Interview with: Stacey Scantlin

Stacey Scantlin, founder of Kitten Paws and Downward Dogs in Austin, Texas, shares how her company combines mindfulness, movement, and animal rescue to create joyful experiences that benefit both people and pets.

Tell us about yourself and your organization:

I’m an Austin native with deep roots in this community, and I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. After earning my degree in business administration from Concordia University, I spent over a decade in event planning and nonprofit fundraising, creating experiences that had a real impact on people.

Goat yoga actually sparked the idea for Kitten Paws and Downward Dogs. In 2016, I started hosting classes on my ranch as a lighthearted way to bring people together. I let my goats wander among participants, and the response was incredible. People were laughing and connecting in a way that felt so genuine and joyful.

That’s when I realized how powerful animals and mindfulness could be together. I wanted to make those interactions even more purposeful, so I reached out to local shelters and asked about bringing adoptable cats and dogs into classes at my yoga studio. Kitten Paws and Downward Dogs became a way to merge the joy of yoga with helping animals find homes, and we’ve raised more than $250,000 for local rescues and helped countless animals find loving families.

What do you offer?

We’re primarily known for our puppy yoga classes, which are a feel-good experience that not only melts stress but also helps socialize adoptable puppies (and sometimes kittens!), giving them a chance to meet potential adopters in a calm, happy environment. For a full hour, attendees can interact and bond with the dogs, which allows the little canines’ personalities to shine.

We also offer puppy cuddle sessions, corporate wellness events, and private experiences like weddings and community gatherings. The goal for everything we do is to make a positive impact for animals in need, so each event we host allows people to unwind while supporting animal rescue efforts. We want participants to walk away not only smiling from all the cuddles but also feeling connected to a bigger purpose.

How do your classes differ from traditional yoga?

Honestly, it’s the cutest chaos ever! Our classes are all about the dogs, so the yoga is optional and the focus is on connection and laughter. For some people, that means settling into a peaceful yoga flow, and for others, it means lying on the mat as they’re covered in puppy kisses. The puppies roam freely throughout the class, so you never know when one might curl up next to you during Savasana or try to join you in downward dog.

From a wellness perspective, these sessions are transformative. Puppies and kittens live completely in the moment because they’re not worried about what’s on the news or scrolling through social media. Their energy reminds people to slow down, breathe, and just be. We love seeing participants take that time to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and simply enjoy some unconditional animal love. You can watch as the stress melts away during class: participants’ shoulders relax, smiles appear, and laughter fills the room. It’s a feel-good reset for the mind, body, and heart and a reminder that joy is a powerful form of healing.

What benefits are there for the animals?

These events are incredible for their socialization, especially for young puppies and kittens who are still learning to trust and interact with new people. They get to experience gentle handling, new environments, and lots of love, which helps them build confidence and become more adoptable.

Beyond that, every event gives them the potential to meet their forever family. When people spend an hour playing, cuddling, and bonding with an animal in a relaxed environment, they often form a much deeper connection than they would at a quick adoption event or through an online photo. We’ve had so many stories of attendees falling in love on the mat and adopting their new best friend right after class.

What’s next for Kitten Paws and Downward Dogs?

We’re focusing on new wellness partnerships and corporate programs that bring animal-assisted mindfulness into the workplace, helping teams destress while supporting rescue animals. We’re also exploring travel and destination events like wedding puppy lounges and yoga retreats that partner with local shelters wherever we go.

Our long-term dream is to open a permanent adoption and wellness facility where people can practice yoga, attend workshops, and meet adoptable animals year-round. We’re all about creating more ways for people to connect and heal while helping animals.

For more info, visit kittenpawsdownwarddogs.org