Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Wall.
Hi Dana , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Sarah and I started as two country girls who simply loved our goats. What began as a shared passion quickly turned into something much bigger when we recognized a real need in our community for alternative, more approachable forms of therapy and emotional support—especially for those who are often underserved or underprivileged.
We began asking ourselves how we could combine that love for our animals with a meaningful purpose, and from that, D&S Cuddling Critters was born. What we’ve built is a compassionate, unique service that uses registered emotional support livestock to create safe, nonjudgmental spaces for healing, connection, and accessibility for all.
Along the way, we’ve developed strong relationships with local organizations and community partners, allowing us to give back in impactful ways and help fill gaps for individuals and families who are frequently overlooked or face barriers to traditional care. Our work focuses on supporting active duty service members, veterans, seniors facing Alzheimer’s and dementia, special needs individuals, caregivers, first responders, and underserved populations within our community.
Mental health and emotional well-being are at the forefront of everything we do. By blending both a for-profit and nonprofit model, we’ve created a balanced and sustainable approach that allows us to reach those who need it most—ensuring that compassion, connection, and care are not limited by circumstance or access.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. One of our biggest challenges has been helping people understand what we do. Because we work with animals, there is often an assumption that we are a petting zoo, when in reality our work is centered around structured emotional support, mental health awareness, and therapeutic interaction. Educating the community and breaking that misconception has taken time.
Another challenge has been building something meaningful while navigating limited resources. As a growing organization operating with both a for-profit and nonprofit model, we’ve had to be creative, resilient, and intentional in how we scale—especially while trying to ensure our services remain accessible to underserved and underprivileged populations who may not otherwise have access to alternative forms of care.
We’ve also faced the emotional weight that comes with this work. Supporting veterans, individuals with trauma, seniors with dementia, and special needs individuals means we are often working with people in very vulnerable spaces. That responsibility requires constant growth, strong boundaries, and a deep commitment to doing things the right way.
Additionally, building partnerships and gaining trust within the community takes time. While we’ve been fortunate to establish strong relationships, there were moments early on where we had to prove the value and legitimacy of what we were creating.
Despite these challenges, each obstacle has reinforced our mission. It has pushed us to become more structured, more intentional, and more impactful in how we serve—ensuring that what we are building is not only unique, but sustainable and truly beneficial to the community.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At D&S Cuddling Critters, we specialize in mobile, animal-assisted emotional support services using registered emotional support livestock. What sets us apart is that we are not a petting zoo—our work is intentional, structured, and rooted in mental health awareness, emotional well-being, and therapeutic engagement.
We work closely alongside LPCs, social workers, and licensed therapists to support ABA and exposure therapy goals, bringing our services directly to individuals in their own environments—where they feel safest and most comfortable. By meeting people where they are, we’re able to create more effective, personalized interactions that support real progress and emotional connection.
In just three years, we have built a unique dual-model organization that combines both for-profit services and a nonprofit foundation to expand access and impact. Our programs are designed to serve those who are often underserved, underprivileged, or face barriers to traditional care.
Some of our core programs include mobile emotional support visits for active duty service members, veterans, seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia, special needs individuals, and first responders; Goat Hikes focused on reducing isolation and building connection; SAFE Central Texas, a growing suicide awareness and resource network; and Market with a Mission, which has provided over 58,000 pounds of food to more than 6,800 households while integrating mental health resources into community outreach.
We are incredibly proud of the partnerships we’ve built with local organizations, businesses, and community leaders. These collaborations have allowed us to expand our reach, provide meaningful resources, and create spaces where people feel seen, supported, and valued.
What truly sets us apart is our ability to bridge gaps—between traditional and nontraditional therapy approaches, between providers and the communities they serve, and between those in need and accessible, compassionate care. Everything we do is centered around reducing stigma, increasing access, and delivering mental health support in a way that feels approachable, human, and real.
In a short period of time, we have not only created programs—we’ve created impact, built trust, and developed a model that continues to grow and serve our community in meaningful ways.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about our city is the sense of community and the willingness of people to come together when it truly matters. There is a strong foundation of support here—from local businesses to organizations and everyday individuals—who genuinely care about making a difference. Being in a military-connected community also brings a unique level of resilience, diversity, and shared understanding that you don’t find everywhere.
What I also appreciate is the opportunity for growth. This area has so much potential, and we are seeing more collaboration, more outreach, and more conversations centered around mental health, wellness, and community impact.
On the other hand, one of the challenges our city faces is access—particularly when it comes to mental health resources and support services for underserved and underprivileged populations. There are still gaps in awareness, accessibility, and stigma that prevent individuals from seeking or receiving the help they need.
Another area for improvement is connection—sometimes resources exist, but people don’t know how to find them or don’t feel comfortable reaching out. Bridging that gap between services and the community is something I’m deeply passionate about.
Overall, I see both the heart and the opportunity in this city. The foundation is here—we just need to continue building, collaborating, and creating more accessible pathways so that every individual feels seen, supported, and connected.
Pricing:
- Goat Hikes call for pricing
- Meet and Greets call for pricing
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dscuddlingcritters.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1bAY3FqeSH/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-wall-109060381
Image Credits
Dana Wall
Sarah Herrera
