Reiki and Pets

Since I first became acquainted with Reiki in the early 70’s, I’ve occasionally heard ugly rumors that “some practitioners” felt Reiki should not be used on pets and other animals. Being a “pet person,” I thought I might take a whack at this topic here on TRHB.

To be fair, I have to say that such reports have always come to me third hand (at least!) – I have never actually spoken or corresponded with anyone who has volunteered this perspective. It is entirely possible that such rumors have been the Reiki equivalent of urban legends, or are simple misunderstandings. As with human clients, there are times when animal Reiki is not appropriate, and it’s not hard to imagine that such a statement could be misconstrued as “not appropriate ever.”

But, in a world where such rubbish as “pets don’t go to Heaven” can actually be taken seriously, one can never be too sure.

My personal belief is that Reiki is as appropriate for pets and other animals as breathing. Reiki is the essential divine life force energy of the universe; it exists in and around all things. It is what, in those immortal words, “binds the galaxy together.” Reiki has its own innate intelligence and divine wisdom, but it must be understood that this intelligence and wisdom are not marred by the prejudices that so often plague our human experience. Reiki is a foundational component of life, whether that life is two-footed, four-footed, winged or finned. Reiki would no more make a judgment based on species than would light itself. Reiki would no more refuse to heal a pet than water would refuse to quench its thirst.

As with conventional veterinary medicine, pet owners have a responsibility to seek Reiki healing for their pets in a manner that does not interfere with the karmic journey of the animal. Conventional veterinary intersession often prolongs the life of a pet beyond its karmic limit, resulting in unnecessary suffering for the pet, and an unnecessary and unintentional karmic burden for the owner. Far too often, such steps are taken not for the benefit of the animal but because the owner does not want to suffer the pain of loss. While it is doubtful that Reiki energy would allow itself to be used in such a manner, due to its inherent divine intelligence and wisdom, the effort to inappropriately prolong the life of a pet could still be detrimental to both animal and owner.

Another aspect of this issue to consider is the physical interaction of the Reiki practitioner and the animal. I would hazard a guess that most Reiki practitioners have not had a lot of experience with sick or injured animals. As many veterinarians and their assistants have good cause to remember, while pet owners may be enthusiastic about their animals receiving treatment, the pets themselves may have radically different ideas. A particular animal may, under normal circumstances, be well-disposed toward strangers. However, under the pain and stress of illness or injury, the same animal may respond violently when approached or handled by a stranger.

Without belaboring the point, I think that, when appropriate, Reiki is every bit as beneficial to pets and other animals as it is to humans. As with any type of treatment, a little common sense and care should be used when considering Reiki treatment for an injured or ailing pet, and caution should be used by any Reiki practitioner not experienced with handling animals. When appropriate forethought is applied, Reiki is a safe, non-stressful, non-invasive adjunct to any conventional treatment regimen that might be considered for a beloved pet.