Healing Touch for Animals® (HTA) is a holistic, non-invasive energy medicine practice designed to support the health and well-being of animals through intentional, heart-centered energy work. HTA techniques aim to restore harmony and balance within the animal’s energy system, which may help support physical comfort, emotional stability, mental clarity, and instinctual calm.

A key principle of HTA is that when an animal’s energy system is stabilized and flowing appropriately, the body is better positioned to engage its natural physiological responses associated with health and recovery. Many people use HTA as part of a cooperative approach to care, working alongside traditional veterinary medicine and holistic modalities.

HTA can be applied to all species, including small and large animals, birds, aquatic life, and exotics. The concepts and techniques may also be integrated into human energy-medicine practice when appropriate.

“Energy medicine” is used here in the sense of working with the energetic field and energy centers commonly referenced in holistic health traditions.

Healing Touch for Animals® techniques may benefit animals in many ways. Results vary depending on the animal, the situation, and the overall support plan (including veterinary guidance when needed).

• Behavior and communication: may help animals understand appropriate behavior and improve cooperative responses.
• Bonding: supports and strengthens the animal-human bond through calm connection and presence.
• Stress support: may reduce stress and anxiety, especially in new environments, travel, storms, or change.
• Healing support: may support animals through injuries, illness, and recovery from physical or emotional trauma.
• Cancer care comfort: can be used as part of a support system for animals receiving cancer treatment.
• Training and performance: may develop confidence and focus for training, competition, and learning.
• End-of-life care: supports comfort and calm during the end-of-life transition.

Many people also value HTA for the way it encourages relaxation and nervous-system settling, which can be supportive when an animal is experiencing fear, tension, or emotional overwhelm.

HTA uses the practitioner’s hands, intention, and specific techniques to clear, energize, and balance the energy system. The techniques are designed to support the animal’s natural self-healing capacity by encouraging relaxation and improved energy flow.

When the energy system flows more appropriately, the body may be better supported in returning to correct physiological function. In practice, sessions often involve quiet observation, gentle hand positions (either on or off the body, depending on the animal), and structured techniques to address energetic congestion or imbalance.

HTA is often described as a “cooperative” approach—animals can move away, return, or adjust their position as they choose. This consent-based approach respects the animal’s instincts and comfort level during the session.

Yes. All animals are considered receptive to energy medicine due to their instinctual nature. HTA can be used with all species, including small animals, large animals, birds, aquatics, and exotics. Many practitioners also integrate HTA concepts into human energy-medicine sessions.

Sessions are adapted to the animal’s temperament and environment. For example, a nervous animal may be approached more slowly, with more off-body work and more emphasis on settling the energy field before moving into deeper balancing techniques.

Holistic and traditional veterinarians and veterinary technicians learn Healing Touch for Animals® (HTA) and integrate techniques into their practices. HTA is used as a cooperative healing modality and a supportive service to patients.

HTA promotes a cooperative relationship between traditional veterinary medicine and holistic health care, offering additional comfort-focused support for animals and their caregivers.

HTA is not presented as a replacement for veterinary diagnosis or treatment.

Healing Touch (HT) is an energy therapy in which practitioners consciously use their hands in a heart-centered and intentional way to support and facilitate physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. It is an energy-based approach that works with the human energy field surrounding the body and the energy centers that influence energy flow.

The techniques are non-invasive and may include gentle touch or near-body hand positions to clear, energize, and balance the human and environmental energy fields. The goal is to restore balance and harmony in the energy system, supporting the client’s ability to self-heal.

Healing Touch is often described as a caring relationship in which the practitioner and client work together energetically to support health and well-being.

Healing Touch for Animals® (HTA) adapts energy-medicine principles and techniques to the animal’s energy system. The difference is primarily in how the practitioner works with and adjusts to the unique qualities of an animal’s energy field.

Additionally, many HTA techniques can be used effectively on humans as well, and some practitioners incorporate both modalities depending on training and scope of practice.

Healing Touch for Animals® (HTA) and Reiki are both energy medicine modalities used for healing support. Reiki is traditionally described as an ancient energy modality passed through “attunement” by a Reiki Master.

HTA teaches a set of specific techniques for different applications, offering a structured approach to facilitating a session. Reiki is often practiced as a more generalized approach for balancing the energy body.

Both are used by practitioners and caregivers to support relaxation and wellness; the choice often depends on training, preference, and the needs of the animal and caretaker.

