Puppy yoga has quickly become one of the most joyful wellness trends in cities like New York and Boston. Imagine a 45-minute, all-levels vinyasa flow followed by 30 minutes of supervised puppy cuddle time, all in a modern urban studio. That is exactly what the Puppies & Yoga pop-up experience delivers in NYC's Upper East Side and other major U.S. cities.
Each 75-minute ticket typically includes a yoga mat for the session, a refreshing wellness drink, and plenty of time to stretch, laugh, and snap photos with playful, adoptable puppies. It is designed to be beginner friendly yet engaging for experienced yogis, making it one of the most feel-good ways to de-stress in the city.
What Is Puppy Yoga?
Puppy yoga blends a classic yoga practice with the energy and sweetness of young puppies. During an all-levels vinyasa flow, puppies wander freely around the studio, sometimes curling up on your mat, investigating your poses, or napping beside you. After the movement portion, the class transitions into dedicated puppy chill time for cuddles, gentle play, and photos.
At Puppies & Yoga events:
- You enjoy 45 minutes of guided yoga led by a certified instructor.
- You then have 30 minutes of supervised puppy time for snuggles, photos, and relaxed play.
- Classes are held in urban pop-up studios, such as NYC's Upper East Side, with additional events in cities like Boston and other major U.S. hubs.
- Puppies are 8–12 weeks old, vaccinated, and sourced from local breeders near each city.
The result is a uniquely uplifting class that combines movement, mindfulness, and puppy joy in a single 75-minute experience.
Why Puppy Yoga Feels So Good
Puppy yoga is more than a social-media-friendly trend. It taps into several proven wellness boosters at the same time.
- Instant mood lift– Spending time with animals can help reduce feelings of stress and boost happiness. Add a lighthearted yoga class, and you have a double dose of feel-good hormones.
- Gentle movement for every body– The all-levels vinyasa flow is designed to be accessible. You can take it easy as a beginner or go deeper into poses if you are more experienced.
- Mindfulness made fun– It is nearly impossible not to be present when a puppy decides that your mat is the best nap spot in the room. That playful unpredictability helps you drop out of your head and into the moment.
- Screen-free connection– For 75 minutes, your focus shifts from screens and notifications to breath, movement, and real-life interaction with people and pups.
- Social experience– Puppy yoga is ideal for friend dates, couples, small groups, or meeting new people who share your love of dogs and wellness.
- Puppy socialization– Gentle contact with different humans in a supervised, controlled setting helps socialize the puppies before they go to their new homes.
Put simply, you leave feeling lighter, happier, and more relaxed than when you walked in.
Exactly What to Expect in a 75-Minute Puppy Yoga Class
Although every session has its own personality, the structure of a Puppies & Yoga class is consistent and easy to follow. Here is a quick overview.
| Segment | Approx. Duration | What Happens | What You Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arrival & Check-In | 15 minutes before start time | Sign waiver, get oriented, settle on your mat. | Smooth start, time to get comfortable, no rush. |
| All-Levels Vinyasa Flow | 45 minutes | Guided yoga practice with puppies roaming the studio. | Stretch, breathe, move, and enjoy surprise puppy cameos. |
| Puppy Chill Time | 30 minutes | Dedicated time to sit, cuddle, play, and take photos. | Memories, photos, and plenty of puppy contact when possible. |
1. Arrival & Check-In
Guests are asked to arrive 15 minutes before class for a relaxed, on-time start. When you arrive, you will:
- Check in with staff and confirm your time slot.
- Sign a waiver, acknowledging that you understand the class policies and the normal risks of being around playful puppies (including possible scratches or light nips).
- Settle onto your provided yoga mat and get comfortable in the studio.
Because the experience is carefully timed, entry is not allowed 20 minutes after the session begins. Arriving early ensures you do not miss the warm-up or disrupt the puppies once they have settled.
2. 45-Minute All-Levels Vinyasa Flow
The yoga portion is a 45-minute, all-levels vinyasa flow designed to be accessible and fun, not intimidating. Certified instructors lead you through breath-based movement, gentle stretches, and simple transitions.
Throughout the flow:
- Puppies wander the studio, sometimes choosing a mat for a quick snuggle.
- Instructors keep the sequence beginner friendly while offering options for more experienced yogis.
