How does EFT Tapping work with Animals?

When most people hear “EFT tapping,” they think about humans—working through stress, anxiety, trauma, or physical pain.

But what many don’t realize is that EFT can also be applied to animals, helping them release stress, fear, and even physical discomfort.

Animals, like humans, carry emotional and energetic blockages. And while they can’t tap their own points or explain their feelings in words, EFT allows us to gently help them release those stuck emotions.

Why Animals Need Emotional Healing

Animals are incredibly sensitive to their environments. Loud noises, neglect, separation, or trauma from past experiences can leave them anxious, fearful, or withdrawn.

Even a normally calm animal can develop behavioral issues, aggression, or unexplained health problems when emotional energy is blocked.

I’ve personally worked with many pets and rescue animals who display signs of trauma, shivering during storms, refusing food, being aggressive toward other animals, or hiding constantly.

While medications and training can help, addressing the emotional root through EFT often provides faster and deeper results.

How EFT Works for Animals

Since animals cannot speak, EFT tapping is done by the practitioner on themselves (surrogate tapping) while focusing on the animal, or by gently tapping the animal on safe points if they allow touch. Here’s how it works:

1. Observation: The first step is to notice the behavior or physical issue that the animal is showing. Anxiety, fear of thunderstorms, separation anxiety, or stress-related health issues are common examples.

2. Surrogate Tapping: Many times, I use surrogate EFT, where I tap on myself while visualizing the animal and their emotions.

Because animals are highly sensitive to energy, this works extremely well.

My experience as a practitioner helps here, a calm, focused, and experienced practitioner brings clarity and energy that the animal can resonate with.

3. Direct Tapping (If Allowed): For animals comfortable with touch, gentle tapping on the energy points (similar to human points) can help release tension and fear.

The key is always to be gentle, calm, and slow, ensuring the animal feels safe throughout the session.

4. Repeating Sessions: Just like with humans, emotions can resurface over time. Regular EFT sessions help animals maintain emotional balance and improve their overall well-being.

My Experience

I’ve used EFT on both pets and rescue animals, and the changes are remarkable. Some examples include:

Dogs anxious during fireworks or thunderstorms: After a few surrogate tapping sessions, their shaking reduced significantly, and they started seeking comfort rather than hiding.

Cats fearful of new people or spaces: EFT helped calm their energy, allowing them to explore and socialize more confidently.

Pets with chronic physical discomfort: Anxiety or fear often exacerbates physical pain. EFT helped lower stress levels, which allowed the animals to relax and heal faster.

One thing I’ve noticed is that when animals are crying, yowling, or whimpering mid-session, surrogate tapping works especially well.

Animals can’t tap for themselves, and trying to force them may make them more anxious. By tapping on myself and focusing on them, I can help release their emotional blocks quickly and gently.

Why Experienced Practitioners Matter

EFT for animals relies heavily on the practitioner’s energy and focus. A practitioner who is calm, confident, and experienced can transmit the energy needed for the animal to release their stress safely.

That’s why surrogate tapping sessions are often more powerful than trying to tap without guidance.

In my sessions, I often combine surrogate tapping with the animal’s direct participation if possible.

This dual approach helps release emotional blocks faster and more effectively, making the animal feel calmer and happier almost immediately.

Benefits of EFT for Animals

• Reduced Anxiety and Stress: Animals who are fearful or anxious start feeling more relaxed.
• Improved Behavior: Aggression, hiding, or destructive behaviors often decrease as emotional energy clears.
• Enhanced Physical Health: Stress affects the body, so releasing trapped emotions can improve immunity, reduce pain, and even aid recovery from chronic conditions.
• Stronger Human-Animal Bond: Animals feel safer and more connected with their owners when their emotional energy is balanced.

Final Thoughts

EFT for animals is gentle, non-invasive, and profoundly effective. While humans can explain their feelings, animals communicate through energy, behavior, and body language.

By observing, tuning into their emotions, and using surrogate or direct tapping, we can help them release stress, heal past trauma, and live more balanced lives.

Whether it’s a nervous rescue dog, a fearful cat, or a beloved pet with anxiety issues, EFT provides a way to address emotional blocks at the root rather than just managing symptoms.

If you’re interested in exploring EFT for your animals, I offer sessions where I combine my years of experience as a practitioner with surrogate tapping, ensuring quick, safe, and lasting emotional relief for your furry companions.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is for educational and informational purposes only. EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is not a substitute for medical, psychological, or psychiatric treatment. Please consult a licensed professional for any medical or mental health concerns.