Puppy Yoga New York: The Most Joyful Workout in NYC’s Upper East Side

If you’re looking for a wellness experience that feels more like a treat than a workout, puppy yoga Manhattan might be your new favorite ritual. Think: a guided, all‑levels vinyasa class, an entire litter of playful puppies exploring the room, and a relaxed, social vibe that’s as good for your mood as it is for your camera roll.

Based on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, this pop‑up style experience blends movement, mindfulness and puppy cuddles in a 75‑minute session that’s designed to be beginner‑friendly, uplifting and seriously “insta‑worthy.”

What Is Puppy Yoga NYC?

Puppy yoga is exactly what it sounds like: a yoga class held in the company of young, playful puppies. As you move through a gentle vinyasa flow, the pups wander around the studio, curl up on your mat, and occasionally decide your downward dog is the perfect place for a snuggle.

At Puppy Yoga New York, the concept is thoughtfully structured:

• 45‑minute all‑levels vinyasa flow led by certified instructors.
• 30‑minute supervised puppy chill time dedicated to cuddles, play and photos.
• 75 minutes total for a complete mind‑body reset.

It’s not just cute (though it really is). The class brings together the calming, strengthening benefits of yoga with the proven mood‑boosting power of interacting with animals. The result: a feel‑good escape from the intensity of New York City life.

What Makes Puppy Yoga New York Special?

Plenty of yoga studios offer creative class formats, but Puppy Yoga New York stands out for its combination of structure, safety and sheer fun. Here’s an at‑a‑glance look at what you get with every ticket.

From the moment you walk in, the experience is curated to feel like a mini retreat: easy to access, simple to join, and packed with little touches (like mats and wellness drinks) that make it feel special without adding extra to your to‑do list.

Inside a 75‑Minute Puppy Yoga Class in NYC

Not sure what to expect from your first visit? Here’s how a typical Puppy Yoga New York session flows from start to finish.

1. Arrival & Check‑In (Come 15 Minutes Early)

To keep things relaxed and organized, you’re asked to arrive 15 minutes before class time. This gives you time to:

• Check in with the team.
• Sign the required waiver.
• Pick your mat spot in the studio.
• Get settled, snap a few pre‑class photos and soak up the buzz.

Important: For the comfort and safety of both guests and puppies, no entry is allowed 20 minutes after the session start time. This helps avoid disruptions once the class is underway and keeps the energy calm for the pups.

2. 45 Minutes of All‑Levels Vinyasa Flow

Once everyone has arrived and rolled out their mats (which are provided for you), it’s time to move. A certified yoga instructor leads an accessible vinyasa flow that’s designed for all levels.

Expect a sequence that typically includes:

• Gentle warm‑ups to release tension in the neck, shoulders and hips.
• Simple standing flows that build heat without being overwhelming.
• Balancing poses that become delightfully unpredictable when a puppy trots by.
• Cool‑down stretches and a short relaxation to reset your nervous system.

The instructors know that this is not a super‑serious, hyper‑technical yoga class. They keep things light, welcoming and adaptable, offering options whether you’re brand new to yoga or already practice regularly.

Meanwhile, the puppies are free to explore under supervision, which means they may:

• Nap at the edge of your mat.
• Decide your laces are the most fascinating toy in the room.
• Wander through the space, gently meeting different participants.

The combination of movement, music and soft puppy sounds creates an atmosphere that feels more like play than exercise, even as you stretch, strengthen and breathe more deeply.

3. 30 Minutes of Supervised Puppy Chill Time

After the flow, the energy shifts into pure delight: 30 dedicated minutes of puppy cuddles, playtime and photos.

During this segment, you can:

• Sit or lie on your mat and let the puppies come to you.
• Gently play with toys and invite interaction.
• Capture those “puppy on my yoga mat” photos and videos.
• Simply relax, breathe and soak up the serotonin.

Staff remain present to monitor interactions, support the puppies and keep the experience positive for everyone. The focus here is on connection, not performance– no fancy poses required.

Meet the Puppies: Happy, Healthy & Adoptable

One of the standout features of Puppy Yoga New York is its clear emphasis on puppy wellness and ethical handling.

Here’s how the puppy side of the experience works:

• Age: Puppies are typically between 8 and 12 weeks old.
• Health: They are vaccinated and carefully monitored.
• Source: The pups come from local breeders in the region (within about an hour of each city).
• Adoptable: These litters are on their way to permanent homes, and sessions help them gently socialize with humans before joining their new families.
• 6–12 puppies per session: Enough to spread the love around, without overwhelming the litter.
• Litters are not mixed: Only one litter at a time, for safety and wellbeing.

