Short answer: there is no single, universally accepted answer. Different philosophical, religious, and cultural traditions provide a range of views about whether dogs have souls. Overview of perspectives

• Religious and philosophical traditions vary widely. Some hold that humans possess a distinct, immortal soul, while others argue animals possess a form of life force or soul-like essence, though not necessarily an immortal or rational soul like humans. This leads to divergent conclusions about dogs’ afterlife or spiritual status. [sources reflect a spectrum of views across traditions]
• Many contemporary discussions emphasize the emotional and relational “soul-like” dimensions of dogs—their capacity for love, loyalty, and social bonding—without necessarily equating that with a formal, immortal soul as defined in some theological systems. [common cultural interpretations]

Implications for pet owners

• If you draw from scientific lenses, there is no empirical evidence for a non-physical soul in dogs; science explains behavior and emotions through biology and genetics rather than supernatural essence. [general scientific consensus]
• If you view from a spiritual or personal-belief standpoint, dogs can hold meaningful, soulful significance in your life, which many people find comforting when thinking about withstanding grief or imagining an afterlife scenario. [personal and cultural beliefs]

How to approach the question for yourself

• Reflect on your own beliefs about consciousness, personhood, and the nature of the soul.
• Consider the ethical and emotional implications: how your view shapes how you treat animals in the present.

If you’d like, I can tailor a concise summary from specific traditions or philosophers you’re interested in (e.g., Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, secular humanist) and explain how each typically answers the question of animal souls.