Unusual Pet Careers – Animal Reiki

I found the unusual pet career of Animal Reiki highlighted in The World of Professional Pet Sitting Magazine this month. Reiki is one of the growing number of holistic healing therapies that are available for use with pets. Reiki is a therapy that involves channelling of energy into the pet either by direct touch with the Reiki practioner or indirectly.

Reiki was founded in Japan at the end of the nineteenth century but has only been practiced in the West since the early 1970’s. A direct translation of the word Reiki is “universal life-force energy” meaning that Reiki energy is the healing energy of the universe. This energy is channelled by practitioners from the universe thorugh their hands. When channelled into a pet the energy balances the body allowing healing.

Animals respond well to Reiki as it is a gentle and relaxing experience for them. Some of the benefits of Reiki for pets include:

1) Pain relief

2) Accelerated healing

3) Stress relief and relaxation

4) Calms aggressive animals and relieves other behavioral issues

5) Eases side affects of chemotherapy or other treatments

There are books and distance courses available to learn more about Reiki and train as a certified Reiki practioner at Animal Reiki Source. This site also has a directory of practitioners in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia.

Owning a pet business does not guarantee you success, but it is generally not difficult to set up your own pet business adn many who own pet businesses love the hard working lifestyle and the closeness to pets. You will have to compete with those who may be better trained, may have lower cost structures and those who “pretend” to have your skills and experience when they do not. (eg not all those who advertise themselves as groomers are actually Groomers).

There are also key skills that all dog industry professionals should possess. Here are some of the most critical skills and abilities for those hoping to work with dogs professionally: Basic Dog Handling and Training Skills, ability to recognize behavioral signals.

Animals can be somewhat unpredictable when they are under stress or in an unfamiliar environment, like when they visit the veterinary office or the grooming salon, so it is important to be attentive and stay aware of the animal you are handling at all times.