Animal Reiki
For thousands and thousands of years, before capitalism, modernization, and the current systems that rule our world as we now know it, animals were more than just "pets.” They were spiritual companions who walked alongside us humans and guided us. For example, the Native American belief that horses are spiritual companions and messengers who are a bridge between the physical and spirit worlds, or the concept of "familiars," animals who serve as mentors or spiritual companions to witches and magic practitioners, mutually expanding one another's powers in their practice. We all know cats were seen as icons of worship in Ancient Egypt. In our modern world, I think a lot of people have their spiritual or wellness practice and then they have their relationship with their animal; but the two worlds are often separate. In my experience as a competitive eventer for 10 years in my youth, our horses were tools for us to "succeed" in the sport, and while all those years of training and horsemanship built an incredibly strong foundation in my relationship with horses and riding abilities, I also experienced years afterward where my relationship with horses was incredibly fraught. Due to the extreme and demanding nature of a sport like eventing, I was rarely ever able to slow down and “be” with my horses, like I had as a very young child. Even in my adult years of riding, it felt like there was something missing in my relationship with horses, and I continued to experience periods of closeness followed by periods of disassociation and rejection of the horseworld. Thanks to Animal Reiki, I have found incredible healing and reconnection with these beautiful animals in the past couple of years and it has completely altered my approach to being around horses as well as expanded my skills in training them. I truly believe Animal Reiki is a way to bridge the gap that has been created between humans and animals, and bring us back into relationship with our animals like we had in ancient times, where we see them as the spiritual beings they are. In the method of Animal Reiki I share, we do not see ourselves as the "healer", or the dominant force, but rather we invite these creatures in as our companions, and often times guides, so that we can both benefit from the practices. Through this mutuality, the benefits from these practices grow even stronger.
In-Person Animal Reiki (1 Hour)
$80 Initial Session $65 Follow-up Session
Offered in the followingVermont towns: Starksboro, South Starksboro, Hinesburg, Lincoln, Bristol, Middlebury, Charlotte, Vergennes, New Haven, Huntington, Burlington, Williston, Richmond, and Shelburne. For any towns outside of those mentioned, service fee for drive will apply (Please consider a distance Reiki session for your animal if you are out of the area)
Sessions include: Discussion with animal’s owner (in safe, heart-led space for sharing), chair Reiki session with human (optional) à la 10-15 minutes, followed by meditation/Reiki share with Animal. Sessions usually last about an hour, give or take. To close out the session, I will again open up space to talk to the owner about anything that came up during the treatment, and include a final few moments for owner to share about their animal friend. Sessions can occur inside or outside, depending on species.
During the session, the owner is welcome to join the meditation, or do any other quiet activity in or outside the house. Please note it is best to schedule a session when there will be few distractions (such as: noise, guests, during a regular feeding time). Any number of animals are welcome, cost per session is the same.
Distance Animal Reiki (30 Minutes) $44 or 4 Session Package for $164
A distance animal Reiki session offers calming, supportive energy to your animal from anywhere in the world. Through intention, mantra, and Reiki symbols, I connect with the universal oneness that links all beings. Your animal can relax in their familiar environment while I hold a space of peace and healing for about 30 minutes. You’re welcome to be present during the session to observe your animal and receive the benefits of Reiki yourself, although it is not required. Afterward, I’ll follow up by text or email to discuss any insights or observations on your end. Even though it may seem surprising, distance Reiki is highly effective, especially for animals, who naturally respond to this gentle, hands-off approach.
Please schedule the distance session outside of your animal’s regular feeding, work, or play time.
Virtual Animal Reiki Session (1 Hour) on Zoom
Virtual sessions are a great choice for those who want to experience an in-person but live outside of the serviceable areas. Sessions begin with a reflective discussion where you can share what’s been going on with your animal and with yourself. We’ll take time to explore questions, patterns, or concerns, and create space for clarity and support.
This is followed by a short grounding meditation and Reiki share over Zoom to help you relax, connect, and receive calming energy before I transition to working with your animal. Once we complete this portion together, I will close the Zoom call and offer distance Reiki to your animal in a quiet, uninterrupted setting.
Sessions typically last about about an hour. After the Reiki portion is complete, I will follow up by text or email. As with in-person work, any number of animals are welcome at same cost.
