Animal Reiki
Reiki for animalsWhat is Animal Reiki?
Animal Reiki is the offering of Reiki to animals. The Reiki is exactly the same as that offered to people, but working with animals takes more than applying human Reiki skills. Animals do not communicate with us as we do with one another, so the animal always takes the lead.
Many Reiki practitioners offer Reiki to their own animals and to those of friends and family. Some give their time in rescues and sanctuaries, and others work professionally with animals. Animal-specific training is advised for anyone who wishes to work professionally.
Reiki is not a magical cure and is not an alternative to conventional veterinary care. It is a natural, calm therapy that is enjoyed by many animals.
Why owners choose Reiki
- It is non-invasive, needing nothing but a practitioner and their hands.
- It can be given anywhere: hands-on, hands-off or at a distance.
- There is no need to move or disturb the animal.
- The animal is in control at all times, and chooses whether to take part and for how long.
- It complements veterinary care and never replaces it.
Owners and practitioners often report that animals appear more relaxed and comfortable after Reiki. These are observations, not proven clinical outcomes.
Reiki is offered in some animal rescue centres, sanctuaries and stables, as well as in the home.
What happens in a session
Before a session, the practitioner will ask about your animal: why Reiki is sought, their character and temperament, a brief history and any veterinary diagnosis.
Sessions usually take place where the animal is most relaxed, often at home, and often begin hands-off. Some animals move closer, some step away and some settle to sleep. All of that is fine.
Animal Reiki is non-diagnostic and non-manipulative, and no pressure is applied. A session usually lasts between half an hour and an hour.
One session may be enough, or a course of sessions may be agreed with you and reviewed as you go. Because animals are sensitive to the people around them, a practitioner may suggest Reiki for the owner or carer too.
Vets and the law
See your vet first. We recommend that any known or suspected health problem, or any sudden change in behaviour, is diagnosed by a vet before Reiki is offered.
Under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, only a registered veterinary surgeon may practise veterinary surgery (section 19). The Act defines veterinary surgery (section 27) as including:
- diagnosing diseases in, or injuries to, animals, including diagnostic tests
- giving advice based on such a diagnosis
- the medical or surgical treatment of animals
- performing surgical operations on animals
A Reiki practitioner must never do any of these, and should never be asked for a diagnosis.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons sets out its guidance on the treatment of animals by people who are not vets in Chapter 19 of its supporting guidance.
Pet insurance. Some pet insurers include Reiki in their policies. Check yours, as it may require your vet to refer your pet or to give consent.
Choosing a practitioner
Since December 2020, Animal Reiki Practitioners have been able to apply to be recognised by the UK Reiki Federation. Recognition shows that a practitioner has undergone sufficient training and gained the expertise to meet our requirements, and those developed collectively with other Reiki Council member organisations.
Recognised practitioners are listed in our directory.
Safety
Practitioners must only offer sessions in a way that puts the safety of everyone concerned first. Please tell your practitioner about anything that could put your animal, or anyone else, at risk during a session.
If a practitioner suspects an acute or infectious condition, or a problem of urgent concern, they will advise you to take your animal to a vet. Suspected notifiable diseases must be reported by law.
Animal welfare is a concern for everyone who works with animals. If neglect or cruelty is observed or suspected, it may be appropriate or necessary to report it for the animal’s sake.
Research
Research into Reiki for animals is at an early stage. Few studies have been carried out, and much more work needs to be done.
Two published laboratory studies of which we are aware:
- Personal interaction with a Reiki practitioner decreases noise-induced microvascular damage in an animal model. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2006; 12(1): 15-22.
- Reiki Improves Heart Rate Homeostasis in Laboratory Rats. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2008; 14(4): 417-422.
Training and accreditation
If you are interested in learning Reiki with the intention of benefiting animals, or you are a practitioner or teacher who would like to be recognised, start here.
Find an Animal Reiki Practitioner
Search our directory of practitioners recognised by the UK Reiki Federation.