Animals, souls, death

Hi all

I have been a pretty stern atheist for most of my life. When I was 5 I drowned and was 'dead' briefly. My sister asked me what I saw and it was nothing. From this experience I was convinced there is no after life no soul etc. Recently after reading claims by David Grusch I started reading lots about UAPs, NHI etc and am now open minded about things. What I haven't come across so far is any idea on how animals fit into things. Do they have souls? Do they reincarnate?

I have pets and I love them dearly and although no one can truly give me an answer I am keen to hear what may happen to them after they die and how they fit into things.