The passing of our beloved animals is extremely challenging and can leave us feeling overwhelmed, lost, and profoundly empty. Our animals offer us unconditional love and fill our lives with great joy.
They offer comfort when we are feeling down and know just what to do to get our attention.
It is no wonder that many of us seek to connect with them even in the afterlife. The good news is that our deceased pets are never really gone, they remain with us in spirit.
In the afterlife, pets communicate through subtle yet powerful signs. They make their presence felt, hear familiar sounds, and appear in dreams. Unexpected reminders like finding their toys or treats are heart-warming and are a sign of their eternal bond. Through these silent messages, they bring us comfort and peace.
In this post, we will look at 25 ways our animals in spirit communicate with us, so we can recognize the signs and hear their messages.
25 signs from your pets in heaven
1. Hearing familiar sounds they used to make
Hearing familiar sounds such as paws jaunting around the house, door flaps opening and closing, faint barking, howling, purring or meowing sounds and thudding tails is a sign that your pet is still with you.
It is their way of letting us know that thy are safe and reassuring us that they are right by our sides.
This phenomenon is most common in the first two weeks after an animal’s passing. It is their way of comforting and accompanying us through our grief.
2. Seeing your pet out of the corner of your eye
Have you ever noticed a glimpse of your pet, a shadow, or something moving from the corner of your eye? Well, you may have just seen your animal in spirit. The reason why we doubt this experience is that when we turn to look we find nothing there.
It’s not your eyes playing tricks on you! Most people perceive their animals in spirit using their peripheral vision, not direct vision. It is your animal’s way of making its presence known.
Visits are most common among dog owners as they tend to stay close to their family, even in the afterlife.
Next time you get a glimpse, acknowledge their presence and tell them how much you love their presence.
If you want to learn how to communicate with your pets, check out my courses and my list of the Best books on animal communication.
3. Smelling scents that remind us you them
Our animals in heaven may also communicate using scents and odors. Have you ever got a sudden whiff of your animal’s scent, musky breath, shampoo, food, or any other odor, that reminds you of them? Well, this could be a sign that your pet is nearby and wants to reconnect.
Our animals can also use phantom smells or scents to trigger past memories or shared experiences.
4. Seeing orbs or small flashes of light
When our animals cross over, they often manifest themselves as a mist or luminous ball of light. This is common in the days, weeks, and even months after the passing of our pets. It is our animal’s way of comforting and supporting us through grief.
But orbs can also appear when we are dealing with challenging times. It is your loved ones’ way of letting you know that you are never truly alone. Our animals can remain by our side to heal and overcome difficult situations.
5. You get flashbacks of shared memories
Our dogs and cats can also use telepathy to communicate from the spirit realm. You can experience a sudden influx of memories that appear out of nowhere. Our pets can impress thoughts and images into our minds to boost our mood, make us laugh, and remember the beautiful moments spent together. The experience is sudden, fleeting, and with an essence of peace and love.
So next time your animal comes to visit, enjoy the experience and send your love back to them too.
6. unexplained electrical malfunction
Our pets in the afterlife can also communicate through electronic devices. You may notice lights flickering, appliances turning on and off, or your phone starts playing your favorite song.
We could blame it all on a faulty device, but it could be your deceased pet’s way of saying hello.
7. Feeling your animals snuggle up next to you
Sensing your pet around the house is another common sign of our animals in spirit. Many people recall instances where they felt their animal jumping on their lap or on the bed to snuggle together.
Others observed footprints on the bed as they perceived the essence of the furry loved ones. These sensations are most strongly felt within the first two weeks of animal passing but can continue indefinitely.
8. Sensing your animals looking at you
Have you ever felt someone staring at you but then turned to see that you were all alone? You are not alone! And although this can seem a little spooky, it could be a loved one in spirit watching over you.
Our pets enjoy observing us during our daily routine and continue to do so in the spirit realm.
9. Special encounters with winged Beings
Another fascinating way our animals can connect with us is through winged beings such as birds and insects. They may appear as a butterfly, ladybug, dragonfly, magpie, red robin, or hummingbird.
Have you ever had a special meeting with one of these winged creatures? It could be your pet’s way of reconnecting and showering you with their love showing.
