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About

Commonly referred to as Applied Zoopharmacognosy, Botanical Self-Healing enables you to listen and authentically connect with your animal’s innate healing abilities. With compassionate guidance from My Animal Matters, let your animal lead the way.

LEARN

Zoopharmacognosy courses on-line

Would you like to learn about zoopharmacognosy?

My name is Rachel and I have been mentoring people for over 12 years, supporting both animal guardians and professionals in understanding how animals can self-medicate using medicinal plants, and how we can work alongside them to support their self-healing.

It’s an incredible practice that can transform the lives of both animals and their guardians.

Learn and work with me

I now offer zoopharmacognosy training, mentoring and 1:1 sessions through my sister website, where you can explore full details and book directly.

1:1 Zoopharmacognosy sessions for your own animals (all species)

1:1 Practitioner Mentorship (canine with optional feline add-on)

"Rachel’s mentorship transformed my confidence and connection with my clients and their dogs" Carol Collins. Canine Affinity

Would you like to learn about zoopharmacognosy?

My name is Rachel and I have been mentoring people for 12 years on how animals can self-medicate on medicinal plants and how with our support they can guide their own self-healing.

It's an incredible practice that can transform the lives of both animals and their guardians.

There are 2 ways you can learn with me

1-2-1 Practitioner mentorship. (Dogs)
On-line 1-2-1 zoopharmacognosy consultation for your own animals (all species)

"Rachel’s mentorship transformed my confidence and connection with my clients and their dogs" Carol Collins. Canine Affinity

Rachel Knott teaching Zoopharmacognosy to students at an animal sanctuary

1-2-1 Practitioner Mentorship

Zoopharmacognosy course with a difference

If you’re drawn to the power of plant medicine and the self-medicative abilities of animals, you’re in the right place.

I work with people who feel there is something deeper to this practice… beyond protocols, beyond surface-level solutions.

People who want to understand how animals guide their own healing, and how we can support that in a way that is respectful, intuitive and grounded.

You might be here because:

you want to support your own animals more deeply
you feel called to work professionally with dogs and cats
you’re looking for a more flexible, personalised way of learning
you know you thrive in a 1:1 space where you can grow at your own pace
you want to develop both your practical skills and your ability to feel, listen and connect

My mentorship is designed to meet you exactly where you are, and support you in growing your confidence, your understanding, and your unique way of working.

“The Zoopharmacognosy course is one of the most transformational courses I have ever taken…”
Sue Mimm, Heart Connection Dogs

My approach

This work is not just about learning techniques.

It’s about developing a way of working that includes:

the animal
the guardian
the botanicals
and you as the practitioner

All working together.

Alongside understanding the history and practical application of zoopharmacognosy, I support you in developing your ability to observe, feel and respond to what is happening in each unique situation.

Beyond theory

The value of the aromatics goes far beyond their physical properties.

Through this work, I guide you in developing your own relationship with the plants… exploring them through your senses, your awareness, and your direct experience.

This allows you to move beyond expected outcomes and begin to truly listen… to the plants, to the animals, and to the space between them.

Learning through experience

A key part of the mentorship is developing your practical skills.

We work together on real case studies, supporting animal guardians and their dogs and cats using herbs and essential oils.

You begin by observing, then gradually step forward, building your confidence until you feel ready to lead sessions yourself.

Each animal, each case, brings new learning… and that’s where the depth of this work really unfolds.

Working with me

I’ve spent over 25 years working with and listening to dogs and cats, and over 12 years mentoring both pet guardians and professionals in zoopharmacognosy.

I love supporting people as they move from curiosity into confidence, helping them develop their own way of working that feels natural, grounded and true to them.

Take the next step

If you feel called to explore this work more deeply, you can find full details of my 1:1 zoopharmacognosy mentorship on my dedicated website.

Explore the Practitioner Mentorship Programme:
https://rachelknott.com/canine-zoopharmacognosy-practitioner-mentorship/

Are you fascinated by the power of plant medicine and the self-medicative abilities of dogs?
Would you like to become a Practitioner so you can help not just your own dogs but other people and their dogs too?
Do you prefer the flexibility of being able to learn on-line AND at a time which suits your schedule and lifestyle rather than attend group classes at a fixed time?
Are you drawn to a 1-2-1 Mentorship programme where the teachings are tailored to exactly what you need based on your learning style, your confidence levels, skills, your experience so far and HOW you'd like to bring this into your life and the lives of other dogs and their guardians?
Do you find you thrive more in a one on one learning experience where you don't have the pressure of having to learn at the same pace as other students and you feel safe and supported and get to guide your own pace and progress?
Do you love the idea of not just learning about the science and history of the practice, and the 'how and what to offer', but how to connect intuitively with the dogs and the plants to take the healing sessions to a much deeper level?
Are you curious about learning how recognising dogs as our guides and teachers, they can help us in all aspects of our own growth and self-healing too?