- The atmosphere stays lighthearted, with room for laughter if a pup decides your down dog is a playground.
Even if you are brand new to yoga, you will be supported with clear instructions and modifications. If you are more advanced, you can still enjoy moving your body while soaking in the upbeat energy.
3. 30-Minute Puppy Chill Time
After savasana, the class shifts into 30 minutes of puppy chill time. This is when the cameras usually come out and everyone settles onto the floor for gentle, supervised play.
- You can sit or lie on your mat and let puppies come to you.
- Staff help rotate puppies around the room so guests have opportunities for interaction whenever possible.
- You can take photos and short videos to remember the experience.
Along the way, you can sip on the included wellness drink and simply enjoy the moment. While interaction with specific puppies is never guaranteed, the entire session is designed to create a calm, positive environment for both humans and dogs.
Safety, Age Limits & Important Policies
Puppy yoga is intentionally playful, but it is still a structured wellness experience with clear safety guidelines.
- Minimum age: Children must be 10 years old or older to participate.
- Under 15: Participants under 15 must attend with an adult guardian.
- Waivers required: All guests sign a waiver before joining the session.
- Possible scratches or nips: Puppies are energetic and still learning. Light scratches or nibbles are possible, and guests should be comfortable around animals.
- No late entry after 20 minutes: To protect the flow of class and the puppies' routine, no one is admitted more than 20 minutes after the start time.
- Interaction not guaranteed: Puppy wellness comes first, so how much a puppy interacts can vary. Staff always prioritize the animals' comfort.
- Pregnancy: While puppy yoga is generally gentle, pregnant participants are encouraged to consult their healthcare provider before attending.
These guidelines help maintain a positive, low-stress environment for everyone involved, especially the puppies.
Where Puppy Yoga Classes Are Offered
Puppies & Yoga operates as a pop-up studio experience in major U.S. cities, with regular weekends in:
- puppy yoga New-York– Popular sessions on the Upper East Side.
- Boston area– Convenient for Boston and Cambridge residents.
- Chicago
- Los Angeles
- Miami
- Dallas
- Austin
- San Francisco
New dates are typically released a couple of months in advance, with weekend schedules (such as Saturdays and Sundays with multiple daytime slots) being especially popular.
Because events often sell out, booking early for your preferred time and city is a smart move.
How the Puppies Are Sourced & Cared For
One of the most important parts of the experience is how thoughtfully the puppies are cared for and introduced to humans.
- Age: Puppies are between 8 and 12 weeks old when they participate.
- Health: They are vaccinated before attending sessions.
- Local breeders: Puppies come from local breeders within about an hour of each city.
- No mixing litters: For health and safety, different litters are not mixed within a single session.
- Limited numbers per class: Each class typically welcomes around 6 to 12 puppies, depending on the litter and availability.
- Short, positive visits: Puppies take part in classes as a gentle socialization step before joining their new families, and then return to their breeders.
This approach balances human fun with responsible animal care, creating a win-win experience: guests enjoy a heart-melting class, and puppies gain positive early interactions with people.
Can You Choose the Puppy Breed?
Many guests are excited to know which breeds will be in their session, especially if they love golden retrievers, Australian shepherds, or other specific favorites.
- Breed announcements are usually shared up to three days before the weekend sessions.
- Information is posted on social media stories and on the event page for your city.
- Breeds are not guaranteed and may change at the last minute for health or logistical reasons.
If you have a dream breed in mind, staying tuned to social channels and event updates is the best way to see when they are scheduled to appear.
Who Puppy Yoga Is Perfect For
Puppy yoga is designed to be inclusive, welcoming, and fun. You will feel at home whether you are brand new to yoga or already a devoted practitioner.
- Beginners– Curious about yoga but intimidated by traditional studios? The playful pups instantly ease the pressure and make the class feel approachable.
- Experienced yogis– If you already practice regularly, puppy yoga lets you enjoy a lighter, more social session without sacrificing mindful movement.
- Students and young professionals– A great way to decompress from exams, long workweeks, or city stress.
- Friends and couples– An unforgettable activity for birthdays, date days, or weekend plans.
- Dog lovers visiting from out of town– A feel-good way to experience the local wellness scene.
As long as you love dogs and are open to a relaxed, slightly unpredictable class, you are the perfect fit.
