Question 1

What is animal communication?

Accepted Answer

It is information conveyed on a mind-to-mind level. It’s a mental energy that transcends linear time, location, language, and distance. Some brains like mine are just "wired" a bit differently and are able to access info from other areas.

I do not to use the phrase “pet psychic” in my practice, because it could imply someone who predicts the future, and I don’t do that — I work with what is pertinent right now.

Question 2

How does animal communication work?

Accepted Answer

I am an information receiver — it's like there is a wireless signal of consciousness/thought that I'm able to pick up on. I was naturally born with my gifts, but I've spent over three decades developing very specific skills in order to be effective.

I go into a deep meditation and then it’s like meeting with an animal over Zoom — only more multi-sensory. During a session, there is a conversation with direct questions, and the animal’s answers and feelings come back to me in a number of ways: a flowing conversation of words, phrases, pictures, sounds, general feelings, and sometimes even smells.

I am also medically empathic, which is rare, and useful. (Most animal communicators are not medical empaths.) I can experience a pet's body from the inside out. So in the case of pain, physical illness, stress, depression, etc. I feel it quite distinctly in my body — I am guided to discomfort in a particular place, and I can feel the degree of severity in order to help you better understand what it feels like to your pet. Sometimes, I also see things inside the body.

The info I receive is very vivid, and it helps me to provide specific information to you in order to round out your understanding of what your pet is going through. Though I may get messages regarding the origin of the problem, I always remind you that you should also go by your vet's data.

Question 3

How do you differ from other animal communicators?

Accepted Answer

There are significant things that set me apart from the way others work; here are the biggest ones:

I do not do my pet sessions "live" over the phone — in my experience, that would waste at least 50% of the working time due to "translating" what was just said or shown to me. It creates interruptions in the download of information because the pet gets put on "hold." In some cases, the presence of a client during the session could adversely affect what comes through. My way of working is more efficient and thorough, allowing me to go broader, deeper, and further.

The vast majority of animal communicators are not medically intuitive. My gifts in this area are a clear advantage — even when working on strictly behavioral cases — because as we all know, our emotions can and do affect our bodies. And when working with aging animals, the extra perspective regarding their health matters becomes even more important.

My original background in training as a therapist taught me specific techniques for the ways I work with your pet, the kinds of questions I ask, and the info I'm able to uncover for you.

I also include energy healings as part of my pet sessions, in order to jump-start progress. I also utilize muscle testing when needed. (Energy healing is supportive, and while it can be effective, it is not a guarantee of resolution.)

I offer more overall support for you and your pet, which I  explain in my Discovery Session.

Question 4

How do you trust the information you’re getting?

Accepted Answer

Experience gained through over 30 years of doing this work has taught me to trust it. Most often, people tell me “that feels really right— how did you know that?” Another reason is that I couldn’t be effective if I got hung up on being right, or having every answer.

I simply get out of the way and let the information come through — whatever it is — because it’s coming from a helpful place, and I’m merely a receiver. My job is to have no judgements about the information, and to convey that honestly to my clients. What my clients do with that information — the decisions they make about their pet — is entirely up to them.

Question 5

How do you know it’s actually MY pet you are connecting with?

Accepted Answer

When people ask me this question, it can be because they don't fully understand the process, they feel uncertain about using an alternative method, or because they’ve previously had an unhappy experience with an intuitive practitioner. In doing this work, I’ve never had an experience where I spoke with the wrong animal. My explanation for this is that I am contacting their unique "soul essence" — which each one of us has. So it is like I’m “calling on their private line” and they are the only one answering.

Higher Intelligence/Spirit (or whatever you choose to call it in your personal beliefs) wants me to be of service, so it stands to reason that it would not send me to the wrong animal. If someone is feeling insecure about the process, or feels I need to "prove" certain things to them, we should not work together, because that could very likely cause the open flow of information to shut down.

Question 6

Do you have to be physically present to work with my animal(s)?

Accepted Answer

NO. All of the work I do is remote; you don't need to be in any particular place during my client meetings, and your pet doesn't need to be doing anything special during my session with them either. Because this is communication on a mind-to-mind, spirit-to-spirit, energetic level, I can work no matter where you and your animal are.