Then this unique offering could be for you....

"The Botanical Self Healing course, is one of the most transformational courses I have ever taken! Rachel helped me to see a new perspective on our relationship with our dogs, and showed us how to open up deeper conversations with them, with the support of plant energetics" Sue Mimm, Heartconnection Dogs

The goal of the 1-2-1 mentoring is to enhance and nurture your knowledge, ability and confidence to work professionally as a certified Practitioner in Botanical Self-Healing in dogs, aka Zoopharmacognosy.

Described as both 'life-changing' and 'mind-expanding', it is the start of a journey of discovery which will make a profound difference in the lives of dogs their guardians.

An integrated approach:

In addition to understanding the history and mechanics of Zoopharmacognosy, the practice of Botanical self-healing emphasises the importance of an integrated approach that involves the dog, the guardian, the botanicals and the practitioner all working together.

Your growth

Your personal growth and development are integral to the Botanical Self-Healing process.

As you progress through the course, the teachings and offerings will help you develop a more open-minded and self-aware mindset.

A natural by-product of this is less fear, more confidence and creativity which will have a ripple effect not just in your practice, but also gradually permeating other aspects of your work and life.

Beyond book knowledge of aromatics

The value of the aromatics (essential oils and hydrosols) extends beyond their therapeutic benefits; it lies in our personal relationship with them.

Throughout the programme, you will have the opportunity to explore and deepen that personal relationship.

By connecting with the energy via our sensory experience of the aromatics you will expand your awareness, have access to more infinite wisdom and be able to feel and listen more deeply to your clients and their dogs and cats, rather than just focusing on expected outcomes.

This approach naturally enhances the overall healing process.

Feeling and listening

While being able to observe and recognise the dogs' visual signals is valuable, I will take you beyond just the physical observations. The emphasis is on nurturing your innate ability to FEEL and connect energetically to the dogs, the plants wisdom and the guardian, taking your work to a deeper level.

Integrating your learning with 'live' case studies

You cannot beat learning by 'doing'. A large part of the on-line classes will be working together guiding people via zoom to support their own dogs using herbs and essential oils. Initially you will shadow me and then we will discuss each case study to tease out the key learnings as EVERY case and every dog brings new teachings. Then I will gradually invite you to contribute so you build your confidence to the point you are ready to run the sessions yourself.

Your Zoopharmacognosy course mentor

My name is Rachel and I have been learning about, working with and listening to dogs for 23 years. The last 12 years I've been teaching both pet parents and pet professionals about zoopharmacognosy from self-interest to Practitioner level certification.

I love taking students from a place of initial curiosity to becoming competent, creative and confident practitioners. While also nurturing their individuality and their unique passion in how they wish to offer and facilitate this wonderful practice.

I will be your mentor as you dive into the world of botanical self-healing, animal and plant communication, mirroring and so much more.

What Graduates have to say

What graduates are saying

a labrador sniffing different dried botanicals as part of a zoopharmacognosy consultation

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"A groundbreaking and life-changing course that transformed my understanding and connection with dogs" Helen Moran 'Paws and Listen' UK

"I am currently doing Rachel’s zoopharmacognosy course and it is the best course I have ever taken! I have spent my life doing animal related courses but have never felt like the course was changing my life before, like this one! Instead of working through step by step like most courses, I feel as though I am immersed in the course and it flows with my life. Rachel is so present and flexible, and the course allows you to become your true self! Definitely the best course I have ever taken; I would highly recommend it!"

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"A transformative mentorship that ignited my passion and confidence!" Carol Collins 'Canine Affinity' UK

“Taking Rachel’s course was one of the best decisions I've ever made! It completely transformed my approach to teaching zoopharmacognosy, empowering me to embrace my individuality while connecting deeply with my clients and their dogs.

Rachel has a remarkable ability to bring out the strengths of each individual. Her personalised approach allows us to thrive with our unique teaching styles and needs.

