Intro to Animal Reiki

Did you know that you can offer reiki to animals? You don’t need any special certification either. Any practitioner can provide reiki to a furry friend. I often give reiki to my sister’s hairless cat who has an autoimmune condition, my best friend’s dog who is prone to bouts of aggression and other neighborhood pets who require my services. Sometimes I will visit the animal shelter and beam reiki to the cats, dogs and bunnies, many of which could use a little energetic pick-me-up.

Animals have such gentle, friendly spirits and they love you unconditionally. It feels so rewarding to be able to give back to them in this way. It makes me smile when I watch them fall asleep, relax their muscles completely or begin purring before my very eyes. There is a special glow about them after they receive the reiki. While there are certainly no hard and fast rules when it comes to animal reiki, I would like to offer a few suggestions that will make the process easier and more fulfilling.

Respect them as equals– Approach all animals as equals. Just because they aren’t human doesn’t mean they are any less worthy. If you hold the belief that an animal is an inferior being upon which only you can bestow healing, they are less likely to want to spend time in your energy let alone accept reiki. Meet them from your heart space and be open to watching miracles occur before your very eyes.
Be mindful of their willingness– As animals don’t speak our language or communicate in the same ways that humans do, it’s important to be aware that the can’t provide verbal consent. Consequently, when offering reiki to animals, it is good practice to relay to them that they can accept as much or as little energy as they are comfortable with. Even if that means none. I have had at least two potential animal clients who were unwilling to accept reiki and I informed their guardians (owners) that we could not ethically go through with the session due to lack of consent. Just as humans must accept help on a voluntary basis (you can’t force someone into rehab against their will), the same principle applies to animals. Their readiness (or lack thereof) is of profound ethical significance. If they are unwilling, they will make it clear to you. You will be able to sense great resistance, a feeling like a wall is up, or a clairaudient “no” depending on your intuitive abilities. Honor the answer you receive.
An attitude of adaptability– Have you ever heard the quote, “The most adaptable person wins”? This is also true in the realm of animal reiki. Read the animal’s energy to determine which approach is most befitting. When approaching them, I recommend having open body language because it signals that you are friendly and have positive intentions. Sometimes, while transmitting reiki energy to an animal, they may move from their original position. On some occasions, they will even travel across the room or upstairs. That’s perfectly okay, simply adjust and continue until the animal indicates to you that the session is over.
Recommended techniques– While many animals will tolerate traditional reiki hand positions and are not averse to direct contact, not all animals are comfortable with this. A method I suggest for animals, especially those you have not met before, is to beam the reiki. Sit on their level (or stand depending on the creature i.e. a horse) and beam reiki to the various chakra centers from a foot or two away. Over time, when working with repeat animal clients, it may be appropriate for both parties to get closer. If it’s comfortable and safe to do so, you may consider providing hands-on reiki directly to their fur, scales, etc.
Consider odors– An animal’s sense of smell is much more powerful than a human’s. Out of consideration for them and their healing process, avoid overbearing scents such as perfume, essential oils, scented lotions and the like. While they may not be bothered by it, why risk offending their sensitive noses?