Puppy Yoga: What to Expect and Why Ethics Matter

Puppy yoga is a casual yoga class where rescue puppies get to interact with people in their community. It’s essentially a fun way for people to exercise and get an endorphin boost while helping the puppies build social skills and confidence that can make them more adoptable, explains Ashley Bloom, director of shelter services at the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation in Hampton Bays, New York.  

“People can expect a lot of joy, laughter, and cuddles along with a chance to learn more about the dogs and our shelter’s mission,” Bloom says. “A typical class lasts about 45 minutes, and we always start by going over safety guidelines and introducing the puppies so everyone knows their stories and what to expect.”  

After intros, it’s time for a yoga session, which takes up most of the time. Then at the end, there’s often time for gentle playing and photos. Amanda Farah, a coordinator and national training and behavior lead for Best Friends Animal Society, a network of animal rescues headquartered in Kanab, Utah, says her shelters follow the same format. 

Bloom says the goal is to keep everything calm, positive, and safe for both the people and the puppies.  

As long as puppy yoga is done with the animals’ best interest in mind, it is full of benefits for both the people and the pups. Watch any video or look at any picture from a puppy yoga event, and you’ll see the joy and fun radiating in every corner!  

• Promotes socialization: Early and positive experiences are essential for puppy development. “These sessions help them build confidence and learn to feel comfortable around new people,” Farah says.  
• Raises awareness of homeless pets and adoption rates: For rescue groups and shelters, puppy yoga is a creative way to let their community know about the adoptable animals in their care. It also creates a space for people to learn  more about adopting, fostering, or volunteering.  
• Good for your health: “For puppy yoga participants, it’s a fun way to combine movement with the fun of meeting adoptable puppies,” Farah says. “In fact, simply being around pets can lower cortisol, helping to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.”  
• Encourages community: Bloom adds that puppy yoga is a great way to bring the community together. These social interactions are great for pups, but they’re also important for humans.  

When done responsibly, Farah says puppy yoga is great for puppies and humans—so long as  the animal’s welfare comes first. That means: 

• Puppies should be given lots of rest breaks.  
• The event should be carefully monitored by trained staff and volunteers.  
• Puppies should only participate if they’re healthy and comfortable.  

Bloom agrees. “At our shelter, we carefully assess each puppy’s age, health, and personality before including them,” she says. “They’re always at least 8 weeks old, vaccinated, and cleared by a veterinarian and our training and behavior department.”  

If you’re interested in joining a puppy yoga session, you’re in for lots of cuddles, laughing, and bonding time with some adorable pups. Before signing up, make sure the shelter has made the puppies’ comfort and well-being a top priority.  

Here are some clear signs of ethical puppy yoga: 

A legitimate, well-regarded organization should have guardrails in place to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all. They may charge a fee that goes back into the shelter, not to make a profit.  

The shelter or rescue group should have full transparency about where the puppies come from and how they’re cared for, Bloom says.  That means puppies are old enough (at least 8 weeks), fully vaccinated, healthy, and interested in socializing. 

To ensure every pup’s safety, a well-staffed event is essential. These may be shelter personnel or trained volunteers. Bloom says that at her shelter’s puppy yoga sessions, each dog has a volunteer assigned to watch them throughout the class.  

Along with being monitored throughout the yoga class, the dogs should have everything they need to feel comfortable. That includes access to water, an area to relieve themselves, and a quiet space to rest or nap.  

 “If a puppy falls asleep, we let them sleep,” Bloom says. “No exceptions. And we only do one yoga session per group of puppies, with small class sizes, so the puppies never get overwhelmed.”  

Not all puppy yoga classes are created equal. Even if some hosts have good intentions, it’s important that every puppy’s health and safety is prioritized and the event is well-organized. Watch out for these signs of poorly planned or unethical puppy yoga:  

• Puppies who are under 8 weeks old 
• Puppies who don’t seem well-fed or cared for 
• Back-to-back sessions with the same group of puppies 
• No clear safety or welfare guidelines  
• A lack of supervision during the yoga classes 
• No transparency about where the puppies came from  

Heading to your first puppy yoga class with a reputable organization? You’re in for an amazing time, and you’re supporting your community and rescue pups at the same time.  

• Dress comfortably: Come dressed in yoga pants, or shorts and a T-shirt or athletic top. A pair of grippy socks (or bare feet) will help with mat work. Check with the organization about whether you need to provide your own mat.  
• Bring water and sunscreen: Some organizations may provide water, but bring a water bottle just in case. If you’re outdoors, sunscreen and a hat will come in handy.  
• Respect the puppies: “Let the puppies approach you at their own pace, and follow staff guidance,” Bloom says. “Follow the rules, be gentle, respect boundaries, and enjoy yourself. Puppy yoga is meant to be a happy, relaxing experience for the people and the puppies alike!”  

Puppy yoga can be a joyful, uplifting activity that benefits the community, rescue organization, the puppies, and the people who attend. Check out local events in your area that put both people’s and puppies’ well-being front and center, and get ready for a great time.