Home Blog Ho'oponopono Reiki

Weaving Ho’oponopono Reiki into an Animal Reiki Session

One of our Ho‘oponopono Reiki students, Wendy, recently asked a beautiful question about whether these principles, techniques, mantras, and meditations can also be used in the context of Animal Reiki. She shared that whilst working through the first module, her cockapoo jumped onto her knee and promptly fell asleep! That made me smile, because my own Poochon, Georgie, does exactly the same thing. Animals seem to know when Reiki is being practiced – and Ho‘oponopono Reiki is no different.

Animals are incredibly sensitive to energy. They live fully in the present moment, free from the analytical mind that humans often get caught up in. Because of this, they respond very naturally to the vibration of love, peace, and forgiveness. This makes Ho‘oponopono Reiki a beautiful complement to an Animal Reiki session. In this lesson, we’ll explore how to gently weave the Hawaiian practice of Ho‘oponopono into your Reiki work with animals – allowing the vibration of unconditional love to flow between you, the animal, and the environment you share.

How Ho‘oponopono Reiki Supports Animals

When offering Ho‘oponopono Reiki to an animal, they don’t need to understand the words or philosophy of Ho‘oponopono. Instead, we hold the vibration of the mantra within ourselves and allow it to flow through the Reiki energy as a frequency of peace and harmony – something animals can naturally attune to.

At its essence, Ho‘oponopono is about cleansing the energetic field through forgiveness and love. It teaches that healing begins by taking responsibility for the energy we hold within ourselves – and that by transforming that energy, we bring harmony to all living beings connected to us, including the pets and animals in our lives.

When we recite the mantras during an animal Reiki session, we become a channel for divine love and reconciliation. The mantra — “I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you,” becomes a vibrational prayer, softly radiating through the Reiki energy you transmit, cleansing and revitalising the energy field of the animal as well as your own. Healing ripples outward – from you, to the animal, to all beings connected in that moment.

The intention is not that the animal has done anything wrong, nor that you are trying to fix or manipulate their experience. Rather, you are allowing the mantra to bring gentle harmony where there has been tension or imbalance.

At the heart of Ho‘oponopono is the idea of unity – the belief that there is an energetic bond that connects you to every living being. When we cleanse our own consciousness, we contribute to the cleansing of the collective consciousness, restoring unity, love, and peace for all beings. This naturally includes the animals we love and live alongside, who are often deeply attuned to our emotions, thoughts, and way of life – which is why Ho‘oponopono Reiki can be so profoundly healing for them.

When to Use Ho’oponopono Reiki with Animals

You may feel guided to incorporate Ho’oponopono Reiki in situations such as:

A rescue animal carrying trauma, fear, or mistrust you can send healing to the energetic memories of the past)
An animal recovering from illness, injury or surgery.
When there is tension between pets in a household.
In times of grief or loss to offer comfort and support both animal and human companions.
During transitions (e.g., moving homes or adjusting to new family members)
When an animal is scared or anxious, such as during vet visits or fireworks.
When the practitioner senses emotional or energetic “residue” between the human and the animal relationship
You have felt emotional residue or heaviness in your bond with the animal — perhaps after frustration, guilt, or stress. Ho‘oponopono Reiki focuses on clearing the energetic charge of guilt, blame, or fear and restoring love and gratitude — which makes it perfect in these contexts.
Of course, Ho‘oponopono Reiki does not replace medical or veterinary care, but it can beautifully support overall wellbeing holistically. You may also find it beneficial to offer sessions for both the animal and their guardian, as their energies are often deeply intertwined.

