Meet Austin’s Dog Tarot Reader With a Heart For Rescue Pets
Sarah K. Wolf of Lucky Dog Tarot supports local dog rescues with playful, donation-based dog tarot readings at Austin events
In a city known for keeping things weird, Sarah K. Wolf has carved out perhaps one of Austin’s most unique niches: she reads tarot cards for dogs. But behind the whimsical art of canine cartomancy lies a passionate advocate for animal welfare who has found an ingenious way to combine fun with fundraising for local rescue organizations.
“I thought no one would be into it,” Wolf recalls of her first dog tarot reading session at a “yappy hour” fundraiser. “And I ended up having a line.” That initial success of Lucky Dog Tarot sparked what would become a distinctive presence in Austin’s pet community, where Wolf now regularly conducts readings to support various animal rescue groups.
A celebration of the bonds between pets and their people
Unlike traditional tarot readers who might advise on love, career, or life’s big questions, Wolf keeps her canine readings deliberately lighthearted. “Dog tarot should be light-hearted, just like dogs,” she explains. She sets clear boundaries: no questions about health issues or life-and-death matters. Instead, she focuses on questions that reflect the daily joys and curiosities of pet parenthood: “Why does he bark at the mailman? Would they enjoy a furry sibling? How do they really feel about their humans returning to the office?”
But something unexpected happens during these seemingly playful sessions. “Almost at every event I’ve done, with the exception of just a few, someone has teared up and cried,” Wolf shares. These moments of emotion aren’t triggered by dire predictions or dramatic revelations, but rather by the simple acknowledgment of the profound bonds between pets and their people. “We love our dogs so much,” Wolf says, “and whatever I say might hit a certain word, and it really is meaningful to some people.”
This delicate balance between fun and emotional resonance has made Wolf’s readings increasingly popular. She’s even conducted readings for out-of-state visitors, including a memorable session for a bachelor party from South Carolina – presumably making her the first dog tarot reader to be included in pre-wedding festivities.
Dog tarot with a purpose
The money raised from these readings goes to various local animal welfare organizations, from established shelters like Austin Pets Alive! to smaller, specialized groups like TRAPRS, which helps reunite lost pets with their families. It’s a cause close to Wolf’s heart, as she’s been involved in dog rescue for over a decade and has rescued dogs of her own.
By day, Wolf works in marketing and PR, bringing professional polish to her charitable endeavor, but it’s clear that her dog tarot readings have become more than just a side gig or fundraising tool. They’ve evolved into a unique form of community service that brings joy, comfort, and sometimes surprising depth to Austin’s pet-loving population.
Whether a skeptic or a believer, one thing is certain: in the hands of Sarah K. Wolf, dog tarot transcends novelty. It’s a celebration of the human-animal bond, a force for good in the rescue community, and yet another reason why Austin remains delightfully weird.
Learn more about booking Wolf’s services at luckydogtarot.com.