If you love puppies, yoga, and feel‑good experiences that practically beg to be photographed, Puppy Yoga NYC belongs at the top of your weekend plans. This pop‑up wellness class on Manhattan’s Upper East Side pairs a 45‑minute, all‑levels vinyasa flow with 30 minutes of supervised puppy cuddle time for a joyful, stress‑melting 75‑minute escape from city life.
Tickets are typically $69 per person and include your yoga mat and access to a wellness drink cart, so all you really need to bring is comfortable clothing and your biggest smile.
What Is Puppy Yoga NYC?
Puppy Yoga NYC is a pop‑up wellness experience that blends classic yoga with the playful energy of a litter of puppies. As you move through an accessible vinyasa flow, a group of 6–12 vaccinated puppies aged roughly 8–12 weeks wanders around the studio, snoozes on your mat, and occasionally joins you in a pose or two.
The focus is on stress relief, light movement, and pure happiness rather than intense exercise. Think gentle flows, big laughs, and plenty of time to soak up puppy cuddles in a calm, supervised setting.
At a Glance: How a Puppy Yoga NYC Session Works
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Upper East Side, Manhattan (pop‑up studio) |
| Session length | 75 minutes total |
| Yoga portion | 45‑minute all‑levels vinyasa flow |
| Puppy cuddle time | 30 minutes of supervised play and snuggles |
| Typical schedule | Weekend pop‑ups, usually Saturdays and Sundays |
| Ticket price | Approx. $69 per person |
| Puppies per class | 6–12 puppies (varies by litter) |
| Puppy age | About 8–12 weeks old, vaccinated |
| What’s provided | Yoga mat and wellness drink cart |
| Who can attend | Adults and kids 10+ (minors under 15 with adult) |
The 75‑Minute Experience: What Actually Happens in Class
1. Arrival on the Upper East Side
Puppy Yoga NYC runs as a pop‑up, and sessions are typically scheduled throughout the day on Saturdays and Sundays. Once you have your time slot, plan to:
- Arrive 15 minutes early to sign your waiver, settle in, and say a quick hello to the pups from a distance.
- Check in with staff, who will guide you to your pre‑set yoga mat and explain how the class flows.
- Grab something from the wellness drink cart either before or after your session to round out your mini retreat.
For safety and flow, entry is not allowed more than 20 minutes after the session begins, so being on time matters.
2. A 45‑Minute All‑Levels Vinyasa Flow
The first part of class is all about gentle movement, breath, and resetting your nervous system.
- All‑levels friendly: The sequence is designed so beginners feel comfortable while more experienced yogis stay engaged.
- Certified instructors: Teachers lead a light, playful vinyasa flow with clear cues and plenty of modifications.
- Low pressure: You are not here to nail a perfect headstand; you are here to unwind, smile, and enjoy the moment.
Throughout the flow, the puppies are free to wander under staff supervision. You might find a pup curled up by your feet in child’s pose, investigating your hands in tabletop, or napping on your mat while you rest in savasana.
3. 30 Minutes of Dedicated Puppy Cuddle Time
After the yoga portion, the class shifts into full cuddle mode.
- Hands‑on play: This is your chance to sit, kneel, or lie on your mat and interact with the puppies at a gentler pace.
- Photo opportunities: The atmosphere is intentionally Insta‑worthy, with plenty of time for snaps and short videos of your favorite furry moments.
- Guided interaction: Staff help ensure each participant gets time with the pups while prioritizing the animals’ comfort.
Because puppy wellness comes first, interaction is encouraged but never forced. If a puppy needs a break or wants to nap, staff will gently redirect them. While most guests enjoy lots of snuggles, the organizers are clear that specific interactions cannot be guaranteed since the puppies’ needs always come first.
What Your Puppy Yoga NYC Ticket Includes
Every standard ticket is designed to feel like an all‑inclusive mini retreat. With your booking, you can expect:
- 75 minutes in the studio with puppies on the Upper East Side.
- 45‑minute guided yoga flow suitable for beginners and seasoned yogis alike.
- 30‑minute puppy chill session for cuddles, play, and photos.
- Yoga mat provided, so you do not need to bring your own (unless you prefer to).
- Access to a wellness drink cart to keep the spa‑day feeling going.
