Reiki is for everyone and many of my “human” clients ask me, Can I Reiki My Pet? The answer is Yes and they usually love it! 

I provide Reiki energy sessions to entire families more and more these days. It keeps everyone in “balance” and feeling healthier and more positive in their family unit.

Reiki can safely be applied to our pets and all animals in need. Some Reiki practitioners offer Reiki sessions specifically for animals when they are not feeling well, others routinely to support their overall well-being. Here are a few things to consider if you’re interested in adding Reiki to your pet’s healthcare regime:

Find a Reiki Practitioner who specializes in working with animals and has experience in providing Reiki for pets. They will have the knowledge and skills to work with and approach animals and understand their specific needs. I feel this is the key to a successful experience with Reiki energy. Animal are more receptive and sensitive to energy. Not all prefer a hands-on approach and would do best with a little space during the initial sessions.

Create a quiet and comfortable space where your pet feels safe and can relax during their Reiki session. Minimize distractions and create a peaceful atmosphere. I always play soft meditation music during my sessions.

Before starting the session, allow your pet to become familiar with their Reiki Practitioner. This helps build trust and allows your pet to feel more comfortable throughout the session. Animals live through their senses and the nose tells them all they need to know, so let them sniff and get familiar with them too. 

Now that they are familiar it will be decided on the Hands-On or Hands-Off Approach. Depending on your pet’s preferences and comfort level, the Reiki practitioner may use a hands-on approach by gently placing their hands on your pet, or they may use a hands-off approach by hovering their hands slightly above your pet’s body or in some case where an animal is really unsure from across the room with the distance Reiki approach. The practitioner will follow your pet’s cues and adapt the technique accordingly throughout the session. If at any time you feel it is not comfortable for your pet immediately request the sessions be stopped.

During the session, observe your pet’s behavior and reactions. Animals may respond differently to Reiki, and some may show signs of relaxation with yawns and sighs, feelings of calmness, deep breathing, or even falling asleep. Others may become more alert or show curiosity. Every animal is unique, so their response may vary. I do recommend that you keep a pen and pad to write notes of the experience to reflect on later.

The duration of a Reiki session for animals can vary. It may last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on your pet’s needs and their ability to stay engaged. I have had animals be done at 20 minutes and some just getting started at 20 minutes, like people it is an individual experience for everyone.

Please keep in mind Reiki should never be used as a substitute for veterinary care. If your pet has any health concerns, it’s important to consult with a qualified veterinarian for proper

diagnosis and treatment. Reiki can be used as a complementary therapy to support your pet’s overall well-being and enhance their quality of life. Many hospitals and veterinarian offices are already ahead of the curve and refer Reiki Practitioners for complimentary treatments for our pets.