About Michelle Hawk — Animal Communicator, Pet Psychic & Biologist | Portland, OR
Biology Degree in Animal Behavior · 20+ Years of Practice · 1000+ Sessions Since 2008 · Reiki Master · Trained by Renowned Animal Communicator Karen Anderson · Portland, OR Native
With a biology degree specializing in animal behavior, 20+ years of study and practice in animal communication and psychic mediumship, and over 1000 sessions with clients in Portland, Oregon and worldwide, Michelle Hawk is one of the most experienced and rigorously trained animal communicators working today. Her unique background bridges scientific training and deep intuitive skill, making her equally at home collaborating with a veterinarian on a mystery diagnosis as she is connecting with a beloved pet who has passed on.
“Michelle Hawk is an exceptionally talented intuitive. Her ability to connect with and communicate for my four-legged family members has been a true gift. I greatly appreciate her guidance, clarity, and grounded support. Michelle has helped us navigate end of life concerns, medical issues, and after death reconnection. Her support brings me peaceful comfort, knowledge, and illumination. I recommend Michelle to my clients on a regular basis, when they need more than a diagnosis. ”
My Path to Animal Communication
I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, and now live just outside the city on forested land in the Pacific Northwest — a landscape that has shaped how I understand animals, nature, and the living world. My rescue dog Athena joins me on most of my outdoor adventures.
A Lifelong Connection to Animals and Nature
As a child I was drawn to animals, nature, and what I can only describe as magic. My favorite books were indigenous folk tales, mythology, and stories about healers and sorceresses. When I read about healing with intention and energy, I didn't think it was fantasy — I tried it on my diabetic dog. Something in me always knew that animals had an inner world worth listening to.
Shamanic Training Begins (2003)
In 2003, at age 15, I attended my first Shamanic workshop and immediately felt at home. The practices gave language and structure to things I already knew intuitively — and for every concept introduced in class, I found myself remembering ten more. I continued pursuing Shamanic training throughout high school, studying primarily with teachers from the Lakota and Makah traditions. I carry deep gratitude for those lineages and remain committed to honoring the sovereignty and teachings of indigenous peoples in my ongoing practice.
Biology Degree and Energy Healing Training (2006–2008)
In 2006, while studying biology at the University of Puget Sound, I began formal training in energy healing — Reiki I and II, energetic anatomy, and pranic healing. My scientific and intuitive studies ran in parallel: I photographed acupuncture needles under an electron microscope in my cell biology lab, and conducted my undergraduate research on hummingbird foraging behavior in Costa Rica. My proposal to study the effects of consciousness on plant growth was vetoed as "unquantifiable" — but the question never stopped interesting me.
In 2008 I was initiated as a Reiki Master. That same year, my beloved dog passed away. Grief opened something new in me. I enrolled in an animal communication training with renowned animal communicator Karen Anderson, and during that course I realized I had been communicating with animals my entire life — the training simply gave me a formal framework for what I already knew. People began seeking me out for pet psychic readings and animal communication sessions, and I officially opened my practice.
Deepening the Practice (2009–Present)
In 2009 I began working with my primary Shamanic mentor, Dagmar, who initiated me into the Shaman clan Baksa lineage of what is now Hungary. My additional Shamanic apprenticeship draws from Celtic traditions and the horse tribes of ancient Europe. I spent 2009–2010 living in Spain, where I continued offering animal communication and healing sessions remotely — one of my first experiences of how effectively this work translates across any distance.
Returning to the US in 2010, I built my full-time practice: energy healing, mediumship, animal communication, Reiki teaching, and eventually Shamanic workshops. In 2016, Alchemy entered my path, and by 2018 I was training others in it. Today it sits alongside Shamanism as one of my two core lineages.
Where I Am Today
After 20+ years of study and practice, I have offered over 1000 sessions in Portland, Oregon, across the US, and worldwide. I still feel like the kid who just loves animals, magic, and being outside — only now I have the training, experience, and track record to back it up.
My approach to animal communication is rooted in what I call functional spirituality: practices that are deeply felt and practically useful. When you work with me, you're not getting someone who dabbles. You're getting two decades of dedicated practice, a scientific foundation in animal behavior, and a genuine love for the animals and people I serve.
Thank you for being here.
If you’re ready to schedule an Animal Communication session, book your session here.
Learn more about how animal communication works and how it can help you and your beloved animal.
If you're new to my work and want to talk about your spiritual or healing journey and what kind of support is right for you, book a consultation here. (Please note, a consultation is not an animal communication session.)