At around $69 per ticket for a weekend pop‑up in Manhattan, it hits a sweet spot between a unique activity, a wellness class, and a memory‑making experience you will be talking about long after the session ends.
Where the Puppies Come From (and How They Are Cared For)
The puppies that join Puppy Yoga NYC are sourced from local breeders within roughly an hour of the city. They are:
- Between 8 and 12 weeks old when they participate.
- Vaccinated in line with age‑appropriate veterinary guidance.
- Kept within their litter for each class rather than mixed with puppies from different breeders, which helps reduce stress.
After their session, the puppies return to their breeders and will soon head off to their future families. The classes also serve as a socialization opportunity, helping the pups get used to gentle human contact, new sounds, and new environments in a supervised, controlled way.
Breed Announcements
Part of the fun is discovering which fluffy faces you will meet. Puppy Yoga NYC typically:
- Announces the weekend’s puppy breeds about three days before each session via social media and on their https://puppies-yoga.com/products/nyc-new-york-manhattan.
- Features different breeds on different weekends, depending on which litters are ready to attend.
- Notes that breeds may change last minute if something affects a litter’s ability to participate.
If you have a dream breed in mind, you can keep an eye on updates and choose a date that matches your preferences when possible.
Who Puppy Yoga NYC Is Perfect For
This Upper East Side pop‑up is designed to be welcoming and inclusive. It is especially ideal if you are:
- A stressed‑out New Yorker craving a reset that feels more joyful than serious.
- A beginner to yoga who wants a low‑pressure, supportive first experience.
- An experienced yogi looking to shake up your routine in the most adorable way possible.
- A student or busy professional who needs a quick, uplifting escape that still fits into a weekend schedule.
- A visitor to NYC who wants a unique, local experience beyond the usual tourist stops.
- A dog lover whose apartment or lifestyle does not allow for a full‑time pet, but who would love some quality puppy time.
Age Requirements
To keep both guests and puppies safe, there are simple age rules:
- Children must be at least 10 years old to attend.
- Minors under 15 need to be accompanied by an adult for the entire session.
Benefits of Puppy Yoga: Why This Experience Feels So Good
Puppy Yoga NYC is fun on the surface, but there are meaningful wellness benefits at play as well.
1. Stress Relief and Mood Boost
- Gentle movement encourages your body to release endorphins and ease muscle tension from long workdays or commutes.
- Interacting with animals has been linked to lower perceived stress and increased feelings of happiness and calm.
- Laughter and play naturally shift you out of “go‑go‑go” mode and into a lighter, more present state of mind.
2. Accessible, Low‑Pressure Fitness
- All‑levels sequences make yoga feel achievable, not intimidating.
- The playful environment means no one is focused on perfection; everyone is adjusting around wandering puppies and the occasional lick to the face.
- It is a great entry point if you are curious about yoga but nervous about stepping into a traditional studio for the first time.
3. Social Connection
- Classes bring together people who already share two big interests: wellness and animals.
- It is easy to start conversations when you are all cooing over the same fluffy puppy rolling off someone’s mat.
- The pop‑up format makes it a fun activity for friends, couples, or small groups looking for something memorable to do together.
4. A Screen‑Free, Photo‑Ready Moment
Ironically, one of the most Insta‑worthy experiences in the city also doubles as a much‑needed break from your feed. For much of the flow, your phone is down, your focus is on your breath, and life becomes delightfully simple: you, your mat, and a roomful of puppies.
When cuddle time arrives, you can absolutely snap photos and short videos. Many guests leave with:
- New favorite lock‑screen photos.
- Short clips they cannot wait to share with friends.
- Memories that feel even better than the pictures look.
Safety, Waivers, and What to Expect
Puppy Yoga NYC is built around a fun, lighthearted experience, but it is still important to understand the basics of safety and consent for both you and the animals.
Waiver and Participation
- All participants must sign a waiver before joining the class.
- The waiver covers the fact that you will be in a space with puppies that may nip, scratch, or climb on you.
- You will also be reminded to treat the animals with gentleness and respect at all times.
Minor Risks
Even with supervision, puppies are naturally curious and a bit clumsy. The organizers are transparent that there are minor risks such as small scratches or playful bites. If you know you have very sensitive skin or specific concerns, it is worth considering long sleeves or discussing with staff before the session begins.
