Animal Reiki & Communication

Animal Reiki offers a gentle, non-invasive way to help animals feel safe, calm, and supported—emotionally, physically, and energetically. Many animals respond by softening tension, settling their breathing, and entering a deeply relaxed state that can encourage rest, resilience, and overall wellbeing. Because Reiki is done with minimal touch (or even from a distance), it’s especially helpful for sensitive, anxious, elderly, or recovering animals who may not tolerate lots of handling. While Animal Reiki is not a substitute for veterinary treatment, it can be a beautiful complementary practice that nurtures the animal’s natural healing response. I often include a sound offering of gongs and crystal bowls to further support my animal client.

Reiki works primarily by activating the body’s relaxation response, which is mediated by the parasympathetic nervous system—the branch of the autonomic nervous system that promotes rest, recovery, and reduced stress. Multiple studies have observed that Reiki sessions can lead to decreases in heart rate and blood pressure and increases in heart rate variability, all of which are consistent with enhanced parasympathetic activity and reduced sympathetic arousal.

Beyond autonomic changes, some emerging animal model research suggests that Reiki may modulate behavioral responses to stress and even influence gene expression related to inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, pointing to possible interactions with neurochemical and immune pathways. Moreover, according to Psychology Today, mechanisms like co-regulation (where the calm state of a practitioner helps the animal’s nervous system downshift), reduced sensory stimulation, and increased safety cues during a session are thought to contribute to these effects, aligning Reiki’s outcomes with broader evidence on therapeutic touch and human–animal interactive regulation of stress physiology.

Testimonials

One of our resident pigs, named Paul, doesn't like human touch and is permanently injured. We have been worried about his mental and, of course, his physical well-being. Since his first Reiki treatment, Paul has become more social with humans and has become more open to us approaching him. He is visibly more relaxed. Paul is so deserving of a happy life due to what he has endured and Monique has opened the door to his happiness. - Kelli, Roots Animal Sanctuary

I experienced Monique's Reiki therapy personally and have witnessed her Reiki talent first hand helping animals in need of healing. Her work with people and animals is inspiring and gets real results. - Carol, Animal Rescue Professional

Monique has been working every week with our most behaviorally challenged dogs. I was not familiar with Reiki before Monique joined out team and, frankly, my expectations were relatively low, especially considering the severity of the issues with the dogs she has been working with. I'm extremely happy to say that I have been blown away by the results! The reduction of stress behaviors, across the board, after only a few sessions, has been remarkable. - Tony, Santa Fe Animal Shelter

Monique’s amazingly intuitive approach to my cat’s healing journey was filled with ease, grace, and genuine care. Her deep understanding and compassion made all the difference, and I’m truly grateful for her support. - Stacie, Cat Mom