In 1990, I formulated the Code of Ethics for Interspecies Telepathic Communicators as a guide for professional practitioners. Its purpose is to help animal communicators work with compassion, respect, integrity, and understanding in their relationships with animals and their people.
Recently, I received a letter from someone who was concerned about how one passage in the Code was being interpreted:
"We go only where we are asked to help, so that others are receptive and we truly can help."
She understood this to mean that animal communicators must have the permission of an animal's human companion before communicating with that animal under any circumstances. She described people who felt they could not communicate with animals in need, even in emergencies, because they believed doing so would violate the Code of Ethics.
I appreciate her bringing this misunderstanding to my attention so I can clarify the distinction between professional consultations and the free communication we can enjoy with animals in everyday life.
Animal Communication Is a Natural Ability
Telepathic communication is a natural ability shared by all beings. It is not restricted to professional animal communicators or formal consultations. We can communicate freely with animals in our homes, in nature, and wherever we encounter them, as long as they are willing to communicate with us.
We can greet animals, ask questions, listen to their feelings and concerns, explain situations, offer reassurance, and help them understand what is happening around them. We can also communicate our own needs and feelings, just as we do with other humans.
The Code of Ethics was never intended to restrict this natural communication.
We may spontaneously receive communication from an animal at any time, whether or not we are professional animal communicators. This is part of our natural connection with other beings and is quite different from deliberately undertaking a professional consultation, where we are invited to help with a particular animal and their human companion.
The letter writer gave several examples of situations in which she said animal communicators believed they could not help because they had not obtained permission from the animals' human companions.
Let's look at these situations.
A dog is wandering alone in a park with a loose leash. Of course, you can communicate with the dog, ask what happened, whether they are lost, and how you might help. You can reassure the dog and assist in finding their person.
An injured cat is being taken to a veterinarian. You can communicate with the cat, explain where they are going, offer comfort, and help them understand that people are trying to relieve their pain and care for them. You can listen to what the cat wishes to express. Your communication can accompany the practical help and veterinary attention the cat needs.
A rabbit is frightened in an animal shelter. You can communicate reassurance, explain the surroundings and the care being offered, and listen to the rabbit's feelings and needs. You may help the rabbit feel more secure and understood.
A neighbor's cat enters your home, eats your cat's food, and attacks your cat. You can certainly communicate with the visiting cat, explain that this is your home and your cat's territory, and ask them to respect the boundaries. You can listen to their reasons for coming and seek a peaceful solution that honors everyone involved.
A horse in a pasture is moving strangely. You can ask the horse how they are feeling, whether they are in pain or having difficulty, and whether they need help. If you suspect injury or distress, you can alert the person responsible for the horse so they can arrange appropriate care.
In all these situations, communication is a natural way to connect, understand, and offer assistance. There is no ethical prohibition against communicating with an animal who is willing to communicate with you.
As with human communication, we respect the willingness of others to engage with us. We can offer communication without forcing it or assuming that we know what is best for another being.
Permission in Professional Animal Communication
The Code of Ethics addresses the responsibilities of animal communicators who offer their services professionally.
When someone engages an animal communicator to help with their animal companion, the communicator is entering a professional relationship with both the human and the animal. Permission from the human companion is essential for this work.
Even when we believe we have something helpful to offer, we respect people's choices, privacy, and responsibility for their animal companions.
The same principle applies when working with people's animals in animal communication courses. We obtain permission from the people involved and respect the animals' willingness to participate.
When we are paid for professional consultations, we have additional responsibilities. We listen with compassion, honor confidentiality, recognize our limitations, and help people develop their own understanding and communication with their animal friends.
This is the context of the statement in the Code:
"We go only where we are asked to help, so that others are receptive and we truly can help."
The intention is to respect others' sovereignty and willingness to receive our professional assistance.
Communication, Compassion, and Respect
Animal communication is part of our natural connection with all life. We can use it every day to deepen relationships, resolve misunderstandings, assist animals in difficulty, and bring more peace and harmony to our interactions.
When we encounter an animal who needs help, we can communicate, listen, offer reassurance, and take appropriate action.
In professional practice, we honor the responsibilities that come with being invited into the lives and relationships of others.
The Code of Ethics concludes:
"The goal of any consultation, lecture, workshop, or interspecies experience is more communication, balance, compassion, understanding, and communion among all beings. We follow our heart, honoring the spirit and life of all beings as One."
This has always been the spirit of my teaching and the purpose of the Code of Ethics.
May we all communicate freely, with love, respect, and compassion for all beings.