The result is an experience that feels good for them, not just for you. Puppy Yoga New York is designed to give puppies manageable, supervised exposure to different people, sounds and environments, helping them become more confident, well‑adjusted companions later on.

Interaction Is Encouraged – But Not Guaranteed

Because the puppies’ welfare comes first, interaction cannot be guaranteed. Some puppies may be more outgoing and eager to play, while others may be sleepy, shy or simply prefer to watch.

This is intentional. By letting each puppy choose its own comfort level, the team makes sure the experience stays gentle, low‑stress and respectful for the animals. For guests, it creates a more authentic, heartwarming atmosphere – you’re building real connections, not forcing interactions.

Puppy Breeds & Social Media Announcements

If you’re curious which breeds will be in the studio on a given weekend, Puppy Yoga New York typically announces upcoming puppy breeds up to three days before the session on their social media channels and on the session page.

While the team aims to share accurate breed information, breeds are not guaranteed and may change last‑minute due to puppy availability or welfare considerations. Flexibility helps ensure each class still runs safely and smoothly.

Benefits of Puppy Yoga for You

Yes, it’s adorable. But Puppy Yoga New York is more than a photo op. The format taps into several well‑documented wellness benefits.

1. Built‑In Stress Relief

Gentle movement, focused breathing and animal interaction all support a calmer nervous system. Many people leave class feeling:

• Less tense and “stuck” in their body.
• More grounded and present.
• Lighter in mood, with that unmistakable post‑puppy glow.

In a city as fast‑paced as New York, that 75‑minute reset can be a powerful way to break out of your routine and recharge.

2. Accessible, Beginner‑Friendly Movement

You do not need to be flexible, strong or experienced to enjoy this class. The instructors design each flow to be:

• Gentle enough for first‑timers.
• Engaging enough for regular yogis.
• Adaptable to different bodies and comfort levels.

Because the focus is shared between the practice and the puppies, there’s very little pressure to “perform.” You’re encouraged to move at your own pace, rest when you need and simply enjoy the experience.

3. A Social, “Insta‑Worthy” Experience

Puppy Yoga New York is intentionally crafted to be social and photogenic. The bright studio, playful pups and lighthearted flow make it ideal for:

• Weekend plans with friends or partners.
• Groups of coworkers looking for a team outing.
• Visitors to NYC wanting a unique, only‑in‑New‑York memory.

You’ll have dedicated photo time during puppy chill, so you can relax and be fully present during the flow, then capture your favorite moments afterwards.

4. A Mood Boost That Lasts

Movement plus animal interaction is a powerful combo for your brain. Many guests describe the experience as:

• “The most uplifting way to start a weekend.”
• “Exercise, relaxation and laughter all in one.”
• “A reminder that wellness can be fun.”

That elevated mood doesn’t just fade when you step outside – it often sets a positive tone for the rest of your day.

Benefits for the Puppies

Puppy Yoga New York isn’t only about human happiness. The structure is intentionally designed to support the puppies’ development too.

• Gentle socialization: Puppies meet different people in a calm, supervised environment, which can help reduce stress when they transition into their new homes.
• Positive associations: Being around humans during a relaxed, playful activity helps puppies associate people with safety and affection.
• Short, age‑appropriate visits: At 8–12 weeks old, puppies are still very young. Limited class times and careful monitoring help keep interactions within a healthy range.

By prioritizing their wellbeing – from vaccination to litter integrity to interaction limits – the experience helps set them up for success as they move on to their future families.

Who Is Puppy Yoga New York Perfect For?

Because the sessions are structured but relaxed, Puppy Yoga NYC works beautifully for a wide range of people, including:

• Beginners to yoga who want a first class that feels welcoming, not intimidating.
• Dog lovers who can’t currently have a pup at home but still crave puppy time.
• Students and young professionals looking for a fun, healthy weekend activity.
• Couples and friends wanting a unique date or group outing.
• Visitors to New York seeking an unforgettable, very “NYC” experience.

The environment is upbeat and inclusive, with instructors and staff making sure everyone feels comfortable on their mat and around the puppies.

Important Policies & Safety Considerations

Puppy Yoga New York is first and foremost a safe, supervised environment for both humans and animals. To keep it that way, there are a few key guidelines to know before you book.

Age Requirements

• Minimum age: 10 years old.
• Guests under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

This helps ensure that children are old enough to follow instructions, move safely through the space and interact gently with the puppies.

