An experience of caring for people and animals

For three months, a special experience brought together people, animals, and Reiki at the São Francisco de Assis Association (ASFA), in Cascais, Portugal.

From March to June this year, a Joint Reiki Level 1 and Animal Reiki Level 1 Course was held for a group of staff members from the São Francisco de Assis Association (ASFA), in Cascais, Portugal.

ASFA provides shelter for dogs and cats that have been abandoned, neglected, or victims of abuse. These animals have experienced difficult lives and require not only veterinary care, but also time, patience, and love to overcome fear and trauma.

Those who work daily in this environment face significant emotional challenges, as dealing with situations of suffering, abandonment, and recovery requires balance, sensitivity, and the ability to care for others without neglecting their own emotional well-being.

It was with this purpose in mind that this joint training programme was created, delivered by Catarina Caracol, Reiki Level 1 Teacher, and myself, Animal Reiki Level 1 Teacher.

Reiki in staff training

Reiki Level 1 gave staff members their first contact with a practice that encourages balance and serenity through self-care, providing them with knowledge and practical tools that will support them in carrying out their daily responsibilities.

At the same time, the Animal Reiki Solidarity Training enabled these professionals to acquire the skills needed to offer Reiki to the animals cared for at ASFA. It also helped them begin to see animals from a different perspective.

Throughout the practical sessions, it was possible to observe moments of calm, spontaneous approach, and relaxation among the dogs and cats, all of whom responded very positively to Reiki.

This joint training brought together staff members from different areas of the Association, including several Animal Caregivers, a Veterinarian, Administrative Assistants, and Accounting Assistants, creating a learning environment where professionals from different roles came together with the shared goal of providing better care for the animals while also taking care of themselves.

The classes took place at the Association’s facilities, allowing learning to happen within the very environment where these professionals carry out their daily work. The practical component was conducted alongside the resident animals, making each session an opportunity for learning and personal growth while also providing moments of peace and relaxation for the animals.

A memorable moment during the training

One of the most memorable moments occurred during the very first practical Animal Reiki session.

While one of the dogs was receiving Reiki, it repeatedly guided one of the practitioner’s hands toward its heart using its own paw.

The situation caught the attention of the group and was immediately shared with one of the veterinarians attending the training. After examining the dog, she later confirmed the presence of a heart murmur.

More than simply being an interesting episode, this moment reminded us of the importance of observation, presence, and attentive listening during Reiki practice.

A milestone for Reiki and Animal Reiki

This Joint Reiki Level 1 and Animal Reiki Level 1 Training represented an important milestone for Reiki and Animal Reiki in Portugal. It demonstrated that these practices can be naturally integrated into institutions dedicated to animal welfare, benefiting not only the animals in their care but also the people who look after them every day.

My heartfelt thanks go to the São Francisco de Assis Association for the trust placed in this project, to all the staff members who embraced this challenge, and, naturally, to their wonderful animals, who continue to wait for the opportunity to bring happiness to many families.

Below, I share the moving testimonials about the experience of offering Reiki to an animal for the very first time—an experience that will certainly remain unforgettable for every Animal Reiki Practitioner.

estimonials

Alexandra Cordero

Animal Caregiver – ASFA

Today, I experienced something that touched me in a way that is difficult to explain, yet impossible to ignore.

I had already begun my Reiki journey with people under Catarina’s guidance, where I started to notice subtle changes, a deeper sense of connection, and greater well-being. However, this weekend, at the São Francisco de Assis Association, while taking part in the Animal Reiki training with Fátima, I felt something different… more intense, more genuine, more profound.

Throughout the afternoon, I had the opportunity to share Reiki with our animals at the São Francisco de Assis Association in Cascais: Pancho, Alma, Kippy, Taz, Gin, Estrelinha, Malu, Flecha, and Ace.

Flecha was the most remarkable moment for me. Without really understanding why, I began to feel a deep emotion that brought me to tears.

Gin made me feel as though he was asking for Reiki, as if there were a silent form of communication between us. And Ace… a restless animal who suddenly allowed himself to stop, lie down, and simply receive.

I leave this experience with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. To the teachers, for guiding me along this path with such dedication. To the animals, for trusting us and allowing such a pure and honest exchange. I feel more connected, more aware, and deeply touched by everything I experienced.

It was more than giving Reiki.

It was learning, feeling… and growing.

Sofia Patrício

Animal Caregiver – ASFA

Once again, I would like to thank you for today’s afternoon, which was truly magical.

Dogs radiate a joy that is different from cats, and it is incredibly contagious.

All I wanted was to leave the Association skipping with happiness.

Cláudia Evangelista

Administrative Assistant – ASFA

It has been a deeply rewarding experience—one that cannot be fully explained; it simply has to be felt.

Every moment spent there, inside the kennels, brings something unique. It is not only about the animals, nor only about what happens during the process, but about the natural way everything unfolds. There is a silent exchange, almost invisible, yet deeply present.

Small gestures, unexpected reactions, looks, sounds… everything takes on meaning.

What leaves the strongest impression is that genuine sense of connection, without effort.

Being with them, respecting each animal’s own time, and observing how they respond to presence creates a kind of harmony that is difficult to find elsewhere.

And in the end, what remains is a quiet sense of gratitude, as though every encounter leaves something good behind—for them and for me.

Thank you for this opportunity and for this wonderful experience.

Vanda Graça

Accounting Department – ASFA

On Sunday, I had the opportunity to practise Reiki with several dogs, and it was a truly enriching experience.

I began with two senior dogs, who were very calm and receptive from the very beginning. They remained still throughout the session, and I felt them becoming progressively more relaxed, appearing comfortable and enjoying the gentle touch.

I then spent time with four small-breed dogs. Two of them actively sought closeness and physical contact, clearly showing that they wanted to receive the touch. Another, who had initially been barking quite a lot, gradually became calmer throughout the session until he fell silent, occasionally approaching with curiosity. It was fascinating to observe this gradual change in his behaviour.

In the outdoor kennels, I experienced different reactions. Some dogs approached, lay down, and remained peaceful, as though they were truly enjoying the moment. Overall, I noticed a clear difference between their initial and final state, with greater calmness and relaxation becoming visible.

I truly enjoyed this experience. It was deeply rewarding to see the dogs become calmer and more receptive, and I felt that I was able to establish a meaningful connection with them through touch and presence. This practice also helped me develop greater confidence and sensitivity in the way I approach animals during Reiki.

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.