Reiki for Animals

Not that long ago, Reiki was considered unusual and odd. People simply did not understand it or believe in it, but times are changing. Reiki is growing in popularity and it’s even being used in hospitals to help people recover from surgeries and illnesses. And while many people today are familiar with the healing modality of Reiki, far less people have heard of Animal Reiki. You may be wondering, isn’t Reiki for people and Reiki for animals the same thing? It is and it isn’t.

The word Reiki is a Japanese word meaning spiritual energy, referring to all things that make up the universe. Reiki is compassion and relaxation, and it supports the body and mind’s natural ability to heal. In that sense, Animal Reiki and Human Reiki are the same. However, when it comes to techniques and offering Reiki, the two are very different.

What is Animal Reiki?
In its simplest form, Animal Reiki is meditating with animals. Research has shown that meditation can help manage anxiety, cancer, depression, heart disease, pain and more. It affects the mind, body, and spirit, and brings a peaceful state of being. When we find peace of mind through meditation, then healing, contentment, transformation and renewal will follow. This can happen not only for us, but also for any animals and people around us. We call this the Reiki Ripple!

What does an Animal Reiki session look like?
Animals are always in control of the Reiki session. They decide if they will accept the Reiki, how much they will accept, if they want to be touched, and how long the session will last.

An Animal Reiki practitioner begins each session by asking the animals permission to proceed. It is as simple as silently letting the animal know that they are there to meditate, offer Reiki and that the animal is free to accept as much, or as little Reiki as they choose. Then the practitioner sets an intention for the exact healing that is needed in this exact moment. Practitioners do not diagnose or try to focus on what they think needs to be healed. They quiet their minds, connect to their compassionate hearts, and then invite the animal into the healing space this creates.

Reiki is ideal for use with animals because it is gentle, noninvasive and doesn’t require physical contact. It doesn’t cause stress, discomfort, or pain, and yet yields powerful results. Animals respond intuitively to Reiki and the peaceful space it creates supports the healing of emotional, behavioral, and physical illnesses and injuries.

How will a treatment help my animal?
For animals who are healthy, Reiki helps to maintain their wellbeing by enhancing relaxation and a sense of peace.

For animals who are ill, Reiki supports the body and mind’s natural ability to heal.

For dying animals, Reiki is a powerful yet gentle way to provide comfort, relief from fear and anxiety, and to ease the transition to death. Reiki is also a wonderful way to support a dying animal’s family through the grieving process.

Reiki is also a safe complement to conventional medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, essential oils and flower essences. It is not a replacement for veterinary medicine.


Jamie Lee is an Animal Relationship Specialist and Shelter Animal Reiki Association Teacher/Practitioner. She is a publi c speaker, a published author, and she volunteers to help animals and caregivers in rescues and shelters. For more information on Animal Reiki visit www.Animal-Bonds.com or FB page Jamie Lee – Animal Bonds.