As an example, I have worked with pets worldwide, yet I do not speak Swedish or Portuguese. Pure thought and intention are “matter”, and science does tell us that matter is energy. Energy transcends all barriers, including language. You would have experienced this yourself if you’ve interacted with animals while traveling in foreign countries — you were actually understanding each other through mental pictures and general feelings, not because you knew how to speak “Dog”, “Poodle”, or French, right?

We deal with many types of invisible energy every day without even thinking about it — for instance, the gravity that keeps us anchored to the earth is an invisible energy, yet it is obviously very strong. We don't even need to understand HOW it works to know that it DOES work.

Question 7

Do you need me to provide a picture?

Accepted Answer

I like to see at least one recent picture because I can often pick up helpful information just by looking into their face, particularly their eyes. (Plus I love to see my clients!) Decently-lit photos where the eyes are not blackened out by shadows are best.

Question 8

What if I’m skeptical?

Accepted Answer

Skepticism shuts down the flow of information. If you have lingering doubts about intuitive methods, we should not work together. I do my best work with people who are open and have reasonable expectations about what they might gain from the process, with the understanding that I am consultant, not a magician who can force something to happen.

Here’s what just two of my clients had to say about this topic:
“Many people are skeptical because they don’t understand a gift like this.  I will say this, as animal lovers, we all want the very best for our furry family members.  The challenge we face is that we either guess or think we know what they need.  To have someone connect with that animal at a very loving level — different than what we can, will change your animal’s life as well as yours for the better.  My only advice is don’t wait until there’s a crisis.” — Heidi T.

“I have recommended Ali to many friends and clients, for medical issues, behavioral issues, end-of-life issues — and just to improve their relationship with their animal companions. Some were too skeptical to try her services, but those who did quickly recognized her genuineness, and they benefited from the compassionate heart she extends to our animal friends...Her work with my animals has been life-changing.” — Anne H.

Question 9

Are there any animals you won’t work with?

Accepted Answer

Yes — try as I might, I admit that I have never liked or related to snakes, and I doubt I ever will. (No disrespect to the snakes...)

I really enjoy animals' individual personalities, and the differences inherent in various species. I love working with domestic as well as wild animals. In addition to cats, dogs, horses, birds, rabbits, lizards and turtles, I've also worked with wild birds, deer, raccoons, whales, and a chimpanzee or two.

Question 10

Are there animals who refuse to be communicated with?

Accepted Answer

It has only happened once in three decades. It was an extremely feral cat and I respected her wishes and left her alone.

I adjust my questions and pace to what is comfortable for the pet. Because of my background and training in cognitive behavioral techniques, my years of experience doing this, and my naturally quick mind, I know how to alter my approach “on the fly” based on the personality I'm facing and/or the answers I’m getting. I have a good ability to drill down on certain subjects, which enables me to uncover quite a lot of information for you. (This is especially useful when working with rescues, animals who have been through trauma.)

In my experience, pets are thrilled to be contacted and very much welcome the opportunity to communicate important things to a human intermediary.

Question 11

What can I expect from my first session?

Accepted Answer

I am a "communication bridge" between you and your pet. I might confirm what you already thought, discover things that you didn’t know, shed light (and provide solutions) for puzzling and frustrating situations, offer different ideas about other avenues for you to pursue, or help you connect emotionally on a new level.

In sessions, animals share what they feel is most important, which may differ from what a human hopes to hear. Animal communication does not guarantee specific details, timelines, or outcomes. This work focuses as much on understanding, recommended next steps, and — when applicable — emotional healing, as it does on the information itself.

Pet sessions are done separately; the results are discussed with you later, in a pre-arranged phone call.

Depending on the circumstances, you might see immediate results or more gradual changes — it varies with each pet and their particular challenges. Though I am a natural problem-solver and am always seeking solutions for you, it helps to be realistic — problems that have been there for years may not resolve in days or weeks, though we will certainly give it our best shot.

Question 12

How can I get the most out of working together?

