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Reiki for Animals: A Gentle Path to Well-Being
Why Choose Reiki for Your Animal?
As more people seek holistic and natural approaches to health, Reiki for Animals is becoming an increasingly popular way to support animals’ well-being. Animals are naturally receptive to Reiki, which can help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and support emotional well-being in a gentle and non-invasive way. Reiki is a complementary therapy and should be used alongside veterinary care, not as a substitute for medical treatment.
Reiki helps create a calm and balanced environment, which can benefit animals in times of stress, anxiety, or emotional discomfort. While Reiki can encourage relaxation and emotional support, it is important to remember that Reiki is not a cure for medical conditions and should always be used in conjunction with veterinary care.
Become a Reiki for Animals Practitioner
Offering Reiki to animals is both a privilege and a responsibility. Since animals cannot verbally consent, it’s essential to approach this practice with care, respect, and knowledge. The TRA’s Starting Out as a Reiki for Animals Practitioner guide provides all the essential information to get started, whether you’re practising Reiki with your own pets or considering offering it to others.
For those wishing to offer Reiki to animals beyond close friends and family, we recommend additional training in Reiki for Animals (RfA). The Reiki Council’s Understanding Animals: A Working Guide for Reiki Practitioners is also an invaluable resource for those looking to offer Reiki professionally.
Reiki for Animals and the Law
Reiki should never replace veterinary care, medication, or other treatments. Reiki can, however, complement veterinary care and support emotional and physical well-being. It is important to note that Reiki practitioners cannot diagnose medical conditions or claim that Reiki can treat specific health issues. Reiki is a complementary therapy and should be seen as a supplement to, not a replacement for, professional veterinary care.
Before offering Reiki to animals with undiagnosed medical conditions, we advise that they be seen by a vet. Reiki may be offered in an emergency situation while awaiting veterinary help or while en route to a veterinary clinic, but it should never replace necessary medical treatment.
Setting Professional Standards for Reiki with Animals
If you’re interested in applying for recognition, please contact the TRA Reiki for Animals liaison officer at animalreiki@reikiassociation.org.uk
The Reiki Council, in partnership with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and LANTRA, has developed National Occupational Standards for Reiki for Animals. This ensures that Reiki practitioners are held to the highest standards within the animal care industry, which helps build trust and recognition of Reiki for Animals among the public.
The TRA offers a professional recognition service for Reiki for Animals practitioners. This certification demonstrates your expertise in Reiki practice and your understanding of animal care. It provides credibility within the industry and to clients. The current fee is £75 to the evaluator, plus an administrative fee of £45.
How to Apply for Reiki for Animals Practitioner Recognition
The application process is designed to ensure that you can offer Reiki with confidence, professionalism, and in a safe, ethical manner. It also helps to raise the profile of Reiki for Animals as a respected practice in its own right.
Application Pre-requisites:
- Completion of Reiki Levels I and II
- Minimum 9 months of practice since completing Reiki Level I
- In-person Reiki Attunements/Initiations/Reiju
- Completion of Reiki for Animals training or a minimum of 100 hours of Reiki with animals (at least 75% in person)
- In-person practical sessions for observation and feedback during Reiki for Animals training
- Valid insurance that covers both humans and animals
For more information or an application pack please contact the TRA Reiki for Animals liaison officer at animalreiki@reikiassociation.org.uk
Accredited Reiki for Animals Courses
The Reiki Council is working to accredit courses that provide all the essential training to meet the high standards of Reiki for Animals practitioners. Once accredited, these courses will be listed on the Reiki Council website and in the TRA directory, ensuring you can find reputable training providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? Before reaching out to us, check our FAQs for helpful answers. We’re here to support you every step of the way in your Reiki for Animals journey.
Reiki for Animals is a complementary therapy designed to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support emotional well-being. It is not a substitute for veterinary care, and Reiki practitioners are not qualified to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Always consult a qualified veterinarian for any medical concerns.
Show/Hide FAQ
Q: Why have new standards and recognition for RfA been developed?