HTA works primarily with the energy system through energy centers (often referred to as chakras) and the energy field around the body. Tellington Touch (TTouch) works with the body using hands-on manipulation and stroking at pressure points to facilitate TTouch techniques.

Both modalities are used to support relaxation and comfort, and some people use them together as part of a well-rounded approach.

HTA is a non-invasive energy modality that focuses on balancing the energy system to support the body’s natural healing response. The relaxation associated with HTA may help stimulate correct physiological function and comfort.

Animal massage is a hands-on modality that manipulates soft tissue and fascia to increase circulation and release muscular tension. Both approaches can be supportive and comforting; they simply work through different pathways (energetic vs. physical tissue).

Individuals who want to enhance the health and well-being of animals are encouraged to attend. HTA courses are commonly attended by:

• Pet owners and animal caregivers
• Veterinarians and veterinary technicians
• Animal trainers and groomers
• Animal shelter staff and volunteers
• Equine and livestock caretakers
• Holistic health practitioners expanding into animal wellness support

The program is designed to be accessible while still providing structured techniques, clear practice guidelines, and professional communication tools for working with the veterinary community.

Courses are offered in cities throughout the United States, and in Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands. Venues vary and are selected for being animal-friendly and accessible.

• Dog daycare centers and training facilities
• Therapeutic riding centers and equine facilities
• Churches and community spaces
• Other approved locations with nearby lodging and amenities

Online course options are also available for select levels.

Healing Touch for Animals® Level 1 is a two-and-a-half day course featuring hands-on practice with dogs and horses. Students learn HTA philosophies and the application of energy-therapy techniques for animals, including an easy-to-understand explanation of how animals and people may respond physiologically to energy medicine.

Large Animal Class (8 hours)

• Hands-on experience with horses
• Deeper understanding of techniques and energetic awareness
• Horse-safety instruction to support beginner confidence

The Level 1 curriculum also includes professional communication with veterinarians, the importance of practitioner self-care, and an introduction to building a private practice (including professional presence and marketing considerations).

Level 1 Course Objectives

• Describe and demonstrate concepts of the human energy field relating to modern science.
• Demonstrate Healing Touch Level I skills and how they can be used with holistic animal healthcare.
• Describe and demonstrate the location and concepts of the human energy system and the animal energy system.
• Describe and demonstrate how to assess an animal’s energy system.
• Explain how animals benefit from specific HTA techniques.
• Discuss use on animals (large/small), including birds, mammals, reptiles, aquatics, and exotics.
• Discuss the different energy system in cats.
• Describe physiological responses of animals and humans to HTA clearly and professionally.
• Convey professionalism and cooperative application with traditional and holistic veterinary healthcare.
• Discuss how HTA may strengthen the animal-human bond.
• Describe presence maintained during an HTA session/treatment.

Techniques taught include

• Double-Hand Boost
• Chakra Balance for Animals™
• Magnetic Clearing for Animals™
• Vibrational Grooming
• Ultrasound
• Laser
• Bridging™
• Bridging with Behavioral Change™
• Etheric Heartbeat for Animals™

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Below is a clean, easy-to-scan pricing table format. “Early Registration” reflects discounted pricing when registering by the program’s early registration deadline (as defined by the course listing).

Level 1 Course

Option	Price	Early Registration Price
Full Course (Intro to Healing Touch, Small Animal, Large Animal)	$755	$675
Intro + Small Animal (Intro to Healing Touch & Small Animal only)	$460	$410
Large Animal Only (prerequisite required)	$295	$265

Level 2 Course

Option	Price	Early Registration Price
Full Course (Fundamentals, Small Animal, Large Animal)	$755	$675
Fundamentals + Small Animal (Fundamentals & Small Animal only)	$460	$410
Large Animal Only (prerequisite required)	$295	$265

Level 3 & Level 4 Courses

Option	Price	Early Registration Price
Full Course (Fundamentals, Small Animal, Large Animal)	$885	$795
Fundamentals + Small Animal (Fundamentals & Small Animal only)	$590	$530
Large Animal Only (prerequisite required)	$295	$265

Advanced Proficiency Master Courses 1-3

Option	Price	Early Registration Price
Full Course (Fundamentals, Small Animal, Large Animal)	$960	$870
Fundamentals + Small Animal (Fundamentals & Small Animal only)	$640	$580
Large Animal Only (prerequisite required)	$320	$290

Repeat Healing Touch for Animals® Students

Students who have previously completed the HTA Level 1 Course qualify for repeat student pricing.