Many blessings,
Michelle Hawk
“I was interested in animal communicators and wanted to see how Michelle worked, so I asked her to come out and talk to my ten horses. I was impressed how well Michelle would ask my questions and how persistent she was with getting an answer, even when one of my horses was hesitant at first. I think it was helpful to know which horses wanted to live together and how I could help them be even happier than they are right now. It was also encouraging to hear how they felt about me, our training together, and what they wanted out of life. My favorite part of the experience was how the horses would line up to take their turns talking to Michelle. Their eyes bright, heads wagging, they each seemed to really enjoy the experience in their own unique ways. I was super impressed. ”
Professional Animal Communicator and Pet Psychic
Michelle Hawk has been practicing animal communication and pet psychic readings since 2008, following formal training with renowned animal communicator Karen Anderson. With a foundation in Shamanism begun at age 15, initiations into Hungarian and Celtic Shamanic lineages, and multiple Master Healer certifications, Michelle brings an unusually deep and diverse set of tools to every session. She has worked with thousands of clients worldwide — helping pet owners understand their animals' behavior, navigate health challenges, prepare for end-of-life, and connect with beloved animals who have passed on.
Biologist and Animal Behavior Specialist
Michelle holds a degree in biology from the University of Puget Sound, specializing in animal behavior and ecology. Her scientific training — including coursework in anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, and biochemistry — gives her an unusually grounded foundation for an animal communicator. She collaborates readily with veterinarians and other practitioners to support integrative treatment plans, and her academic background in animal behavior directly informs how she interprets and communicates what animals share in sessions. Michelle also speaks fluent Spanish and offers sessions to Spanish-speaking clients worldwide.
Portland, Oregon Animal Communicator — In-Person and Online Worldwide
Michelle was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, and has built her animal communication practice here over the past 15+ years. She offers in-person animal communication sessions throughout the greater Portland area and Columbia River Gorge, and virtual sessions via Zoom for clients across the US and worldwide. Portland has become a hub for integrative wellness and spiritual practice in the Pacific Northwest, and Michelle is proud to be among its most established and experienced animal communication practitioners.
“I am so grateful to Michelle for helping me get some answers and information regarding my pup’s health. She was also generous enough to send me some additional referrals to wellness providers in the area. I will be booking an additional session. 10/10, don’t hesitate. ”
Frequently Asked Questions About Michelle Hawk
What makes Michelle Hawk different from other animal communicators?
Michelle's background is unusually broad for someone in this field. Most animal communicators come from a purely intuitive or spiritual background — Michelle does too, but she pairs that with a biology degree specializing in animal behavior from the University of Puget Sound, formal training with renowned animal communicator Karen Anderson, and over two decades of practice across Shamanism, Reiki, and energy healing. That combination of scientific grounding and deep intuitive development means she can hold a conversation about biomechanics and acupuncture points with your veterinarian in the morning and connect with the spirit of your beloved animal in the afternoon. Clients who have worked with other communicators frequently describe Michelle's sessions as the most specific, accurate, and practically useful they have experienced.
How long has Michelle Hawk been practicing animal communication?
Michelle has been practicing animal communication professionally since 2008, when she completed her formal training and opened her practice after years of informal work with animals. Her intuitive connection to animals began much earlier — as a child in Portland, Oregon, she was already communicating with animals in ways she didn't yet have language for. Her Shamanic studies began in 2003, and her formal energy healing certifications followed in 2006 and 2008. In total she has been studying and practicing in the broader field of intuitive healing and animal communication for over 20 years, with more than 1000 professional sessions since officially opening her practice.
Does Michelle Hawk work with all types of animals?
Yes — while most of Michelle's animal communication sessions are with dogs, cats, and horses, she has successfully communicated with birds, rabbits, snakes, lizards, goats, sheep, rats, squirrels, and exotic pets. Her biology background gives her a familiarity with anatomy and physiology across species that supports more specific and grounded communication, particularly when working with health concerns. If you have an unusual animal or questions about a session, reach out before booking and Michelle will let you know what to expect.
Can Michelle Hawk communicate with my pet if I'm not in Portland?
Absolutely. While Michelle is based in Portland, Oregon and offers in-person sessions throughout the greater Portland area and Columbia River Gorge, the majority of her practice is virtual — conducted over Zoom with clients across the US and worldwide. Animal communication works energetically rather than physically, which means distance is no barrier to the quality or depth of connection. Clients in California, New York, Costa Rica, Spain, and beyond have experienced the same level of accuracy and detail as those who book in-person sessions locally. All you need is a clear photo of your animal and a Zoom connection.
Book an Animal Communication Session with Michelle Hawk
Ready to talk to your pet? Whether you need help with behavior, health, grief, or simply want to deepen your bond — Michelle is here to help.
View session options and pricing. Sessions from $100 — book in minutes.
How to Schedule Your Pet Psychic Reading:
Submit an intake form with a photo of your animal.
Reflect on your questions for your pet and get excited!