Running an Animal Ho‘oponopono Reiki Session

Always first create a calm, grounded space: Ensure the environment feels peaceful, safe, and familiar to the animal. Allow them to approach or retreat as they wish. Let the animal move freely; never force contact.
Ask permission: Ask permission from the animal’s owner and also connect with the animal too and invite them to share in this energy. For example you may say allow or silently in your mind, “IIf you’re comfortable, may I share this loving energy with you? Please take what you need for your highest good.” If the animal moves away, simply pause and honour their choice.
Begin with Gasshō: Bring your hands to your heart and invite Reiki to flow through you. Set your intention, for example: “I invite Reiki and the spirit of Ho‘oponopono to flow through me for the highest good of this animal.”
Invoke the Reiki symbols: Draw or recite your symbols three times. Visualise a white light beaming down, connecting you to the infinite flow of Reiki energy — filling your whole body and aura with healing light.
Connect heart-to-heart: Visualise a thread of golden light linking your heart to the animal’s heart. Feel the love expanding between you.
Weaving in the Ho‘oponopono Mantra: As you let Reiki flow, begin silently repeating the mantra in rhythm with your breath:
- Inhale — I’m sorry
- Exhale — Please forgive me
- Inhale — Thank you
- Exhale — I love you
There is no need to direct it at the animal; instead, let it become a vibration that fills the space around you both. Allow your body and energy to soften as each phrase ripples through the field of Reiki. If you sense emotions rising – love, sadness, peace – simply breathe and let them move through. This is energy releasing and realigning, for both you and the animal. Often, the animal will show you they’re receiving: by relaxing, stretching, moving closer, or simply falling asleep – just like Wendy’s cockapoo or my Georgie.
Moving through the session: If the animal is comfortable with you touching them, you can rest your hands on their body, or hover your hands over their body and visualise Reiki energy cleansing their whole energy systems. Follow the recommendations for working with an animal Reiki client such as working from a distance first to ensure the animal is comfortable before approaching if it is appropriate. There’s no fixed “magic number” of times you must repeat the mantras during a session. What’s more important is your presence, sincerity, and resonance with the phrases. Some practitioners rhythmically align the four phrases with their breath or recite the mantras whilst spending 3-5 minute channeling energy to each chakra. Other practitioners use the mantras as they are intuitively called to do so. Whatever you choose, the mantras will help carry a healing vibration throughout the session. Trust your own inner guidance and observe how the animal responds to adjust your session accordingly.
Visualisation: I like to envision the animal in their ultimate state of freedom and joy – running on grass, playing on the beach, or resting peacefully – completely surrounded by love and bliss. Let that image infuse your entire being as you continue the Reiki flow. Visualise this feeling of freedom sinking into every cell of your being and your animal companion.
Closing the Session: When you feel the energy begin to settle:
- Offer a silent blessing of gratitude to the animal, Reiki, and the spirit of Ho‘oponopono.
- Visualise a cocoon of gentle light surrounding the animal, filled with peace and safety.
- You might quietly affirm: “All is forgiven. All is released. All is love.” Allow the animal time to ground -perhaps with water, fresh air, a gentle stroke, or quiet companionship.
- Try not to fixate on outcomes — simply trust the energy. Let go of the need to fix, force, or do. Just sitting quietly with the animal as you meditate with Reiki will help soothe and harmonize their energy field, creating a sense of safety and peace. The energy will always flow where it needs to go, guided by divine intelligence and love.
After the Session: Notice how you feel after the session – lighter, calmer, more connected? Ho‘oponopono Reiki often brings harmony not only to the animal but also to their human companions and the wider household. Encourage guardians to observe subtle changes — calmer behaviour, improved trust, or a lighter atmosphere. You may also wish to perform a short self-cleansing meditation afterward, releasing any emotions that surfaced.

Approach each session with gentleness, patience, and respect for the animal’s pace and consent.

Try a session with an animal and let us know your experiences!

Like this article? Share your thoughts in the comment box below!

And for more Reiki resources, be sure to connect with the Reiki Healing Association on Instagram, where we post daily Reiki inspiration and advice for healing and growth as a Reiki Practitioner or Reiki-enthusiast! And don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest, where we are pinning positive affirmations and empowering quotes every single day.

Have you read the latest issue of Universal Life Magazine yet? As Members of the RHA you get Exclusive Access to the Magazine, and to access your copy all you need to do is log in to your Member’s Area. You can get a copy of the magazine if you subscribe to our newsletter too!