In Jewish tradition, animals are more than just beings that share our world—they’re companions that deserve respect, kindness, and ethical treatment. The Torah and rabbinic teachings have long emphasized humane interactions with animals, highlighting the idea that animals, much like humans, are creations of God. For many Jewish families, the concept of companion animals, such as dogs, cats, or birds, is deeply connected to the principles of Tza’ar Ba’alei Chayim—the obligation to prevent the suffering of living creatures.
Animals in the Torah: A Bond of Mutual Care
The Torah makes numerous references to the role of animals in the Jewish worldview. One of the foundational ideas is the recognition that animals are sentient beings capable of experiencing pain and joy. This is evident in verses like Exodus 23:12, which commands rest for both humans and their animals on Shabbat. The implication is clear: animals are to be treated with dignity and respect, and they, too, benefit from the sanctity of the day of rest.
There are also many stories in the Jewish tradition about how compassion towards animals reflects on how we treat other people in our lives. There is a well known midrash (explanatory story) that tells about how Moses noticed that one of the little lambs from his flock was missing. Moses searched out the lamb, let him drink water, and then delicately carried him back to the flock. Because of his compassion for every member of his flock, caring deeply about even the little lamb, God decided that Moses showed the compassion and values to lead the Jewish people.
The Book of Proverbs (12:10) also teaches that “the righteous person knows the soul of their animal,” suggesting that empathy for animals is a reflection of a person’s moral character. In modern Canadian Jewish homes, this might translate to pet owners ensuring their pets are comfortable, well-fed, and loved, mirroring the care for fellow human beings.
Tza’ar Ba’alei Chayim: Preventing Animal Suffering
Central to Jewish ethics regarding animals is the commandment of Tza’ar Ba’alei Chayim. This mitzvah requires humans to avoid causing unnecessary harm or suffering to animals. The Talmud discusses this principle in detail, providing guidance on how animals should be treated in various contexts, from working animals to pets. In contemporary times, this teaching extends to how companion animals are viewed—encouraging responsible pet ownership, proper veterinary care, and humane treatment.
This commandment can also have practical applications in today’s world, such as ensuring pets are not left in cold weather (a concern especially relevant during harsh Canadian winters) or are given proper medical attention when needed. For Jewish pet owners, taking care of a sick or elderly animal is not just a duty of love but a reflection of deeply held values rooted in Jewish law.
Companion Animals and the Afterlife
One question that often arises is whether Judaism holds any belief in an afterlife for animals. Jewish texts are mostly silent on this topic, and there is no explicit doctrine about the souls of animals. (It also must be mentioned, that Judaism as a whole does not put as much focus on the afterlife as other faiths. The primary goal for our lives is to live with intention, do mitzvot and care for the world which we have now.) However, many modern rabbis and thinkers express personal beliefs about the continuity of animal life in some form after death, especially in light of the close relationships many develop with their pets. Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kook, a prominent Jewish thinker and the first Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Pre-State Palestine, speculated on the elevated role animals would play in the Messianic Age, where cruelty and suffering would cease for all living beings, humans and animals alike. Like so much else in Judaism, our views on our connections with animals has evolved over the centuries, and with our new scientific and social understanding this connection, it is clear that animals need to be honoured both in life and in death.
Animals and Jewish Ritual Life
Although animals are not typically participants in Jewish rituals, their presence can still have significance. For example, there is a longstanding debate among rabbinic authorities regarding whether animals can be included in blessings. Some scholars argue that companion animals are part of a person’s joy and livelihood, and that their well-being can be part of the gratitude expressed in blessings.
However, it is important to note that while animals are beloved companions, certain aspects of Jewish law place restrictions on how they interact with ritual spaces. For example, dogs, while loved by many, are traditionally kept out of synagogues, though most communities have made exceptions for service animals. Understandably more liberal denominations of Judaism show more acceptance of companion animals, and some communities have even extended this reality to holding annual “Celebrations of the Animals,” or promoting a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.
The Jewish Perspective on Euthanasia and Pet Loss
For many Jewish families, the question of euthanasia for suffering pets is deeply emotional and can be spiritually challenging. While Orthodox Jewish law prohibits euthanasia for humans (although most liberal denominations are more accepting), the rules are more nuanced when it comes to animals. If a pet is suffering with no hope of recovery, Jewish tradition may permit euthanasia to prevent prolonged pain. This is seen as an extension of the duty to protect animals from suffering, reflecting the principle of Tza’ar Ba’alei Chayim.
The mourning of pets also reflects the deep bond many Jewish families feel for their companion animals. While there is no formal mourning ritual in Judaism for pets, many families find comfort in private prayer or creating a space to honor their memory, much like they would for when they experience other losses. For many liberal Jews, holding funeral or memorial services or even going so far as to say Kaddish, the prayer for mourners, is becoming more accepted.