A: We recognise the growth within RfA across the sector – vets, animal health practitioners, animal owners and care givers. It has become apparent that many Reiki Practitioners are already working with animals; we receive many requests for recommended good quality courses. Online courses are increasing in popularity, but some have limited content and a lack of in-person practical work.
Practitioners require a good understanding of animals. The Reiki Council has established basic standards for training. This is a profession in its own right and not just an add-on to Reiki. All Reiki Council member organisations agree that a common set of standards is the best way to optimise the credibility and professionalism of RfA.
Q: What is the basis for recognising Reiki for Animals Practitioners?
A: RfA will offer recognition at public and professional level Three NOS specific to RfA have been developed in conjunction with LANTRA* and will form the basis of our requirements for Professional Reiki for Animals Practitioner recognition.
Initially we are launching Practitioner level, but the higher NOS level to follow.
National Occupational standards for Reiki with animals:
* Lantra has worked with the Agricultural, Environmental and Animal Care sector for over 50 years, initially as a National Training Organisation and now a Sector body. It has worked with employers, trade bodies, professional organisations, regulatory organisations, industry experts, voluntary organisations, trade unions and other partners throughout the UK to develop and review National Occupational Standards (NOS), qualifications and apprenticeships for occupations at all levels.
Q: I wish to be recognised for RfA at Professional Practice level, do I need to apply at Practitioner level and upgrade when the NOS level is launched?
A: You can wait until we launch level 3/NOS recognition or apply now for Practitioner recognition and upgrade when the NOS is launched. By applying now, you can start to gain professional credibility and raise awareness.
Q: What is the benefit of being professionally recognised by TRA as a Reiki for Animals Practitioner?
A: – public credibility- a certificate from a professional UK Reiki organisation.
Q: How do I apply to be recognised as a Reiki for Animals Practitioner?
A: You will need to complete an application form and send it with required evidence to the TRA verification officer.
Q: What does the Reiki for Animals Practitioner recognition cost?
A: The application for recognition is £75 plus an admin cost of £45. This covers the admin costs and the evaluation of your application with possible discussion and follow up.
Q: How long does the process take once I submit my application?
A: You should receive an initial reply within 7-10 working days. The length of the process will depend on specific circumstances, and the expertise demonstrated in your application.
Q: How do I know if my existing training/ experience qualifies me for RfA recognition?
A: Please look at the Prerequisites and the application checklist above. If you can draw on good quality Reiki training, other learning and experience, you are likely to qualify.
Q: How do I further my training for recognition if my training didn’t include topics such as Understanding Animals, related legislation, and health & safety requirements?
A: The Reiki Council publication: Understanding Animals: A working guide for Reiki Practitioners, covers these topics and is recommended if you have these gaps in your training. You may need to read this more than once to absorb the information.
Q: I have been giving Reiki to animals for many years and have a wealth of expertise, do I have to pay for training that I don’t feel I need?
A: Recognition of Reiki for Animals Practitioners is intended to ensure that the Practitioners meet a set of common standards, requiring them to be knowledgeable, competent and proficient in relation to animals and the delivery of safe, effective Reiki practice. Practitioners who have not undergone formal RfA training but who have a minimum of 100 hours of Reiki experience with a variety of animals, in numerous and variable situations, meet the requirements to apply.
Q: Do I need additional Attunement/Initiation/Reijus to become a Reiki for Animals Practitioner?
A: All you need to have is Reiki level II to be a RfA Practitioner, you will have had all the Reiki Attunement/Initiation/ Reijus you need to be able to work with animals in-person or from a distance. Additional Attunement/Initiation/ Reijus are not deemed necessary or recognised by TRA for RfA Practitioners.
Q: I have a condition which means that I struggle with writing, can I complete applications by answering the questions by audio or video means?
A: We wish to be inclusive and are happy to discuss options. Please contact us so that we can discuss this further with you.
Q: Are assisted digital options available. I do not have a means to print the paperwork.
A: We would ask that requests for paperwork are kept to a minimum, but we will do what we can to assist where you need help, please contact us and we can discuss this further with you.
Q: Who do I contact for more information?
A: Email animalreiki@reikiassociation.net.
