Four Signs You Have Met Your 'Soul Pet,' According to Vet

For many pet owners, the bond they share with their animals goes far beyond companionship. Some pets become more than just furry friends—they feel like a missing piece of the heart, a connection so profound that words can't quite capture its depth.

These animals are often called soul pets or heart pets, and while the experience is deeply personal, those who have met their soul pet often describe it as life-changing. Whether they came to you at just the right moment or supported you through life's biggest challenges, their presence is irreplaceable.

This type of relationship is more about intuition and shared understanding than specific traits, according to Liza Cahn, a Seattle-based veterinarian for Embrace Pet Insurance.

She told Newsweek: "Finding a heart dog or cat—or other animal—can be a rare and wonderful experience for some pet owners."

What Defines a Soul Pet?

Cahn said many pet owners who believe they've met their soul pet often describe the experience in the following ways:

1. An intense connection: You may feel inexplicably drawn to your pet as if it was always meant to be part of your life. This bond often feels immediate and only grows stronger over time."
2. Mutual communication and trust: While animals can't speak, they communicate in countless ways. A soul pet seems to understand you instinctively, responding to your emotions and needs without any training or cues. Many owners find that their soul pet can sense when they're feeling down and offer comfort in their own way.
3. Shared experiences: Whether you grew up together or they've been by your side through life's major changes, your pet's presence feels deeply intertwined with your personal journey.
4. A lasting impact: "Even after they're gone, a soul pet leaves a permanent imprint on your heart. You may find yourself comparing every future pet to them, cherishing the memories and lessons they brought into your life."

The Pain of Losing a Soul Pet

Losing a pet is never easy, and for many owners, it feels like losing a family member. Newsweek recently spoke to a woman who described her American pit bull, Macho, as her "soulmate."

"Macho's unexpected passing felt like a part of me died alongside him," she said. "For eight years, we were inseparable. He was by my side through every significant moment in my life."

A Bond That Endures Distance

Another pet owner drove 18 hours from Ohio to Florida just to visit her beloved 15-year-old "soul dog" after nearly a month apart.

When the dog is with her parents, he often stares at the garage and refuses to eat, longing for her return. Knowing how much he misses her, she makes sure to visit as often as possible.

Not Every Pet Will Be a Soul Pet

Cahn emphasizes that not every pet will be a soul pet. Not every pet owner will experience this kind of connection—and that's OK.

"Pets enrich our lives in so many ways," she said. "You can still have a meaningful and loving bond with a pet without feeling a soul connection."

Whether or not you've met your soul pet, every animal has the potential to bring joy, companionship and love into your life in its own unique way.

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