10. Noticing your pets stare into a corner
Have you ever noticed one of your furry animals stare into a corner or an empty space for no apparent reason? Then, it is possible that your living pets are seeing deceased animals or loved ones around the house.
But if you see your dog staring into space and growling, it could mean they are being protective.
Our deceased pets often come to visit during mealtimes, bedtimes, and snuggle sessions on the couch.
So don’t be surprised if your living animals set boundaries and become protective of their food, toys, or favorite places around the house.
11. A Sudden feeling of warmth and comfort
Another way that we can know if our animals are present is by sensing the energy around us. Those in spirit have a higher vibrational frequency, so it is not a coincidence that we can feel physical sensations when they are around. Most people get goosebumps or a warm feeling across their bodies when a spirit person or animal enters the room.
12. Sudden changes in room temperature
Noticing a sudden temperature change could also mean your animals are nearby. When our animals visit us from the afterlife, they draw heat from the environment. This is why a sudden drop in temperate also referred to as cold spots is often associated with contact from the spirit realm.
Next time you feel the room get chilly, say hello to your animals and thank them for coming.
13. Seeing your pets doppelganger
Every pet parent knows that no two animals are the same. We can all spot our horses, sheep, dogs, cats, and hamsters from a mile away. Almost no one has seen an animal that looks, walks, and behaves just like their own pet. But have ever seen your pet’s doppelganger, an animal that looks, walks, and acts just like yours?
Then it is no coincidence! It is your animal wanting to say hello and put a smile on your face.
14. Finding feathers, fur, or whiskers
We all love our animals, but not everyone loves their shedding process. But did you know that our animals can continue shedding fur, whiskers, feathers, and fur around the house even in the afterlife? It is yet another way that our pets let us know that they are still with us.
This phenomenon is predominant among cats, as they live most of their life in the astral world and sometimes aren’t even aware they have crossed over.
15. Using words & numbers to communicate
Your pets will go to any lengths to communicate with you. They are even savvy enough to remind us of upcoming celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.
You may notice a person or animal’s name plastered all over town and then remember to call them. Other times you may hear people talking about a birthday party and instantly remember an upcoming birthday.
16. finding toys in unexplainable places
Our animals love and enjoy playing with their toys, especially when we are around. If you start noticing your pet’s favorite toys unexplainable moving around the house, it could be your pet wanting to play.
Just because they are no longer physically here does not mean they can’t enjoy playing with their precious toys. Our deceased animals retain their soul’s essence, including their personality, character, and quirkiness.
17. Finding your animals favourite treats
Most pets love food and have a strong appetite. So much so, that they come back during meal times to enjoy their favorite treats. During these visitations, you may hear them munching on their favorite foods and leaving crumbs and pieces of food around the house.
18. Being drawn to particular objects
Our animals may also use objects such as picture frames to deliver a message. Even in the afterlife, they will try their best to guide and uplift us. If you are drawn to a particular object, open yourself up to the experience.
Your pets may be trying to offer advice, trigger a shared memory, or remind you of the good times you spent together. Trust your senses and see where it leads.
19. Finding lost objects in unexpected places
Could your pets in the afterlife be playing games with you? Absolutely! Our animals enjoy having fun and may decide to unearth and hide our personal belongings and their most priced possessions. If you notice that your animal’s toys or accessories keep appearing out of nowhere, it could be a sign that they are around.
You may also notice your belongings moved to different locations in the house, the car, and at work. They just want to get your attention and have some fun.
20. Finding objects Knocked over
Have you noticed objects being knocked over or inexplicably falling off shelves? Well, this could be a sign that your animal is trying to get your attention. Each animal targets different objects and areas within the house.
Dogs usually knock over items close to the ground and gravitate towards the living room and kitchen. But cats have full access to the house and enjoy messing with objects on higher surfaces such as shelves, kitchen countertops, and even wardrobes.
21. Finding unexplainable scratches or markings
Some people report personal experiences of unexplainable scratches or markings around their homes. Although this is a rare form of spirit contact, animals can interact with their environment in this way.
You may notice extra scratches on your sofa where your cat used to sharpen their claws. Alternatively, you may discover paw prints around the house or new tooth marks on furniture where they used to chew. This type of manifestation occurs around spiritually connected individuals.