Repeating Level 1 Course

Class	Price	Early Registration Price
Introduction to Healing Touch Class	$125	$110
Small Animal Class	$195	$175
Large Animal Class	$195	$175

Repeating Level 2 Course

Class	Price	Early Registration Price
Fundamentals Class	$125	$110
Small Animal Class	$195	$175
Large Animal Class	$195	$175

Repeating Level 3 or Level 4 Courses

Class	Price	Early Registration Price
Fundamentals Class	$195	$175
Small Animal Class	$195	$175
Large Animal Class	$195	$175

Repeating Advanced Proficiency Master Courses 1-3

Class	Price	Early Registration Price
Fundamentals Class	$220	$190
Small Animal Class	$220	$190
Large Animal Class	$220	$190

Students of Other Healing Touch Modalities

If you have completed a qualifying Healing Touch course, you may be eligible for Healing Touch student pricing.

Eligible Courses include:

• HTA Bridging Animals to People™
• Healing Touch Program (HTP) – Level 1
• Healing Touch Spiritual Ministries (HTSM) – 103
• Foundations in Aromatherapy (ISHA) – Level 1
• Healing Beyond Borders (HBB) – Level 1

Option	Price	Early Registration Price
Full Course (Intro to Healing Touch, Small Animal, Large Animal)	$695	$625
Intro + Small Animal (Intro to Healing Touch & Small Animal only)	$400	$355
Large Animal Only (prerequisite required)	$295	$265

Yes. Healing Touch for Animals® (HTA) courses offer continuing education credits, depending on the profession and accrediting body.

Bridging Animals to People™ students may earn 6.25 contact hours with full attendance, active participation, and completion of the course evaluation. This nursing continuing professional development activity is approved by the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA), an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation, and is approved to award 6.25 contact hours (AHNA #1921). Approval is based on educational merit and does not imply endorsement of any specific modality. No individuals involved in content development have relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

The Healing Touch for Animals® curriculum has also been reviewed and approved by the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP), meeting or exceeding their standards for continuing education hours. In addition, HTA course curriculum is approved by the Healing Touch Program™ (HTP) for continuing education credit toward HTP Certification.

HTA is approved for continuing education credits for veterinarians and veterinary technicians through the Ohio Veterinary Licensing Board and the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board.

Applications may be pending in other states.If you plan to apply HTA contact hours toward another certification or licensing program, please contact that organization directly to confirm acceptance. Acceptance of CEUs is the responsibility of the participant.

Yes, you may participate in the Intro/Fundamentals and Small Animal Classes only. However, the HTA Certification Program requires attendance of all classes in the HTA curriculum, Levels 1–4.

If you do not plan to work with horses, you have the option to attend only the Intro/Fundamentals and Small Animal Classes. Please note: to participate in the Advanced Proficiency Course, you must attend Fundamentals, Small Animal, and Large Animal Classes.

Many students find that taking both Small Animal and Large Animal provides a deeper understanding of energy concepts and technique application, especially because the large energy system of the horse can make energetic responses more noticeable.

Ideally, the HTA practitioner understands the energetics of both small and large animals to treat a wide range of species effectively. Working with horses often clarifies energetic responses because of their larger energy systems.

This increased clarity helps students apply energy techniques more confidently and effectively across species, and the knowledge can also be applied to humans.

Participants must be 18 years or older to attend an HTA course. With HTA approval, minors between the ages of 12–17 may attend if accompanied by an adult who can help support the minor’s learning and practice after the course. Both minor and adult must pay course tuition.

Healing Touch for Animals® Practitioner (HTAP): any individual who has attended and successfully completed an HTA Course.

Healing Touch for Animals® Certified Practitioner (HTACP): an individual who has met the requirements of the HTA Certification Program.

Certification is designed to enhance the practitioner’s ability through practice, professional development, and review. Many veterinarians, trainers, and animal caretakers look for the quality of work demonstrated through certification.

Practitioners who complete the Level 1 course and feel confident with their skills—after adequate practice—may charge a minimal fee. Fee structure typically depends on the practitioner’s experience, training level, and local market area.

If you offer services publicly, consider adding clear language on your site that HTA is complementary and not a substitute for veterinary care.

The HTA Certification process is designed to strengthen a practitioner’s ability to assist animals and to build credibility with clients and the veterinary community. Certification criteria provide opportunities to refine skills through practice, client interaction, and professional review.

