Reiki is a complementary therapy applied through the hands, which may or may not touch the recipient’s body. Its purpose is to promote balance through deep physical, mental, and emotional relaxation.

It does not replace medical or veterinary treatment, but it can be used alongside conventional care. Sessions are conducted in accordance with the Code of Ethics for Reiki Practitioners for Animals, published by the Portuguese Reiki Association.

Applying Reiki to Animals

Practicing Reiki with animals is a truly rewarding experience. Animals naturally guide the practitioner’s hands to the part of the body where they feel discomfort, often performing remarkable movements throughout the process.

The animal also decides how long the session will last.

A Reiki practitioner working with animals should approach them as equals. For this reason, it is important to adapt to the environment, as there is often no quiet or dedicated space available, particularly in shelters and municipal animal care facilities.

There is usually no treatment table, so sessions are commonly given while kneeling or sitting on the floor.

With larger animals, such as horses or cattle, the practitioner may remain standing. In the case of aggressive or wild animals, Reiki is offered from outside the enclosure to ensure everyone’s safety.

For animals living in different environments, such as birds or fish, Reiki can also be offered from a distance.

Every Session Is Unique

One of the most beautiful aspects of Reiki for Animals is that no two sessions are ever the same.

Anyone wishing to practice Reiki with animals should develop adaptability, creativity, humility, and, above all, deep respect.

It is wonderful to observe that when Reiki is offered to a single animal, many of the surrounding animals naturally lie down and begin breathing more deeply, showing clear signs of relaxation.

These situations are common in shelters and municipal animal facilities, where many animals share the same environment.

Benefits of Reiki for Animals

• Promotes calm and relaxation;
• Helps ease emotional trauma and depression;
• Supports the healing of wounds and recovery after surgery;
• Helps restore the animal’s confidence in itself and in people;
• Reduces the side effects of intensive treatments, such as chemotherapy;
• Provides comfort and serenity during end-of-life care.

Where Can Reiki Be Offered?

• Municipal dog and cat shelters, where large numbers of animals are cared for.
• Animal shelters and rescue organizations, which often depend on donations and volunteer work.
• Temporary foster homes, where families care for rescued animals until permanent homes are found.
• Veterinary hospitals and clinics, helping animals remain calmer while waiting for or receiving treatment.
• Animal rescue and capture teams, where repeated sessions may be needed as trust develops.
• Animals living with their families, since companion animals often absorb the emotional atmosphere around them, and Reiki may help restore harmony.

In Summary

Reiki for Animals can be successfully applied in all of these settings, offering comfort after the experiences that brought animals there.

Once rescued, Reiki may help reduce fear and support their adaptation to a new environment.

In shelters and municipal facilities, newly arrived animals often face significant challenges while adjusting to unfamiliar surroundings and living alongside many other animals. Many have experienced abandonment, neglect, abuse, trauma, fear, or depression.

Regular Reiki sessions may help ease these emotional burdens, rebuild trust in both humans and other animals, and contribute positively to their chances of finding a permanent home.

In short, Reiki is a complementary therapy with a wide range of applications and can be offered wherever animals are present. Their response to Reiki is generally very positive.

About the Author

Fátima Cunha Velho has been a Reiki Master since 2013 and is the Coordinator of the Animal Reiki Volunteers Network in Portugal. She is dedicated to volunteer work, education, and raising awareness about Reiki for animal well-being, promoting an ethical, compassionate, and respectful approach to all living beings.