About Us
Mission and Vision
Our mission is to connect potential adopters with adoptable animals in a supportive and nurturing environment where they can form strong bonds, leading to more successful adoptions and ensuring that every animal finds a loving and forever home. We are dedicated to promoting animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, and providing education to our community about the importance of adopting rescue animals.
We aim to expand our reach and impact by fostering meaningful human-animal connections and supporting animal rescues across the nation. Our vision is to build a compassionate and empathetic community where every adoptable animal is valued, cared for, and given the opportunity to thrive in a loving home. By creating a network of support for animal rescues and adopters, we strive to enhance the lives of both pets and their owners.
Through our efforts in organizing engaging charity events, providing educational programs, and advocating for animal adoption, we are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of animals and people alike. Our goal is to create a future where every animal has a chance at a happy, healthy life, and where the bond between humans and animals is celebrated and cherished.
History
In 2016, Stacey Scantlin began teaching goat yoga at her ranch, Alliance Exotic Ranch, in Copperas Cove, TX. The innovative concept of baby goat yoga and baby goat happy hour quickly became a hit, allowing Stacey to donate both time and funds to local animal rescues.
Building on this success, Stacey opened Peaceful Warrior Yoga Studio in 2017, where she expanded her charitable efforts by adding puppy and kitten yoga classes to the schedule. Through these events, she partnered with local rescues to raise funds, match adoptable animals with prospective adopters, and increase awareness of the life-saving work these organizations do.
When Peaceful Warrior Yoga Studio closed its doors in 2020, Stacey was determined to continue making a positive impact. She relocated the popular puppy and kitten yoga classes to her pole and aerial studio, Inner Diva Studios, ensuring the community could continue enjoying these unique and heartwarming events while supporting local animal rescues.
Today, Kitten Paws and Downward Dogs has become a beloved fixture in the Austin area and beyond. To date, we have proudly raised over $300,000 for local rescues, helping provide essential care and resources for animals in need. Our events are now hosted nationwide, connecting communities across the country and helping even more animals find their forever homes.
As we continue to expand our reach nationwide, our mission remains the same: to foster strong human-animal connections and support animal welfare through engaging, joyful, and impactful events.
Meet the Team
At Kitten Paws and Downward Dogs, our dedicated team combines a love for animals with a passion for wellness, creating unforgettable experiences that support rescue efforts and bring joy to our community. From certified yoga instructors and animal care experts to event planners and volunteers, every member of our team plays a vital role in making each puppy and kitten yoga session safe, uplifting, and impactful. Get to know the passionate people behind the paws — meet the team that makes the magic happen at Austin’s premier animal yoga and adoption events.
Monica Pellegrino
Monica brings over 20 years of experience working with animals to the heart of every event at Kitten Paws and Downward Dogs. From her early days in emergency veterinary care to managing doggy daycares and supporting countless rescues, she has truly done it all. Her deep understanding of animal behavior ensures that every interaction is handled with compassion, safety, and expertise.
In addition to her animal care background, Monica is a seasoned yoga instructor with over 10 years of teaching experience. Her classes blend gentle movement, mindfulness, and a deep respect for the human-animal connection — creating a healing and joyful experience for both participants and adoptable pets alike.
Whether guiding a puppy yoga session or offering calming reassurance to first-time guests, Monica’s presence is both grounding and inspiring. She’s the ultimate example of what happens when passion for animals meets the power of wellness.
Every class is thoughtfully designed to prioritize the safety, comfort, and well-being of our puppies
As the pioneers of puppy and kitten yoga events, Kitten Paws and Downward Dogs has helped shape the gold standard for animal-centered wellness experiences across North America.
Our mission goes beyond just cute moments—we prioritize the wellbeing, safety, and positive socialization of every animal we work with. Each event is carefully curated in partnership with local rescues to ensure a safe, nurturing environment for both humans and animals.
Where Do the Puppies Come From?
At Kitten Paws and Downward Dogs, all of our adorable puppies come from our trusted partner rescues, which are foster-based, nonprofit organizations dedicated to saving lives.
These foster-based rescues provide safe, loving temporary homes for puppies until they find their forever families. By partnering with these incredible organizations, our events help promote early socialization, boost adoption visibility, and support animal wellness in a fun, engaging way.
When you attend a Puppy Yoga or Puppy Cuddle event, you’re not just enjoying time with cute pups—you’re directly supporting rescue efforts, helping these puppies build confidence, and increasing their chances of adoption.
Join the team
Passionate about animals, wellness, and community? Join the team at Kitten Paws and Downward Dogs and be part of a mission-driven movement that’s changing lives — one paw at a time. We’re always looking for enthusiastic volunteers, experienced yoga instructors, animal lovers, and event support staff to help us create fun, impactful adoption events across Austin and beyond. Whether you’re looking to give back, grow your skills, or just cuddle some puppies while making a difference, there’s a place for you here. Apply today and become part of the team that brings joy, connection, and second chances to rescue animals and their future families.