For best results, please schedule a time when you and your animal can enjoy a peaceful environment with minimal distractions.
What is “Animal Reiki”? Is it the same thing as Human Reiki?
While animal reiki incorporates the same elements as human Reiki, essentially inviting in and cultivating the Pure Energy of Love, an energy that promotes healing, relaxation, and a calm nervous system, the method of Reiki I have been taught differs slightly. With the Let Animals Lead ® method of Animal Reiki developed by Kathleen Prasad, practitioners focus on meditation and never put their hands on the animal or force treatment upon the animal if it is unwanted. Instead, we invite the animal to share in the healing light of Reiki with us as we quietly use meditation, visualization, and breathing techniques, but ultimately allow the animal to choose whether or not to participate. Because animals exist in a much higher vibration than humans, and they do so much healing work for us, it is such a gift when humans can create a space of pure Love and serenity for them to join – it is an actionless space, rooted in simply being. I find that most animals choose to be nearby when I am offering Reiki, and often will approach me or come to sit in my lap; if I sense they are asking for touch, I will offer a gentle touch, but only if and as long as they seek it out.
What can you and your animal expect from a session with me?
Something I am passionate about bringing into my work with animals is including their human companions into this healing practice as well! Our animals often act as mirrors, reflecting back to us our own gifts and challenges. One example of this is my sister and my off the track thoroughbred horses we had in our teens: my mare was stubborn, feisty and struggled with allergy issues and dry skin: so did I. My sister’s horse was a true people pleaser, calm in nature and had tummy issues, just like my sister. This is just a small example of how animals might mirror their human companions. I find that taking the time to open up a safe and heartfelt space for people to talk about their beloved animal companions can be cathartic and healing and lead to discoveries about oneself that might not have been previously revealed.
During a session with me, we will first open up space to talk about your animal companion(s). My work is not about me directly healing their health issues, but rather creating a space to amplify their innate healing nature and let the energy work its magic. I am happy to provide clients with veterinarian recommendations though!
After our discussion, I will offer a chair Reiki session to you (we do chair Reiki as it does not require a massage table and can be done on an upside down bucket in a barn, or easily in someone’s house). This allows the human client to settle into the energy of Reiki and receive a beautiful treatment. If you are not comfortable with receiving Reiki treatment yourself, we can absolutely skip this part! It usually lasts about 10-15 minutes.
Then, I will sit (or stand) with your animal in meditation, inviting them to join in if they would like. I have seen so many beautiful reactions from animals I have shared Reiki with! It might look like them falling into a deep slumber, sitting or lying down relaxed, coming over to me to receive touch or be closer to the energy. I have also seen animals eat and drink water during my meditations, and they may choose to come in and out of the healing space during the practice. Our goal is to come into the sessions without any expectations from the animal. Again, they do so much for us, we are not asking or expecting anything from them during this work but rather doing our best to create a space of Pure love and light within ourselves that will ripple out and benefit the animals. This portion of the service will last anywhere from 20-40 minutes.
To close out the session, I will again open up space to talk to you about anything that came up during the treatment, and have a final few moments to share about your animal friend.
Who can benefit from Animal Reiki?
Absolutely everyone! Animals who experience anxiety, health issues, or behavioral issues will certainly benefit from this treatment as well as their human companion. All of those who love their animals know that your level of well-being is linked to their level of well-being, so if our animal is struggling with something it can take a toll on our systems as well. This treatment is extremely nourishing and relaxing for the human as well. Animals who are perfectly happy and healthy can also benefit immensely – it is a beautiful gift we can offer them!
Please note: if you have a dog that has any aggression, is reactive, or territorial, I ask that the dog is kept either on a leash or in a crate while we do the session for everyone’s safety, or for as long as it takes for the dog to become comfortable and familiar with my presence. That said, high energy, anxious, and reactive dogs are great candidates for Reiki!
I have seen such wonderful reactions from the cats and small animals at Homeward Bound where I volunteer Reiki weekly, as well as a noted (positive) shift in my own cats’ behaviors and health through this practice. I have also worked with horses and seen such beautiful shifts in their energy during and after the practice. Healing can also take time and the more we incorporate these modalities into our lives, or our animals lives, the more it compounds over time, with increasingly positive results. Therefore, you may opt to have weekly or monthly treatments (just like we would with something like acupuncture!).