22. Having vivid dreams about your pet
Dreams are perhaps the most common way for animals to communicate and visit us in the afterlife. These dreams are vivid, comforting, and open to multiple layers of meaning and symbolism. And upon waking, you feel profoundly calm, emotionally fulfilled, and spiritually connected to the divine. Our deceased pets can use dreams to let us know they are right by our side and also provide healing.
Follow my 6 Step process to communicate with your pets in dreams. Or find out the differences between pet visitation dreams and regular dreams.
23. Receiving visions from your pet
Although our animals in spirit can visit us at any time, we are most receptive during meditation, in the evening right before sleep and early in the morning upon waking up.
In these moments, our mind is quiet and we are highly receptive to physical manifestations and visions. You may see your animal appear before you express unconditional love and offer guidance.
Your animals may use visions to help you understand and resolve difficult situations in your life.
24. animals come knocking at your door
Do you find yourself randomly encountering animals looking to be petted or searching for a new home? Whether it is a wild horse, a squirrel, a bird, a feral cat, or a stray dog, it could be a sign from your deceased pet that you need a new companion animal.
Our animals want us to be happy and think it is the right time to care for and love another animal. Another possibility is that your deceased pet is getting ready to reincarnate and is waiting for you to be ready for the reunion.
25. Hearing songs that remind you of them
Our deceased pets can also send messages through our radio and on our music playlist. They may choose songs to uplift our mood, guide us, and remind us of beautiful moments we once shared. When our animals communicate in this way, the same song keeps playing everywhere we go.
Wondering if animal reincarnation is possible? Then check to see if you have experienced any of the “13 signs your animal has reincarnated.“
Other blog posts you may also find interesting includes: “11 Ways To Honor Our Animals In Heaven“, “What is an Animal Medium?” or “100 Pet Loss Quotes”
Final thoughts: Signs From the Afterlife
When our pets leave their physical body, it can feel overwhelming and challenging. But it is important to remember that it is not the end! Our animals are always around and ready to interact with us. We just need to understand how they communicate, recognize the signs, and acknowledge their presence.
The summarized list of signs from the afterlife includes:
- Hearing familiar sounds: footsteps, barking, howling scratching
- Smelling familiar scents that remind you of your pet
- Seeing their presence out of the corner of your eye
- Noticing orbs or small flashes of light
- Receiving a sudden influx of shared memories out of nowhere
- Experiencing unexplained electrical malfunction or disturbances
- Feeling your animals snuggle up next to you
- Sensing your animals looking at you
- Special encounters with winged animals, birds and insects
- Noticing your other animals stare at an empty space
- A Sudden feeling of warmth, love, and comfort
- Sudden changes in room temperature
- Seeing your pet doppelganger
- Finding feathers, fur, or whiskers around the house or on clothing
- Using words or numbers to communicate
- Moving toys or objects around the house
- Finding your animal’s favourite food around the house
- Being drawn to a particular objects
- Finding misplaced objects in unexpected places
- Knocking objects around the house
- Finding unexplainable scratches or markings
- Having vivid dreams about your pet
- Receiving visions from your pet
- A new animal comes knocking at your door
- Hearing songs that remind you of your deceased pet
And if you haven’t yet received any signs, don’t worry, it may take some time. There are reasons why our pets may not be able to visit us from the afterlife. Discover the top 10 reasons your deceased pet hasn’t visited you yet.
And if you really can’t wait, consider an Animal Mediumship Consultation to reconnect with them. It is a great way to establish contact, overcome grief, and exchange loving messages.
I hope you enjoyed reading this post.
Let me know me know which signs you have experienced by leaving a comment in the box below. I love reading your comments.
And if you have any requests for future posts let me know, too.
Thanks for reading
View Comments (55)
My almost 15 yr old dog passed sometime early yesterday morning. I’ve never been more in tune with any dog I’ve ever owned like I had been with this guy. Since he’s passed, I’ve heard sounds of him going up and down the stairs to my room, felt a press into my legs where I automatically reach down to pet him as I always did, and finally, keep thinking I see him out of the corner of my eye. My other dog and his best buddy heard the stair sounds too, and was looking just like I was. She now has taken over his sleeping spot beside me. I hope he is visiting, for I miss that big guy so much. He had literally been by side wherever I went for so long, that it just feels empty now.