Interaction Is Not Guaranteed
For the puppies’ health and emotional wellbeing, they are never forced into interactions. Staff help guide them around so that guests have opportunities to cuddle and play, but if a puppy chooses to nap or stay slightly apart, that choice is respected.
In practice, most guests do enjoy meaningful puppy time, but it is helpful to arrive with a flexible, animal‑first mindset.
Ticket Policies: Refunds, Transfers, and Planning Ahead
Because Puppy Yoga NYC runs as a limited‑time, pop‑up event, there are clear policies to keep things organized:
- All ticket sales are final and non‑refundable.
- You can usually change your class up to three days before the event, subject to availability.
- Tickets are typically transferable within that same time frame, so if your plans change, you can often pass your spot to a friend.
The most popular time slots and weekends tend to sell out quickly, so booking early is a smart move, especially if you are trying to coordinate with friends or choose a particular breed weekend.
How to Prepare for Your Puppy Yoga NYC Class
A bit of simple planning ensures your experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
What to Wear
- Comfortable, stretchy clothing you can move in easily.
- Outfits you do not mind getting a little fur or paw prints on.
- Layers if you tend to run hot or cold in studios.
What to Bring
- A water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Hair ties or headbands if you have longer hair.
- Your phone for photos during cuddle time (kept aside during the main flow, if possible).
- Optional: A clean towel if you like a soft layer over your mat.
You do not need to bring your own mat unless you strongly prefer to; mats are included with your ticket.
Timing Tips
- Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your time slot to check in and get comfortable.
- Keep in mind that if you arrive too late, you will not be allowed in after 20 minutes for safety and flow reasons.
- Give yourself a buffer after class so you can enjoy a drink, clean up, and come down gently from your puppy‑induced happiness high.
Real Guest Impressions
Reviews from previous attendees highlight the same themes again and again: relaxed yoga, adorable puppies, friendly staff, and an overall experience that feels as therapeutic as it is fun.
“Easy yoga and adorable puppies! The yoga was great and the puppies were so cute. I will be back again for sure.”
“Exercise and relaxation all in one with fun, laughter and smiles. The staff and yoga teacher made sure everyone could spend time with the puppies.”
Comments like these echo what the format is designed to deliver: accessible movement, real stress relief, and joyful, shared moments with animals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Puppy Yoga NYC
Is Puppy Yoga NYC suitable for complete beginners?
Yes. The class is intentionally beginner‑friendly. The flow is kept accessible, with modifications offered throughout. The presence of puppies also helps shift the focus away from performance and toward enjoyment.
Can I attend if I am pregnant?
Puppy yoga is generally gentle, but every pregnancy is different. If you are pregnant, it is always wise to consult your healthcare provider first and share their guidance with the instructor so you can modify movements safely.
What if I have allergies?
If you have dog allergies, it is best to speak with your doctor in advance to understand any risks and potential precautions. Remember that you will be in relatively close contact with multiple puppies in an enclosed studio space.
Can I adopt or take a puppy home from class?
The puppies come from local breeders and are in class for socialization and supervised interaction before they join their future families. The session itself is not an on‑site adoption or sales event, though you can always ask staff for general information about the puppies’ backgrounds.
How far in advance should I book?
Because classes are pop‑ups and often run only on weekends, popular time slots can sell out quickly. Booking as soon as you know your schedule increases your chances of getting your preferred date and time, especially if you are attending with a group.
Why Puppy Yoga NYC Belongs on Your Weekend Bucket List
In a city that never stops, Puppy Yoga NYC offers something rare: 75 uninterrupted minutes of movement, mindfulness, and unfiltered joy on the Upper East Side. You step in from the noise of Manhattan and step onto a mat where the only things that matter are your breath, your body, and a few bundles of playful puppy energy bouncing around the room.
Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, planning a date, exploring the city as a visitor, or simply giving yourself a much‑needed pick‑me‑up, this pop‑up experience delivers:
- A beginner‑friendly vinyasa flow that leaves you feeling looser and lighter.
- Unforgettable puppy cuddle time that fills your camera roll and your heart.
- An Insta‑ready setting that still manages to feel grounded, calm, and genuinely restorative.
If you are looking for a wellness experience that feels like a treat instead of a chore, Puppy Yoga NYC is a playful, heartwarming way to recharge and reconnect with what makes you feel good.