Regular wellness exams and bloodwork are the cornerstones of preventative health care – both for people and for pets. But cultivating deeper wellness often means seeking out therapies that support your pet’s physical and emotional well-being beyond the physical level.      

As integrative veterinarians, we recognize a holistic approach to wellness that embraces more than just symptoms that we see in the body. Your pet’s emotional health and physical environment are also very important for overall wellness. Holistic therapies, such as reiki, are healing modalities that are great additions to your pet’s wellness care that reach health at a different level.      

What is Reiki for pets?      

Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is an ancient energy healing technique from Japan that uses energy to induce relaxation, reduce pain, and speed healing. It is a non-invasive practice where a trained practitioners places their hands on or near the pet’s body to generate energy movement and healing.   

How Reiki Works for Pets

Animals are highly sensitive to energy and often respond quickly to energy healing. A typical Reiki session for a pet involves:   

  • Creating a calm, quiet space where the animal feels safe.
  • Allowing the animal to move freely and choose how close they want to be.
  • The practitioner entering a meditative state, becoming a conduit for Reiki energy.
  • Observing the animal's responses—many pets will lie down, sigh, or even fall asleep during a session.

While Reiki is not a replacement for veterinary treatment, it can be an effective complementary tool.   

Reiki can help with a wide range of conditions, including:      

  • Anxiety, fear, or stress (especially after trauma or change)
  • Recovery from surgery or illness
  • Chronic conditions (such as arthritis, allergies, digestive issues)
  • Behavioral issues
  • End-of-life support and hospice care

Scientific Support for Reiki in Animals

Although Reiki research is still in its early stages—particularly for animals—there is growing evidence suggesting its positive effects.   

  • A 2021 study published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science examined Reiki's effects on horses and found a significant reduction in heart rate and behavioral signs of stress following sessions.
  • A 2008 study by Baldwin et al., published in Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, found that Reiki treatment significantly reduced heart rate and stress indicators in lab rats subjected to restraint stress. While not directly involving pets, this study adds weight to Reiki's potential physiological impact.
  • Veterinarian testimonials and case reports frequently cite anecdotal improvements in animal well-being, especially in reducing anxiety and enhancing quality of life during palliative care.

More peer-reviewed, controlled studies are needed to confirm these effects across species. However, the gentle and non-invasive nature of Reiki makes it a low-risk practice that many pet parents find beneficial.    

To discover the benefits of reiki please contact us at (973) 606-1101 so that we can schedule your pet's first reiki appointment today!