Hi Rhonda, I am so sorry to hear that you dog has passed away. Dealing with the loss of our furry family is so difficult and the emptiness can feel intense and overwhelming. But I can assure you that they never really leave, a part of them will always be with us. Your dog has made contact so that you know he is ok and that he is still with you. He wants to comfort you and help you heal from the other side. The other dog is also feeling the loss and needs to connect with you to find comfort. You are helping each other grieve the loss of your animal soul mate. Your dog feels the emptiness and the sadness all three of you are feeling. When you feel up to it I recommend writing a letter to him. Telling him how much he means to, how he changed your life, how much you miss him and ask him to help you heal. In my experience, this process has been extremely healing and connected me to a deep sense of gratitude. I hope this helps. Thank you so much for sharing. I am sending you, your animals and you house healing energy. Sandra
Thank you! I’ll try that with the letter. It’s funny because I almost did that a few nights ago. BellaTrix is def dealing with the loss as well. She looks sad, acts sad-even looks like she’s been crying. They were best buddies. She’s my baby duck now and follows me every where. She finally looks like she has perked up a bit today which is good because I was getting worried about her.
My 20 year old cat died Christmas eve 2023. His name was Lazyboy. I can hardly function because he was part of everything I do . I don't know how to heal.
Hello
I am so sorry to hear about Lazyboy. Dealing with the passing of our animal family is extremely difficulty. The healing process takes time and some days are worse than others. In my experience, the best way to heal is to allow myself to feel every emotion completely. This can feel very difficult at first because it is so overwhelming, but the more you allow your self to honour your feelings the quicker your reach a state of calm. It is simple in theory but a lot harder in practice. I would also contact the Blue Cross or a similar charity in your country that offers a pet bereavement service. The volunteers are absolutely amazing. Talking about what you are going through can be very healing. These calls are anonymous and you can discuss anything you like with them. You can talk about Lazyboy, how he made you feel, how you feel now that he is gone. Take your time to heal, and honour you needs. The healing process cannot be rushed and sometimes friends and family just don't understand the impact their passing has had on our lives. So, look for support in your local community and try not to isolate yourself. I would also recommend journaling your thoughts and feelings too, this may provide some additional release. I hope this helps. Let me know how you get on. Sending you love and healing :)
Thank you Sandra. Is he with me? I think hes visiting my husbands dreams because he keeps calling for him in his sleep
Yes, it is possible that Lazyboy is still around in spirit. When out animals can't get through to us during waking hours they can communicate with us through our dreams. It is also possible that the dreams are helping him grieve Lazyboy's passing. I highly recommend keeping a dream journal and writing down any messages that come through, how your husband feels and include as many details as possible. Sometimes the messages come through in multiple dreams, so you won't fully understand what they are tying to communicate, until you look back at your dream log and connect the pieces. When my dog Ludo passed away, I dreamt about him for months and felt such comfort knowing he was supporting me through my pain. Thank you for sharing! :)
Hello Sandra. Myself and my husband had to have our dog poppy put to sleep the 27/12/23. She was 17 and half. We are both heartbroken. The vet said she had a mini stroke. When my husband brought her ashes back from the vets yesterday as he put them on the table a random white petal fell off out of a vase of flowers that were on the table. Could this have been a sign from our beautiful dog? We miss her so much ❤️
Hi Jane
I am so sorry to hear about Poppy passing away. It absolutely is heart-breaking to loose such an important member of the family. And it is not uncommon for guilt to creep in there too, especially when we have had to make the difficult decision of putting them to sleep.
WOW!! What a magical sign from Poppy! Absolutely, our animals will communicate in any way they can to get or attention and let us know they are around. The synchronicity of it all is just amazing. It is possible that she will keep communicating with you, so keep your eyes peeled. She may continue sending messages through flower petals, feathers, coins, or move things around the house. What a wonderful gift this is! Thanks for sharing Jane, let me know if you receive anymore signs from Poppy. :)
I lost my 12 year old dog a year and a half ago. I rescued her off a euthanasia list in NC only a few hours before she was to be put down. She had healed broken bones, overbred and obviously beaten and just someone’s trash. Her name was Emma.