What Your Ticket Typically Includes
While specifics can vary by city and date, a standard Puppies & Yoga ticket typically includes:
- 75 minutes in the studio with a combined yoga and puppy experience.
- 45-minute all-levels vinyasa yoga session guided by a certified instructor.
- 30 minutes of supervised puppy chill time for cuddles, play, and photos.
- Yoga mat provided for the class, so you do not need to bring your own.
- A wallet-friendly wellness drink to complement your session.
This all-in-one setup makes it easy to say yes to puppy yoga, even if you are dropping in between errands or exploring a new neighborhood.
Ticket Policies: Refunds & Transfers
Because Puppies & Yoga operates as a pop-up event with limited space and scheduled puppies, ticket policies are clearly defined.
- All sales are final– Tickets are generally non-refundable due to the pop-up nature of the events.
- Transfers allowed up to three days before– If your plans change, you can usually move your booking to another class, as long as you do so at least three days before your original event.
- No same-day changes– Within three days of your session, changes are not typically available.
Checking the latest policy details at the time of booking is always recommended, especially if you are planning for a group.
How to Prepare for Your First Puppy Yoga Class
Getting ready for puppy yoga is simple, but a little preparation will help you get the most out of your session.
- Book your preferred time slot early, especially for popular weekend sessions.
- Wear comfortable, stretchy clothing you can move and sit on the floor in.
- Skip heavy perfume or lotions that might bother sensitive puppy noses.
- Arrive 15 minutes early to sign your waiver, settle in, and avoid missing the start.
- Bring a water bottle if you like, though a wellness drink is typically included.
- Leave your own pets at home; only the scheduled puppies attend.
- Charge your phone ahead of time if you plan to take photos during puppy chill time.
Most importantly, come with a relaxed mindset and a willingness to go with the flow. A puppy may sit on your mat right when you were planning to do a pose, and that is part of the charm.
FAQ: Quick Answers About Puppy Yoga
Are the puppies adoptable?
Yes, the puppies are on their way to new families. They are brought in from local breeders around each city as part of their early socialization before going to their future homes. If you are interested in a particular puppy, staff can usually share general information about the litter and how they are placed.
How many puppies are in each session?
Each session typically includes around 6 to 12 puppies. The exact number can vary based on the litter size and the puppies' availability and wellbeing.
Will I definitely get to cuddle a puppy?
Interaction is very likely, but never guaranteed. Puppy wellness comes first, and some pups are naturally more social or energetic than others. Staff work hard to give everyone chances for contact, especially during the 30-minute chill time, but the exact experience can vary from class to class.
What if I am running late?
To keep the class running smoothly and to protect the puppies' routine, late entry is not allowed after 20 minutes. If you think you might be cutting it close, plan extra travel time to avoid missing your session.
Can I get a refund if I cannot make it?
In general, all ticket sales are final and non-refundable. However, Puppies & Yoga does typically allow you to transfer your ticket to another class if you make the change at least three days before your scheduled session.
Is puppy yoga suitable for complete beginners?
Yes. The classes are intentionally beginner friendly, with straightforward sequences and plenty of guidance. You do not need prior yoga experience to participate, and you are encouraged to listen to your body and move at your own pace.
Is it okay to attend alone?
Absolutely. Many guests come solo and quickly connect with others in the room. Puppy yoga naturally breaks the ice, making it an easy and enjoyable activity whether you attend alone or with friends.
Why Puppy Yoga Is Worth Adding to Your Wellness Routine
In a busy city, it can be hard to find a wellness activity that feels genuinely joyful, not just like another item on your to-do list. Puppy yoga changes that. It combines movement, mindfulness, and playful connection in a way that feels as indulgent as it is beneficial.
- You move your body in a gentle, accessible way.
- You pause your day for 75 minutes of screen-free presence.
- You support positive socialization for young puppies.
- You walk out lighter, happier, and with photos that capture the experience.
Whether you are a New Yorker booking a weekend session on the Upper East Side, a Boston or Cambridge local looking for a feel-good outing, or a visitor exploring puppy yoga in another major U.S. city, this pop-up experience delivers a memorable blend of wellness and pure happiness.
If you love dogs, crave stress relief, and want a class that leaves you smiling for the rest of the day, puppy yoga deserves a spot at the top of your must-try list.
