Animal Reiki – Healing Beyond Touch Because Real Connection Doesn't Require Contact
- Brainz Magazine
- 25 minutes ago
- 6 min read
Angela Kearney is a holistic therapist for people and pets. She is a Registered Animal Healer, Reiki Master Practitioner, Bach Foundation Registered Animal Practitioner and Pet Bereavement counsellor. Angela offers healing and consultations for animals (and their humans) in London, UK.
Reiki is a form of energy healing. Founded in Japan by Mikao Usui in the early 20th century, Reiki offers a gentle, non-invasive approach to healing that works just as powerfully for animals as it does for humans. Derived from the Japanese words rei (universal) and ki (life energy), Reiki is a practice in which the practitioner channels energy through intention, helping the recipient achieve balance and healing on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels.
A healing method that has gained popularity among humans for its calming and restorative effects, Reiki holds a unique value in the world of animal care. Animals, by nature, are deeply attuned to energy. They instinctively respond to the subtle shifts and healing intention that Reiki provides, often forming a unique and profound connection with the practitioner.
Why animals respond so well to Reiki
Animals live in the moment. They do not intellectualise healing or resist it in the way humans often do. This openness means that when offered Reiki, they either walk away if they're not ready or lean in – sometimes literally, when they are. The energy meets them exactly where they are and supports them gently, without demand or expectation.
Reiki requires no physical contact, making it especially well-suited for animals who are in pain, frightened, or untouchable due to past trauma. Practitioners often work a short distance away or remotely, connecting to the animal's energy field and offering support without the need for physical touch. Reiki is an invaluable tool in situations where other forms of intervention are either too invasive or simply not possible.
How it works and how it heals
The practitioner facilitates a flow of healing energy where it's most needed. For animals, this might mean a release of tension in the body, a shift in behaviour, or a newfound ability to cope with chronic illness or emotional distress.
It's important to understand that Reiki is not a replacement for veterinary care. Reiki is a beautiful complement to conventional treatment, supporting the whole animal. It supports any imbalance, such as minor ailments, recovery from surgery, or behavioural issues. When an animal is experiencing a chronic or terminal illness, Reiki can provide relief, improved quality of life, and emotional release.
By activating the parasympathetic nervous system, Reiki helps the body transition from a state of fight-or-flight to one of restoration and healing. This physiological response supports immune function, reduces pain, and facilitates emotional regulation.
Reiki isn't only for healing illnesses, it also offers profound comfort to anxious animals and those grieving or nearing the end of their lives. It provides a sense of peace and emotional support during these vulnerable moments, honouring each animal's timing, autonomy, and dignity. Pain becomes more manageable, fear softens into acceptance, and passing can occur with greater ease. For their guardians, it brings connection, reassurance, and a deep sense of closure.
The following stories offer a glimpse into the many ways Reiki can support animals, whether they’re recovering from illness, managing chronic conditions, coping with loss, or preparing to pass on. Each example reflects the quiet strength and deep sensitivity of this healing modality in action.
A turnaround in crisis: Popcorn's story – Part 1
Popcorn is a handsome 17.5-year-old tuxedo cat who lives with multiple conditions: chronic kidney disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hyperthyroidism, arthritis, and frequent, severe bouts of pancreatitis. On two separate occasions, Popcorn's vets prepared his guardian for the likelihood that he would not recover. Both times, I sensed that Popcorn wasn't ready to go and asked his guardian if I could offer healing therapies.
The first incident was during a severe episode of pancreatitis. Despite veterinary intervention, Popcorn hadn't eaten for four days and could barely move. I brought herbs and Bach remedies, but it was during a 35-minute Reiki session that something shifted. Popcorn suddenly stood up from his bed, walked to his bowl, and ate for the first time in days. Not only did he finish that meal, but he also went on to eat six more small helpings throughout the night and made a full recovery.
A single Reiki session made a remarkable difference to Popcorn's outcome.
A return from the brink: Popcorn's story – Part 2
The second time, very recently, came after a five-day hospital stay for fluid in his lungs. The kennel environment left him stressed and withdrawn, and the use of a pill popper likely caused discomfort in his mouth. The diuretic medication had overworked his kidneys, and he was utterly exhausted.
