Many people are unsure what Animal Reiki is, or how it can help. Let’s break it down in simple terms.

A Brief History of Reiki

Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a Japanese healing technique that originated in the early 1920s with Mikao Usui. The word combines two Japanese characters:

• Rei – meaning “universal” or “spirit”

• Ki – meaning “life energy”

Reiki is based on the idea that a vital energy flows through all living things. When that energy is low or disrupted, it can lead to stress or illness. Reiki practitioners use gentle hand placements or intention (even from a distance) to offer healing energy, promoting balance and relaxation.

It’s non-religious, non-invasive, and deeply calming.

So…What Is Animal Reiki?

Animal Reiki is simply the offering of this universal healing energy to animals, with their permission. Unlike traditional Reiki for humans, Animal Reiki is more about being than doing. The practitioner enters a calm, grounded state and holds space for the animal, allowing them to approach—or not—on their own terms.

Animal Reiki is:

• A meditative, peaceful experience for the animal

• An invitation, not a demand—animals choose how to engage

• Safe and gentle for all species, ages, and conditions

• A support tool for emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being

• A beautiful way to build trust with anxious, elderly, or traumatized pets

What Isn’t Animal Reiki?

Let’s clear up a few common misconceptions.

Animal Reiki is NOT:

• A substitute for veterinary care or medical treatment **

• Animal massage or hands-on manipulation

• A quick fix for behavior problems

  

• Something done to the animal—it’s offered with love and consent

• Religious, woo-woo, witchcraft, or about “controlling energy”

What Does It Actually Do?

While every session is different, Animal Reiki often helps animals:

• Relax and release anxiety

• Recover from surgery or illness

• Cope with change, trauma, or grief

• Ease into aging or end-of-life transitions

• Feel grounded and emotionally balanced

Many pets respond by lying down, blinking slowly, or falling asleep. Others may simply sit nearby and soak in the peacefulness from a distance. That’s the important thing to remember—it’s always on their terms.

Ready to Try Animal Reiki?

Whether your pet is recovering from an illness, dealing with anxiety, or you just want to support their overall well-being, Animal Reiki offers a gentle, loving approach to healing, whether you live in Manhattan, Kansas or not.

Interested in a session or want to learn more?

Let’s chat. I’d be honored to support your #MHKPET’s healing journey.

Contact MHK Pet Sitter today to schedule a session or ask questions.

**Reiki will never replace veterinary care.  I admire and respect the work that veterinarians do for animals.  I worked for a veterinarian for ten years.  Think of it as Veterinary Medicine supporting the physical health and Reiki supporting the emotional health.