Little Paws Yoga: Subiaco’s cutest wellness studio is still melting hearts
Fitness looks a little different in Subiaco… and much more fluid.
Over the past year, Little Paws Yoga has quietly built a loyal following by blending gentle movements with the undeniable joy of young animals.
The studio is the brainchild of 25-year-old Chloe McStay, who moved to Perth from Scotland last year and turned her lifelong love of animals into a wellness concept that’s as adorable as it is meaningful. He describes it as “the best job ever.”
Now firmly entrenched in the Subiaco community, the studio has become a go-to destination for locals looking for connection, calm and a serious dopamine boost.
“Everyone knows exercise is good for you, but when we involve young animals it activates that feeding instinct in your brain that releases dopamine and serotonin, you find peace,” Ms McStay said.
While puppies and kittens get the spotlight, the heart of the studio lies in its partnerships with local shelters and rescue organizations.
Young animals are brought into classrooms to help socialize, build confidence and meet people, while also giving shelters much-needed breaks.
For the animals, this is purposeful playtime, but for the participants, it’s a chance to slow down, move mindfully, and reconnect. Most often when a kitten is sleeping on its mat or a puppy is trying to do pilates on its own.
Research also suggests that being around animals, especially young ones, can be particularly beneficial for people experiencing grief or emotional distress.
The cheerful, present-moment energy of puppies and kittens can help alleviate feelings of loneliness, providing comfort, distraction, and a natural increase in dopamine.
“It’s such a dopamine hit,” Ms McStay said. “We have a community of people, some who are dealing with grief, some who have really difficult jobs, some who just need to get away from their families. Teaching is a reset.”
The young animals in the studio are allowed to run freely, with endless food and water breaks, and they are not in the studio for more than a few hours, and the studio is clinically disinfected between each lesson.