Once home, Popcorn refused to eat and began to shut down. His vet advised Popcorn’s guardian to consider euthanasia. Reluctantly, she asked me to recommend a home service, but
total belief in his recovery.
Again, I brought my healing toolkit, which includes herbs, Bach remedies, and other holistic healing methods, but the Reiki effect was instant. After days without eating, Popcorn lifted his head and accepted food immediately after our first Reiki session.
Over the next week, with daily Reiki both in person and at a distance – he steadily improved. I didn't lay a hand on him during our sessions because he was so weak. It was the heartfelt intention and deep, energetic connection between us that supported his healing.
He soon came to recognise when a session was about to begin, preparing himself by laying on his side and presenting his belly, as you can see in the featured photograph. In barely a week, Popcorn was an entirely different cat, eating, chatting, visiting his catio, and enjoying a real quality of life once more. He is doing so well.
Epilepsy and ongoing support: Rex's story
My cat, Rex, has idiopathic epilepsy. Reiki has been an invaluable part of managing his condition. Following a seizure, Reiki facilitates his recovery, helping him to regain calm and normal function more quickly. Beyond these immediate benefits, ongoing Reiki sessions have noticeably reduced both the frequency and severity of his seizures over time. This gentle, consistent, and energetic support works in conjunction with veterinary care to significantly enhance his quality of life.
Before scheduled vet visits, Rex – who is deeply fearful – always receives a Reiki session. In emergencies, there's no time for this support. Still, the contrast is striking. With no knowledge of any session, my vet consistently notes how much calmer Rex is during planned appointments. It's a quiet but powerful testament to Reiki's ability to ease even profound fear.
Comforting grief: Audrey’s story
Recently, I worked with a beautiful cat client, Audrey, who experienced profound grief after the passing of her cat companion. Ordinarily quite an independent girl, Audrey became unusually clingy and restless. She showed signs of anxiety and depression that were difficult for her owner to witness. Her guardian reported that after just one short Reiki session, Audrey was noticeably more relaxed, able to let go of some of her anxiety and settle back to more normal behaviours. This example illustrates how Reiki can provide emotional support to animals, offering them comfort when the loss of a loved one shakes their world.
A peaceful goodbye: Brin's story
During the final hours of a beloved 15-year-old dog named Brin, who was suffering from acute pancreatitis and kidney failure, I visited the family at home to provide support on what was an
emotionally challenging day. Brin's breathing was laboured, and the family had an appointment to euthanise him later that afternoon at the local vet surgery.
From the moment Reiki began, Brin's breathing calmed noticeably. As I connected energetically, I sensed he wanted to communicate something to his family. I asked Brin if I could help, and an image of a standard green tennis ball came through. After the session, I shared this information with his mum, who smiled knowingly. Tennis balls were his favourite things in the world to chew.
Brin didn't need to make the trip to the vet that day. He passed quietly and peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, just 60 minutes after I left. It was a gentle, dignified end.
Reiki not only helped ease Brin's transition but also supported the family throughout the process.
A gentle, unseen gift
What makes Reiki so extraordinary for animals is its subtlety. There is no force, no demand, and no expectation, just presence, intention, and love. Whether a cat is recovering from surgery, a dog is struggling with anxiety, or a horse is navigating old age, Reiki offers quiet, non-intrusive support that meets them exactly where they are.
In a world that often relies on doing, Reiki invites us to be. And for animals, who already live in that space, Reiki is the most gentle healer of all.
Read more from Angela Kearney
Angela Kearney, Holistic Therapist for People and Pets
Angela Kearney is a holistic practitioner and advocate of holistic living for both humans and animals. During a profoundly challenging time in her life, she turned to Reiki and Bach Flower Remedies in search of safe, gentle, and non-addictive healing therapies. When her young cat was diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy, Angela was determined to support him wholly. This led to a new career path as she expanded her knowledge, qualifying as a Reiki Practitioner and Teacher, Bach Foundation Registered Animal Practitioner (BFRAP), and Registered Animal Healer. Angela’s multimodal approach to pet wellbeing yields transformative results, addressing the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of every animal.