Waivers for All Attendees

Every participant must sign a waiver before joining the session. This is standard for experiences that involve physical activity and animal interaction and helps make sure everyone understands the nature of the class.

Understanding the Risks

While the team takes care to keep the environment controlled and safe, any class with live animals carries some risk. This can include minor scratches or occasional nips as puppies explore the world with their mouths and paws.

Staff monitor the pups and encourage gentle play, but it’s important to arrive with an understanding that:

• Some accidental scratches or nibbles may occur.
• You’ll be asked to follow simple safety guidelines to minimize risk for everyone.

Arrival & Late Policy

• Arrive 15 minutes early to check in and get settled.
• No entry 20 minutes after the start time. This keeps the session smooth and stress‑free for both puppies and participants.

Booking, Pricing & Schedule

Puppy Yoga New York is structured as a pop‑up experience, which helps keep the vibe fresh and exciting. Here’s how the logistics break down.

• Regular ticket price:$69 per person.
• Timing: 75‑minute sessions on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays).
• Location: Upper East Side, NYC (exact studio details are shared with your booking).
• What’s provided: A yoga mat for the session and access to a wellness drink cart.

Refunds, Returns & Class Changes

Because the studio operates as a pop‑up experience, planning around specific dates, litters and locations is essential. For that reason:

• All ticket sales are final and non‑refundable.
• You can change your class up to three days before the event, subject to availability.

This policy helps the team coordinate with local breeders, staff and studio spaces while still offering some flexibility if your schedule shifts.

How to Make Your Session Extra “Insta‑Worthy”

One of the joys of Puppy Yoga NYC is how photogenic it is. To make the most of your visit, consider these simple tips:

• Wear comfortable, camera‑ready activewear in colors that contrast nicely with puppy fur.
• Keep your phone on silent during the flow so you can stay present, then bring it out for puppy chill time.
• Ask a friend or fellow participant to snap a quick photo of you mid‑cuddle.
• Protect your belongings by keeping small items zipped away – puppies are curious.

Most importantly, allow yourself to relax into the moment. The best photos are usually the candid ones: a surprised laugh when a puppy chooses your lap, a quiet shot of a pup sleeping on your mat, or a group photo full of genuine smiles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Puppy Yoga New York

Is this suitable for complete beginners to yoga?

Yes. Classes are explicitly beginner‑friendly. Instructors offer clear cues and options, and the overall tone is playful rather than technical. You can always modify or rest as needed.

Do I need to bring my own yoga mat?

No.A yoga mat is provided with every ticket for use during your session. You’re free to bring your own if you prefer, but it’s not required.

Are refreshments available?

Yes. Your ticket includes access to a wellness drink cart so you can hydrate and enjoy a light, health‑forward beverage as part of the experience.

Will I definitely get to hold a puppy?

Interaction is strongly encouraged and staff do their best to give everyone meaningful puppy time. However, interaction is not guaranteed and always depends on the puppies’ comfort and mood. Their welfare comes first, which is part of what makes the experience feel genuinely caring.

How many puppies are in each session?

Each class typically hosts between 6 and 12 puppies, depending on the size and availability of the litter. Litters are not mixed, which supports their health and safety.

Where do the puppies go after class?

The puppies participate in sessions as part of their early socialization before joining their new homes. After class, they return to their local partner breeders and continue on their journey toward adoption into permanent families.

Can pregnant women attend?

Puppy yoga is generally gentle, but if you’re pregnant it’s always best to consult your healthcare provider before attending. They can help you decide what level of movement is appropriate for your specific situation.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable, stretchy clothing you can easily move in, and consider pieces that you don’t mind getting a little bit of fur on. You may also want to bring:

• A light layer in case the studio runs cool.
• A hair tie or headband.
• Minimal personal items so puppies can’t accidentally grab anything delicate.

Why Puppy Yoga New York Belongs on Your NYC Bucket List

In a city where your calendar can fill up with obligations instead of experiences, Puppy Yoga New York is a rare invitation to slow down, play and reconnect with what makes you feel good.

In just 75 minutes, you get:

• A guided, all‑levels vinyasa class that supports your body.
• Time with adoptable, well‑cared‑for puppies who benefit from gentle socialization.
• An easy, organized experience with mats and wellness drinks included.
• A bright, social, “insta‑worthy” atmosphere that’s perfect to share with friends.

If you’re ready to trade your usual weekend routine for something far more joyful, consider adding Puppy Yoga New York to your plans. It’s movement, mindfulness and pure happiness, all rolled into one Upper East Side moment you’ll remember long after the session ends.