The biggest result has been a massive boost in my confidence! I now communicate authentically and adapt my skills in a way that feels true to me, building incredible trust with my clients.

Now, I feel excited and ready to share my knowledge with the world while enjoying every moment of the journey. I wholeheartedly recommend Rachel’s course to anyone looking to build their confidence and learn in a way that ignites their passion. She truly invests in her students, making the learning experience both empowering and fun!”

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“A unique mentorship that inspires creativity and a deeply personal journey into botanical healing with dogs ❤️”

Hilary Keeping, ‘Hilary’s Holistic’ UK

Before I started working with Rachel, I was excited yet unsure about delivering botanical self-healing sessions for dogs and cats. I worried about merging my intuitive side with my logical nature and doubted my ability to connect with the plants and animals.

I’m so glad I took the leap and enrolled in her course! Rachel provided a personalized mentorship that allowed me to learn at my own pace.

She taught me how to tune into the plants and animals while equipping me with practical tools to facilitate a healing space.

This course has transformed my approach to life and business by encouraging openness and curiosity.

I feel confident offering botanical self-healing sessions, trusting my intuitive connection and practical knowledge of botanicals.

Rachel shares her wealth of experience in an enjoyable manner. I highly recommend her course to anyone wanting to deepen their intuition and connection with plants and animals”

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“A profound and enlightening programme led by a gifted teacher!” Kim Howatt, 'Raidho Canine' USA

"Rachel's Botanical Self-Healing practitioner course has been incredibly fulfilling and wonderful. Not only are the learnings fantastic, but Rachel's beautiful spirit and energy just pour out from the material bringing it to an even higher level. I am grateful to be a part of this wonderful and life changing experience.”

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"A life-changing experience with an inspiring teacher!” Kirsty McIvor 'Hedgerow Healing'

“Rachel is a gifted teacher; her passion and devotion to her students are incredible. Not only does she share her vast knowledge of botanical self-healing, but she takes it to a whole new level by supporting you to develop your intuitive gifts. For me, the case studies are where the real magic of self-development happened; every case study taught me new things about this amazing modality and myself! Rachel guides you through unlocking your authentic self and supports you through the challenges it brings up. After every mentoring session, I left with an open mind to new possibilities and a whole new perspective on situations, along with a real boost in confidence as her enthusiasm is infectious. I can’t thank Rachel enough for creating this unique course, as it is truly life-changing”

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“A must for deepening relationships with dogs and plants! 🐾” Suzanne Buzza. ‘Buzza Botanicals’

"This program helped me move from seeing in black and white to experiencing a full spectrum of colour in my connections with both plants and dogs. It encouraged me to embrace the unknown, deepening my understanding of their energies. The first time I connected with an essential oil and witnessed a dog's reaction was mind-blowing—an experience I wouldn’t have had without this learning journey with Rachel.

Previously, I focused on books and symptom-based solutions. Now, I have a holistic understanding that invites both the dog and the plants into the conversation.

I’m thrilled to have shared this journey with Rachel’s gentle yet playful guidance and support, and I look forward to where it takes me. I highly recommend this course to everyone!"

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“This programme completely changed my perspective on our relationship with dogs and plants!” Sue Mimm ‘Heart Connection Dogs’, Austria

"The Botanical Self Healing course, is one of the most transformational courses I have ever taken!

Rachel helped me to see a new perspective on our relationship with our dogs, and showed us how to open up deeper conversations with them, with the support of plant energetics.
These incredibly gifts from nature can lead us to new understanding, growth and healing for both ourselves and our dogs on both an emotional, physical and spiritual level.

Her course also provided me with new in-depth knowledge of plant medicine and how it can be used to support wellbeing and balance. I found this information incredibly useful and have already started to incorporate it with my own dogs and my clients' dogs.

Rachel is a knowledgeable and inspiring teacher. Her passion for her subject matter is evident in the way she delivers her course, and she is always willing to answer questions and offer support.

This course is for you if you are looking for something truly different, inspiring and transformational! “

“For anyone interested in building a deeper connection to working with plants and dogs, or even just themselves, this programme is a must.

Rachel delivers in a way that allows each individual to travel on their own journey through the programme, setting and reaching their own goals.

For me, this had to be the most inspiring programme to be part of and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it or any other teachings offered by Rachel”

Leanne Blades, 'From the heart' Animal Therapy