One of the most important rules of ethics that any Reiki practitioner has to uphold, is the preservation of the patient’s privacy and right to choose.  And when treating a human patient, this is usually very easy to determine.  Simply ask the patient’s permission before performing any form of Reiki treatment.

 When it comes to our animals however, this may prove a slight bit more challenging.  And sadly most Reiki practitioners will simply accept the permission of the pet owner for treatment.

 However. Whilst there is no doubt that Reiki is as effective for animals as for humans, I have noticed when treating different animals (mostly my own pets) that I get a different reaction from each of them.  And seemingly not all of them enjoyed or evidently approved of receiving the treatment.

So considering this, I am suggestion that pet owners seeking alternative means of treating their pets, be somewhat cautious about how this is approached.  It is very important  that you do realize that your pet has a mind of it’s own.  

Fortunately in most instances where this form of treatment is offered to the pet, it should be fairly easy to detect the animal’s comfort levels with a particular treatment.  It is up to you as owner (and practitioner) to pay attention to these signs and allow the animal to make the choice.  Don’t just make these choices for them.

 And with this here is a short list of some of the signs of choice that I have observed :

The pet obviously fears the practitioner. (Though this is clear evidence of disapproval by the pet, this is usually easily resolved if the practitioner is willing and able to work with the pet and resolve what in this instance is typically a clear indication of trust issues the pet may have.) The practitioner places his hand on an area of the pet’s body, and the pet attempts to move away, from the hand, requiring some restraint to keep the pet in contact.  (Rule of thumb.  If you need to restrain the animal to affect the treatment, rather stop the treatment. This is a sign that the animal does not approve of the treatment, and similarly also that the treatment is causing discomfort for the animal) The practitioner places his had on an area on the pet’s body and the pet does not move away, however seem to move his body so that the area of treatment moves. (This is a sign of active participation in the treatment, and can be considered a positive acceptance of the treatment by the animal) The pet actively seeks out the practitioner’s hand.  (Again a fairly obvious sign that the pet approves, and even enjoys the treatment)

 Important to remember when starting this form of treatment on your pet.  The discomfort and attempted avoidance by the pet could sometimes be attributed to trust issues as mentioned above.  To get an animal’s approval, sometimes it may be required for the practitioner to work with the animal a little, only if to gain the trust of the animal, before commencing any treatment.

 Through all of this, one thin has always been clear to me as a practitioner.  Animals are somehow able to better sense the immediate affects, and associated sensations of a Reiki treatment, than even most humans can.  And if you watch out, you do not need any special abilities to detect the approval, or disapproval of the animal.  And considering that animals clearly have the ability to choose, I also believe that they should have the right to do so.

 Hoping your pet remains healthy and happy always.