I see that this is an older thread, but I felt I needed to reply. I have had animals all my life. They most certainly have a soul 100%. If you look into a person's eyes, you can see and feel it. Just as there are people who you can look into their eyes and see nothing but a void of darkness. It's the same with animals. If you look into their eyes, you can see and feel a soul. Anyone who has had animals in their life, will tell you this. It's pure and real. Each animal has a personality all their own just as people do. I have had many experiences in my life that tell me that they do without a shadow of a doubt. I will not go into detail about them because I find that when discussing them in terms of religion it tends to stir people up. I believe in God and I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross. I also know the bible doesn't explain in detail about some things very well, and I believe this is one of them. The only thing that gives me comfort when one of my animals passes on is that one day I KNOW I will see them again and they will be there to greet me just as all my family who has gone before me will be there to greet me. I hope that this gives the original poster some comfort.
Many Blessings,
Mel