Together we went through high heartworm positive when she got home here. A few years later it was mast cell cancer that thankfully made her very lumpy, but not physically sick. A few years later she had a seized or stroke. Because of Covid, we couldn’t accompany her inside with the vet. Probably about a year later, I believe she had a set of mini strokes. Her death was traumatic for her. I was home alone with no emergency vet clinic to take her to. She spent hours gasping for air, gurgling, foam coming out her nose and mouth and more seizers. It was the worst day of my life.
I did eventually find a vet.
When I was home during the day, she was wherever I was. Waiting by the door for me whenever I was not home. I slept on the living room couch with her, the last three years of her life.
I dream extremely vivid and actually do remember my dreams. All my other dogs have come to me in a dream. Once or twice. I just sit with them. It is amazing. I have been waiting for Emma. I haven’t seen her. With as much as I miss her, I’m angry she hasn’t come to me.
I have started looking at dogs that look like Emma. A lot do but very few have her eyes. I have found a dog the spitting image of Emma and will be driving 15 hours this weekend to adopt her. Thing is, in the last week, I’ve had tv’s turn on automatically three times. I think it’s Emma. I don’t know if she’s telling me to get the dog or not get the dog. I already have 6.
Hi Lauri
I can sense how much you loved Emma from reading your words. You saved her life and supported her through very difficult moments and traumatic events. Having vivid dreams of our animals is a sign that they are visiting us from the spirit world. Mos people don't see their pets, but they can feel them around. Our animals decide whether or not to come back and also pick the time to return. If they choose not to return it is because you have interiorised all the lessons they came here to teach you and their job lies else where. She may have sent those beautiful 6 dogs to continue her work and help you on your spiritual journey. But the unconditional love she felt for you remains even when they are in spirit, and your love and connection will never die. Whether she decides to reincarnate or not, she will always be a part of you. Trust that you will find her if she decides to reincarnate back to you. Thank you for sharing Lauri. :)
I lost my baby Oct 11th 4 days before her 17th birthday. She had stage 4 kidney failure. I forgot her birthday but so strangly I got an email from a pet place I haven't taken her to in over 13 years the day after she died like she wanted me to know what it was . I've heard songs , seen butterflies , lady bugs , blue Jay's, her name, and most recently shooting stars one week 4 nights in a row. Our new puppy looks like her kinda she's 7 months old and some nights barks at nothing and does the awkward stare at nothing, some people don't believe in these things but I like to think they are all signs from her I miss her sooo much it hurts everyday
Hi Wesley
What a beautiful sign from Blue Jay! That couldn't have been timed any better even if you tried! Even when you forgot about her birthday she was there to remind you that she is still there with you. How wonderful is that! Once you open up to this magical and spiritual world, the signs just keep coming. Congratulation on getting a new puppy, I am sure she is filling your hope with tons of unconditional love. Our animals can see things that most people can't, if they stare into a corner or bark at nothing it could be that they are sensing something. Our animals in spirit often come to visit new additions to the family and help them settle in and learn the house rules. So don't be surprised if your new puppy has learnt things Blue Jay used to do. T
hanks for sharing your experience Wesley. :)
I put my beloved fur baby to sleep Friday (1/18/2024) her health was deteriorating quickly and I didn’t want her to have a painful death, but I still feel guilty and second guessing myself. She was my companion, when I was not working she was with me 24/7. I miss her so much, but I think she is giving me the strength to go back to my routine. I was not able to sit on the spot I took so many nap with her and now I’m typing this from that spot. I feel her laying down next to me and I see something that resembles her with the corner of my eye. I been crying since that day, I feel so lonely. My heart is broken beyond repair 💔💔💔 I miss you so much Leah, my baby, my faithful companion in the good and not so good times. “ If love could save you, you will lived forever” Love you baby girl 😭
Hello
I am so sorry to hear about Leah. You clearly loved her so much and only had her best interests in mind. Unfortunately, guilt is one of the emotions we can't escape, especially when we had to make such a difficult and heart-breaking decision. But I can confidently say that not a single animal has ever been upset with their family about making these decisions. When our animals cross over they feel peace, love and joy. And I can assure you that Leah also feels that right now. She knows how much you loved and continue to lover her and that you would have done anything to keep her safe. And now that she is on the other side, she wants to be by your side to help you grieve and heal. Having her around you is such a wonderful and magical experience. Take time to sit in that spot with her and feel her presence around you. Talk to her and tell her how much you love and miss her and ask her to continue helping you in anyway that she can. Thanks for sharing your experience. Sending love and healing you way. :)
