- Animal Reiki is a gentle, non invasive complementary therapy that can be offered to animals of all ages and backgrounds. The session is guided by the animal’s own responses and willingness to participate.
- There is no need to make your animal do anything in particular. They do not need to lie still, sit in a particular position or even remain close to the practitioner. They are free to move around, change position, come closer or move away during the session.
- The most important thing is that your animal feels safe and comfortable.
Before the Session
Your Animal’s Health
- Please let me know about any health conditions, injuries, recent illness, medication, veterinary treatment or behavioural concerns before the session.
- Reiki is a complementary wellbeing therapy and is not a replacement for veterinary diagnosis, treatment or advice. If your animal is currently unwell or receiving veterinary care, Reiki can be offered alongside that care where appropriate.
- Please let me know if there is anything that may affect your animal’s comfort or ability to participate safely.
Food and Water
- There is no special diet required before an Animal Reiki session.
- Make sure your animal has access to fresh water and has had an opportunity to relieve themselves before the session.
- If your animal has just eaten, it may be more comfortable to allow some time for digestion before beginning, particularly if they are prone to digestive upset.
Creating a Comfortable Environment
- Where the session takes place at home, choose a quiet, comfortable area where your animal feels safe.
- There is no need to create a special environment. Familiar surroundings are often preferable.
- You may wish to provide:
- A favourite bed or blanket
- Fresh water
- A familiar toy
- A quiet space where your animal can retreat if they wish
- Comfortable room temperature
- Try to minimise unnecessary noise and interruptions where possible.
During the Session
Your Animal Is in Charge
- Animal Reiki is not about making an animal stay still or behave in a particular way.
- Your animal may:
- Sit or lie down
- Move around
- Change position
- Stretch or yawn
- Look around the room
- Come closer
- Move away and return later
- Fall asleep
- Remain awake and observant
- All of these responses are perfectly acceptable.
- Your animal’s choice and welfare come first. They will never be forced or restrained simply to enable the Reiki session.
- Reiki can be offered without physical contact, so your animal does not have to be comfortable with being touched.
How You Can Help
- Your role is simply to remain calm and allow your animal to respond naturally.
- Try not to encourage or discourage particular behaviours during the session. Allow them the freedom to decide where they would like to be and whether they wish to interact.
- Sometimes an animal may appear completely uninterested at first and then become more receptive later. There is no need to encourage them to participate.
What Might You Notice?
- Every animal responds differently.
- Some animals become very relaxed and sleepy. Others may become quieter and more settled, while some may move around or appear curious about what is happening.
- You may notice:
- Relaxation or sleepiness
- Deep or slower breathing
- Yawning or stretching
- A change in body posture
- Increased calmness
- Seeking closeness or reassurance
- Choosing to move away and rest somewhere else
- Increased alertness or curiosity
- Emotional or behavioural changes
- Simply no obvious change at all
- There is no particular response that indicates whether a session has been beneficial. Your animal’s experience is individual to them.
After the Session
- Allow your animal some quiet time after their session if they appear to want it.
- Make sure fresh water is available and allow them to rest or sleep if they choose to.
- There is no need to encourage your animal to do anything differently after Reiki. Simply observe them and allow them to return to their normal routine when they are ready.
- You may notice changes in behaviour, mood, energy or sleep during the hours or days following a session. These may be subtle and can be useful to observe, particularly if you are considering further sessions.
- It can be helpful to make a note of anything you notice so that you can compare how your animal responds over time.
When to Contact Your Vet
- Reiki should never be used to explain away or ignore a physical or behavioural change that could indicate illness or injury.
- If your animal develops a new, persistent or concerning symptom, appears distressed, or you are worried about a change in their health or behaviour, contact your veterinary professional for advice.
- Reiki can be used as a complementary wellbeing practice alongside appropriate veterinary care, but it does not diagnose, treat or cure medical conditions.
A Final Note
- There is no right or wrong way for an animal to experience Reiki.
- Some animals actively seek it out. Some are happy to receive it from a distance. Some may only stay for a few minutes before wandering off. Others may sleep through the entire session.
- Your animal’s choice is always respected.
- The aim is simply to provide a calm, supportive space in which your animal can respond in whatever way feels natural to them.
Reiki is intended as complementary healing to support wellbeing and should not replace medical diagnosis or treatment from a qualified veterinary professional. I am trained and qualified in the therapies and treatments I offer but I do not claim to treat or cure medical conditions. If you are at all concerned with any symptom(s) you are experiencing please contact your vet, and contact me if you have any questions or concerns.