What’s the Difference Between Animal Communication and Reiki?

A simple breakdown of the similarities and differences to help you understand when to book Reiki or animal communication sessions for your animal companions.

Animal communication and Reiki for animals are two different services, but because I offer both of them, people sometimes get them confused with each other. If you’re not too familiar with either one of them, then I understand why you might be scratching your head. So let me offer you some clarity:

Put simply, animal communication is the exchange of energetic information between human and more-than-human animals. It’s the unspoken language we share with all beings. (You can read a more detailed explanation of animal communication here.)

Reiki is a holistic energy practice that helps bring about the needed conditions for healing in any being. (You can read a more detailed explanation of Reiki here.)

Both animal communication and Reiki can work either in-person or remotely because they happen in the energetic realm—that space beyond our physical senses where we can experience things without seeing, hearing, or touching them directly. (If you’ve ever seen images in your mind’s eye instead of directly in front of you, or you’ve sensed the excitement or tension in a room, then you’re already familiar with this realm.)

But while Reiki can certainly help open the lines of communication with animals, it’s not needed during all animal communication sessions. And although animal communication can certainly shift energy and feel very healing, it’s not the same as Reiki.

You can look at it this way: While animal communication helps us understand your companion’s experience and preferences more clearly, Reiki offers direct energetic support for their comfort and wellbeing. Think of communication as the conversation that helps us know what they need, and Reiki as one of the ways we can support those needs.

Benefits of Communication and Reiki for Animals

Animal communication can help you understand more about what your living companion is experiencing, needing, and wanting. It can also help you continue your relationship with your animals in spirit and help you get signs and other evidence that they’re still connected to you after death. Ultimately, it can help you reach a level of mutual understanding and connection that you might not have realized was possible.

Every Reiki experience can be different, but generally, it’s known to ease pain, calm nerves, and soothe the soul for human and more-than-human animals. It can be a safe, gentle, and non-invasive complement to veterinary care and provide them with compassionate support through anxiety, illness or difficult times.

Reiki can also help bring more peace and ease to your animal companion’s end-of-life transition. But once they’re in spirit, they usually don’t need our healing support, so we generally only practice Reiki with living animals.

While Reiki and communication are both investments beyond veterinary care and training, they can provide valuable support for both your companion’s comfort and your peace of mind. They’re also part of a holistic approach that addresses the emotional and spiritual well-being of your animal family as much as their physical care.

Many clients find that this additional layer of support also helps them feel closer to their animal companions and more confident in their care decisions.

Which One to Book: Animal Communication or Reiki?

I ask all people who haven’t worked with me before to book an hour-long, customized private session for new clients. In this type of session, I always start with animal communication to get to know the animals and their preferences. Then, depending on the animal’s needs, we can include some Reiki in the second half of the session. (I usually like to go with the flow.)

If you’re a returning client, then we’ve likely already discussed your options. But generally, if you’re looking to better understand your animal companion or connect with your beloved animal in spirit, then it’s usually best to choose a communication session.

If you want to support an animal who is sick, anxious, or having other major issues, then a Reiki session or a Reiki and communication combo is the way to go.

I generally suggest booking 30 minutes for Reiki, but if you want to have a longer conversation with your animal companion before or after the Reiki session, then I suggest booking an hour.

If you want ongoing, low-cost Reiki support for your animal companions, then I recommend checking out my Community Reiki program.

If you need help figuring out what to book, then you can always contact me, and I’ll be happy to support you in making an informed choice.