Accepted Answer

The best results are achieved when the pet parent is willing to "put in the work." There needs to be a commitment to make the recommended changes, to follow through on trying some new things, to exercise a bit of faith and patience — and in some cases, realistically look at one's own part in what is going on. (For instance, continuing to be too busy to give an anxious dog enough exercise, or a bored cat enough play and enrichment is not going to improve the situation. The problems will stay the same no matter who you choose to hire.)

There are often practical changes we can make right away, and some improvements that are seen relatively quickly.  Fortunately, the vast majority of my clients are willing to "go the extra mile" for their pets.

Question 13

What are your hours?

Accepted Answer

I keep normal business hours M–Th and am not available for work on Fridays, at night, or on the weekends.

During the work week, requests for Discovery Sessions are typically answered within a day. Emails that arrive on Fridays and weekends are answered on Mondays.

I respond as quickly as I'm able to; keep in mind that I am on PST, so depending on your location, there may be a time difference that adds to the response times.

Question 14

Can I call you directly to discuss my situation?

Accepted Answer

I'm in sessions all day and not available by phone or text; due to my busy schedule, all of my calls are pre-arranged Discovery Sessions. The best way to contact me to schedule one is via email.

Question 15

Do you take emergency cases?

Accepted Answer

Due to my heavy case load, it's usually not possible to accommodate last-minute emergencies. If I can manage to get you in on an emergency basis, extra fees may apply.

I can't stress this enough: by nature, many emergencies cannot be helped, but the best thing you can do overall for both you and your pet is to plan ahead wherever possible. For instance, it is typical for people to watch and wait for a period of time, hoping things will resolve on their own. If there has been an ongoing or escalating problem with your pet — or merely a stalling of either answers or progress — it is much better to book a Discovery Session with me sooner rather than later.

Planning ahead before something turns into an actual crisis is the best way to avoid the stress (and high medical bills) that come with having to rush your pet to a strange ER, plus the additional pressure of having to make on-the-spot decisions.

Question 16

Can you help me with a pet who has passed away?

Accepted Answer

Definitely, and it doesn’t matter how long they have been gone from their “physical form.” The sessions I do with pets who have passed away are usually some of the most profound sessions I do. The conversations are really no different than the ones who are still alive, except that there is often new wisdom, or a "big picture" perspective. See the Services section for some specifics.

It can be very helpful for the animal as well as the human friends they have left behind: to tie up loose ends, answer previously unanswered questions, help with your grief, lessen any guilt, and provide you some peace of mind.

Keep in mind that grief is a process. Our session is designed to help orient and get you started on that process.

Question 17

What are typical costs for your work?

Accepted Answer

Animal communication is not a one-size-fits-all solution.

My complimentary Discovery Session helps me understand the work needed (and to prepare me for a more efficient and productive pet session.) I'm then able to determine fees for you, as well as timelines. You'll know all costs up-front and there will be no hidden surprises. This is more accurate and makes more sense to me than having an hourly rate but not being able to tell a client how much time it will actually take to solve their problem(s.)

Fees are generally similar to what other skilled communicators charge, and often lower than vet services Each client gets customized support, with many extras that add value. It is more than can be covered in the typical "phone reading" you might have experienced in the past.

See the Fees and Costs section by scrolling down the Process page — it will give you a better idea of why blind quotes are not possible, and what factors into arriving at costs.

Question 18

Do you abide by a code of ethics?

Accepted Answer

There is no official code of conduct for my industry, since there is no accreditation or governing board. These are my abiding personal ethics:

Honesty: To tell my clients exactly what their pet conveys, and to make recommendations for changes based on that information. (Note that this might be different from what a client wants or expects to hear.)

Sensitivity: To approach my job with confidentially, compassion, and tact, particularly when speaking about difficult subjects.

Advocacy: In all possible ways, for the ultimate well-being of the pet — and my clients as well.

Healing: Whenever possible, to effect positive, lasting changes in mental and physical well-being. (In terminal cases, there is only so much that can be done, but we will do all that we can.)

Education: To serve as a knowledge base that reinforces the work we do together.

Support: To be a trusted ally and committed problem-solver.

Teamwork: To complement my clients' regular veterinary care.