Certification applications are submitted to a review board and examined for quality of energy medicine work using HTA techniques. Many practitioners find that certification supports confidence, professionalism, and recognition in the field.

Essential oils are concentrated oils distilled from plants. They have been used for many purposes such as aromatics, personal care, and to support wellness. In holistic settings, essential oils are often selected for specific properties associated with different plants.

A “therapeutic grade” essential oil is typically described as being sourced from high-quality plants (often organically grown when possible) and distilled gently to preserve the integrity of the plant’s constituents (the natural chemical components that contribute to aroma and effects).

When using essential oils for wellness purposes, it is important to prioritize quality, appropriate dilution, and safe usage—especially around animals, as species can respond differently and some oils are not appropriate for certain animals.

Therapeutic-quality essential oils provide plant-based aromatic compounds (constituents) that may support wellness in different ways. Individual plants contain different constituent profiles, which can influence how they are commonly used.

For example, one oil may contain a higher number of constituents traditionally associated with respiratory support, while another may be selected for its calming aroma and emotional soothing qualities. The benefits of essential oils can depend on the situation, the oil chosen, the method of use, and individual sensitivity.

Always research animal-safe usage and consult qualified professionals when introducing essential oils around animals, especially cats, birds, exotics, and animals with respiratory sensitivities.

Pricing is influenced by the availability of the plant, harvesting practices, and the distillation process. Oils such as Frankincense and Sandalwood are often more expensive due to scarcity and the resources required to produce a high-quality oil.

Some plants yield very small amounts of oil relative to the plant material required, which can increase cost. Distillation methods and quality control also factor into pricing.

Carol Komitor is the founder of Healing Touch for Animals®. Through extensive study, practice, and experience working with trainers, veterinarians, shelters, and private clients, she developed the multi-level energy medicine program known as HTA.

Carol is a Healing Touch Certified Practitioner and Instructor, a Certified Massage Therapist, and a Certified Hospital Based Massage Therapist. Her experience since 1991 as both a veterinary technician and a Healing Touch Certified Instructor/Practitioner inspired her to develop energy medicine techniques specifically for animals.

She is also recognized for her expertise in essential oils for animals and has developed sound therapy approaches using tuning forks. Carol’s work emphasizes a cooperative model bridging traditional veterinary medicine with holistic care.

Carol Komitor is available for private healing sessions and practitioner consultations, either in person or by phone.

• Phone: 303-470-6572
• Email: [email protected]

A distance session is facilitated for an animal or person in another location using clear intention and focused awareness. Distance sessions and the supporting philosophy are taught in the Healing Touch for Animals® Level 3 Course.

Distance work is commonly described as an intentional energetic connection that supports relaxation and balance even when in-person sessions are not possible.

Tuning forks are instruments designed to emit a precise single frequency (a pure tone). They are used in medicine, music, and science. Their precision also makes them useful in sound therapy, where vibration and frequency may influence relaxation and the body’s sense of balance.

The creators of INNER SOUND, Arden and Jack Wilken, developed a series of tuning forks spaced in perfect 5th intervals for use at both ears. A perfect 5th is a musical interval where the frequency of the higher tone is 1.5 times the lower tone.

The series includes 13 tuning forks spaced by the perfect 5th interval. The starting point of the series was derived from the fundamental frequency of the Schumann Earth Cavity Resonance (7.865 Hz). Because this frequency is below human hearing, the first tuning fork is set at the first octave above the Schumann Resonance that can be heard.

Using tuning forks in perfect 5th intervals—often one at each ear—may produce an organized wave of expansion and contraction throughout the body. This is described as occurring at multiple levels and may help release emotional blockages stored in connective tissue while guiding the body into a deeper relaxation response.

In sound therapy contexts, deep relaxation is often viewed as a foundation for recovery and regeneration, and as support for balancing and aligning the energy system.

Everyone can hear activated tuning forks unless they are deaf. Even so, individuals with hearing impairment (animal or human) may still benefit from the vibrational component of the sound.

Yes. Healing Touch for Animals® sound therapy for animals was developed from the understanding that sound therapy can also provide value for humans. The principles of vibration, relaxation, and resonance are commonly applied across species.

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The smaller file size of .mp3 is achieved through compression—reducing or removing parts of the original recording, including portions of the frequency spectrum and subtle audio detail.