Lama Zopa Rinpoche recommends animal liberation as a specific practice done for animals who would otherwise be killed, such as livestock, bait worms, and live feeder insects.

The practice involves taking the endangered animals around holy objects, reciting mantras for them, blessing water to sprinkle onto their bodies, and then releasing them. Rinpoche teaches that the practice benefits animal spiritually and is an incredible practice for anyone who is ill or experiencing life obstacles.

Animal blessings, on the other hand, involve blessing animals with mantras or holy objects, even if they are not in danger.