books around the subject until now. This book really is helping me

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. It was all stories about how pets have cared for people, saved them from danger, etc... Cats, dogs, birds, horses... I really enjoyed it. And it was a fast read.

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

I have read others that I thought more helpful. It was interesting and thoughtfully written. Sylvia Browne was a pioneer in many areas . Grateful for her work

[BARBARA A MITTLESTEAD]

Great assurance that our pets go to Heaven. Great stories and research by Sylvia.

[MirjS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spiritueller Trost

In ihrem Buch „Alle Tiere kommen in den Himmel“ nähert sich Seelenforscherin, Medium und Buchautorin Sylvia Browne der Trauerbewältigung um ein geliebtes Tier von der spirituellen Seite, informiert und tröstet anhand bewegender Geschichten und Beispiele.

Ich bin im Rahmen einer Fortbildung zur „Sterbebegleiterin für Tiere“ zu diesem Buch gekommen, nach der ich mich breitgefächert nach weiterer Literur umgeschaut habe. Sagen wir es mal so - ich versuche zwar stets für alles offen zu sein und halte grundsätzlich auch nichts für unmöglich, glaube aber nicht wirklich daran, dass es nach dem Tod weitergeht. Und trotzdem hat mir das Buch gut gefallen, da ich alleine die Vorstellung sehr tröstlich finde. Ich wollte mich mit dem Buch weder spirituell weiterbilden, noch in tiefere fachchinesische Sphären begeben, sondern einfach nur zu diesem Thema informieren und vielleicht eine weitere trostspendende Möglichkeit finden. So finde ich es schon immer sehr tröstlich mich mit dem Thema das mir Kummer bereitet auseinanderzusetzen, darüber zu lesen und mich mit meinen Gedanken darüber abzulenken. Deshalb hat mir an diesem Buch z.B. auch die Einführung in das Thema, die sich u.a. mit der (spirituellen) Rolle der Tiere im Altertum etc. beschäftigt, sehr gut gefallen. Die Beispielgeschichten waren interessant, auch wenn sie sich natürlich geähnelt haben, denn schließlich wollte die Autorin ja darauf hinaus, dass es sich nicht um ein vereinzeltes Phänomen handelt, sondern viele Menschen das gleiche berichten.

Fazit: Um mich in dieses Thema oberflächlich hineinzulesen und spirituell überhaupt mal damit auseinanderzusetzen, war das Buch für mich auf jeden Fall informativ, interessant, lesenswert und sicher auch ein stückweit tröstlich und hoffnungsspendend, wenngleich ich auch nicht ganz daran glauben kann (deshalb auch nur 3 Sterne), wofür ja aber grundsätzlich das Buch nichts kann ;-)

[Jane Night · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this but it read more like a collection of short stories about animals helping and connecting with people that should have been in Chicken Soup for the Animal Lover's Soul than a look into the spiritual lives of animals.

I did like how she talked about when animals do awful things such as a dog who, unprovoked, attacked their owner.

I thought her conclusions didn't make enough sense in the face of science. She says animals are pure and just here to exist while Earth life is a trial for humans. If that is the case, why were there millions of years when only animals were on Earth before people came to be?

I haven't read much from this author but I am curious about the way she sees the world. I think if you love animals and just want cute animals stories you may really enjoy this book.

[Kayley Dyszelski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did NOT need a bookmark for this one since I read most of it in one sitting! Something told me to pick this book up from my shelves and read it after owning it for years. I’m glad I finally did. Although some tears were shed, it was a great comfort to me as a lifelong animal lover who has had more than their share of grief and loss. It contains a lot of beautiful and insightful information about animals and their lives on Earth and after, shared through Sylvia’s experiences along with many others’. I just wish there was more! I love anthology-style books and find the reading experience very fast-paced and fascinating. I love this author and this is my second book of hers I’ve read, but absolutely not the last. In her lifetime she blessed all of us with her abilities and continues to do so from the Other Side via her everlasting books and messages to humanity.

[CluckingBell · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is mostly a book of anecdotes about people's loving pets (plus one horror story about a woman being mauled by her otherwise loving dog), a half-hearted diatribe about people destroying the planet, and an audiobook reader consistently mispronouncing Shih Tzu as shiatsu. Oh, and a brief history of animal worship/sacrifice, which I was not looking for in a book like this. The metaphysical worldview seems a bit limited, both in scope and in page count, but if you're looking to be soothed, being assured that pretty much everyone goes to heaven after a mere 75 years of life experience and pets are perfect and therefore never subjected to additional lives of/or suffering has some appeal.

[Gabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the literary perspective, this book was pretty unorganized and at times hard to follow. Spiritually and emotionally, however, this is exactly what I needed after all of the traumatic losses I've experienced this past year. Browne's teaching are surprisingly consistent with my pagan beliefs despite her Christian faith, and the impact this text left on me is real.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Sylvia Browne books and I love animals, but this one drug on a little too long. Maybe because it's really a bunch of mini short stories. I like knowing my animals will be there to greet me on the other side. It tells the obvious things, that animals are very important to our everyday lives, and they are not dumb and we probably don't deserve them.

[Noah Osorio · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book with the hope of understanding better what happens to our pets when they pass away. The name of the book is All Pets go to Heaven so I thought that's what it was going to be about. I think about 15% of the reading explains and the rest it seems to me are just examples of how special animals are.
I skipped over a bunch of pages.

[Juliewheatcox.Net · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed that this book didn’t stick to the topic of pets going to heaven. Since she had thousands of people write in to tell her their stories, she could have written a much bigger book dedicated solely to the title.

[Audiobook Accomplice (Gillian) · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lot about animals but just a little bit about their afterlives
My Full Review

[Paige McClurg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the idea that our pets are present in the afterlife.
I find this comforting.

[Joseph Randazzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd like to think Gracie is biting bad spirits the way she did everybody else who she thought was bothering me.