We had to let our dog Oscar go Jan 24 2024. Sudden stage 4 renal failure… seemed like it came out of nowhere. We had a couple of days with him at home before his death. We knew when he looked at us that he was ready and just waiting for us to realize it. We loved him for 15 years and he loved us for 15 years. We are crushed beyond words. The house feels so lonely and so do our hearts. Reading fellow pet stories here before mine has helped. We trust that he will show us the way to heal as we go on this journey. Thank you to everyone for sharing. ❤️
Hi Cathy
I am so sorry to hear about Oscar’s passing. You are right, they do know when it is time, and we are the ones who find it difficult to let go. But bless their gentle souls, they just patiently wait for us until we are ready. Everyone who lost an animal they deeply loved knows what you are going through. It is extremely difficult and the healing process will take some time. Our little angels fill up our hearts with unconditional love and our homes with peace and joy. It is no wonder that we feel so sad, empty, and lonely all at the same time. The love we share with them is so natural and pure but that love is what will guide us through those sad and painful days. Yes, trust that Oscar will help you heal through this difficult time, and remember to be compassionate to yourselves too. We often beat ourselves when our animals cross over, so be kind, patient, and compassionate with yourselves through this difficult moment.
Thank you so much for sharing Cathy, you are right that hearing other people's stories can comfort us and help us feel less alone.
Our 1 year old puppy suddenly died on 01/04/2025 having violent seizures. She always made a high frequency whistling noise when she wanted to go outside. Sometimes I hear the noise and for a second believe she is around. Maybe she is.
Hi Dan
Sorry to hear about losing your 1 year old puppy. The high frequency could be her trying to communicate with you. Next time you hear that sound ask her to repeat it multiple times to confirm she is there. You may also hear a high pitch sound or ringing in one or both ears when she is around. Thank you for sharing. Sending love and healing your way :)
Dear Sandra, I don't think I stumbled upon your website by accident.
I've lost my best friend Maja on January 23rd. I've lost her twice in my life, this time forever. The first time was eight months ago, when Maja suffered brain damage from anesthesia during surgery. She was never the same again, and every day I thought about how bad I had hurt her. I sent her for an operation that everyone said was completely trivial, but I just felt deep in my soul that it wouldn't end well. I didn't listen to my intuition, I didn't know exactly what the feeling meant. Everything fell into place when it was too late.
Maja diead after a series of seizures that occurred eight months later. Her body didn't want to let go, but her soul was leaving. When I laid her in the grave, I knew that she was not in the body, that she was with me.
That evening I took a picture of the window facing the garden where her grave is. In the photo, there is darkness, the reflection of lightning and Maja right outside the window. Another day, my location on my phone changed to York Crosstown by itself in the morning, even though my phone doesn't offer that option at all. I live in the Czech Republic: Pilsen is supposed to be there.
I don't know how I'm supposed to live without Maja. I don't think she died the first time because I was pregnant. But I know it wasn't our time, that we weren't supposed to be apart. Not yet.
I begged her to come back in a different fur coat. Since January 29, I don't feel Maja in my surroundings. I don't know what to do.
I would like to book a session. I can write in English with mistakes, I understand the spoken word perfectly, but I am afraid that the sentences I speak would be very bad and I would probably be embarrassed.
Hi Andrea
I am so sorry to hear about Maja. You loved her very much, you would never try to intentionally hurt her. But I know what you mean, you had a gut instinct and went against it. We do that because we are not used to trusting our intuition or when we doubt ourselves because of the potential consequences. I can only imagine how difficult this situation must have been over the 8 months and then at the end. You felt her around you because she was in spirit form and chose to be by your side. Many people feel their animals around in the first couple of weeks after their passing and as they fully cross over, it can be more difficult to sense them around us. Be patient and trust that she will contact you when she is ready. Maya will not abandon you, her love is eternal and is within you. Thank you for sharing with us. Sending love and healing your way. :)