Still Here

A Survey of After-Death Communication Experiences with Companion Animals

Research Survey · Jasmine Sterling · 2026

Thank you for taking the time to participate in this survey. We are researching the experiences people have with their companion animals after the animal has passed away — any form of perceived connection, communication, or presence, whether through dreams, sounds, physical sensations, or other means.

There are no right or wrong answers. Your responses are completely anonymous and will be used to better understand a topic that has received very little formal research attention.

Estimated completion time: 5–7 minutes · All responses are anonymous and confidential

Section 1

About You — helps us understand who is participating

Q1. What is your age range?

Q2. How would you describe your gender?

Female Male Non-binary / third gender Prefer not to say

Q3. Which best describes your general worldview regarding consciousness and the afterlife?

I believe consciousness continues after physical death I'm open to the possibility but uncertain I'm skeptical but curious I do not believe consciousness continues after death I haven't formed a clear view

Section 2

Your Companion Animal

Q4. What type of companion animal are you reflecting on?

Q5. How long ago did this animal pass away?

Q5b. When did your first experience of connection or communication occur after their passing?

This helps us understand the timing of these experiences.

Within hours of their passing Within the first few days Within the first month 1–6 months after their passing More than 6 months after their passing I have not had any such experiences

Q6. How would you describe your bond with this animal during their lifetime?

Deeply bonded — they were one of the most important relationships in my life Very close — a beloved companion Close — I cared for them deeply Moderate — a good pet but not an unusually deep bond

Section 3

Your Experiences After Their Passing

Q7. Have you had any of the following experiences after your companion animal passed? (Select all that apply)

Q8. How often do these experiences occur now?

Daily or almost daily A few times per week A few times per month A few times per year Rarely — only once or a handful of times total They have stopped entirely

Q9. How have these experiences changed over time?

They have become more frequent or vivid They have remained roughly the same They have become less frequent but still occur They occurred mainly right after the passing and then stopped They started well after the passing, not immediately

Q10. When these experiences occur, how do they typically feel?

Unmistakably real — distinct from imagination or memory Vivid and convincing, but I sometimes wonder if it's my mind Subtle — easy to dismiss, but something about it stands out I'm honestly not sure what to make of them

Q11. Which of the following best describes the emotional impact? (Select all that apply)

Comforting — they ease my grief Joyful — they bring genuine happiness Validating — they confirm something I already sensed Surprising — they catch me off guard Confusing — I don't know what to do with them Unsettling — they make me uneasy Bittersweet — both beautiful and painful Transformative — they have fundamentally changed how I understand life, death, or connection

Q12. Did you interpret any of these experiences as your animal trying to communicate a specific message?

Yes — I received a clear message (reassurance, comfort, permission, protection, or guidance) Possibly — I sensed something was being communicated but couldn't put it into words No — the experiences felt meaningful but not like a directed message I'm not sure

Section 4

Context and Meaning

Q13. Have you shared these experiences with others?

Yes, openly and often Yes, but only with a few trusted people Rarely — I worry about being judged or dismissed No — I've kept them entirely to myself

Q14. When you have shared (or imagined sharing), how have others typically responded?

With understanding and belief With interest and openness With polite neutrality With skepticism or dismissal I haven't shared with anyone

Q15. Has having these experiences changed how you think about the relationship between humans and animals?

Yes, significantly — I now see animals as having a deeper consciousness than I previously understood Somewhat — it's shifted my perspective Not really — I already held this view before No — I attribute these experiences to my own mind or psychology rather than my animal's continued presence

Q16. Have these experiences influenced your grief process?

Yes — they have been a central part of how I've processed the loss Somewhat — they've helped alongside other forms of support Not significantly — my grief has been shaped by other factors They've made grief more complicated or confusing

Section 5

In Your Own Words — optional, but deeply valued

Q17. If you could describe your single most vivid or meaningful experience of connection with your animal after their passing, what happened?

Optional. Take as much space as you need.

Q18. Is there anything you wish people understood about what it's like to have these experiences?

Optional.

Q19. Would you be interested in being part of a community exploring these experiences further?

Yes — I'd welcome a space for this Maybe — I'd like to learn more first No, but I'm glad this research exists No

Q20. If you'd like to be notified when this research is shared or when community spaces open, leave your email below.

Optional — your address will never be shared and is used only to follow up on this research.

Your responses are anonymous and confidential. This survey takes a moment to process after submission.

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Thank You

Your responses contribute to an emerging body of research on the bonds between humans and companion animals — bonds that may extend beyond what conventional science has yet explored.

If this survey brought up difficult emotions, please be gentle with yourself. Your love for your animal is real, and your experiences matter.

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