If your ideal weekend in Chicago involves movement, mindfulness, and more puppy cuddles than you can count, Puppies & Yoga Chicago is your new happy place. This 75‑minute pop‑up wellness experience blends an all‑levels vinyasa yoga class with time to relax, play, and snap photos with an adorable pack of puppies.
Held on weekends in a Chicago studio in the Upper East Side area, this experience is designed to help you unwind, de‑stress, and leave with a lighter mood (and a camera roll full of puppy pics). Yoga mats and a wellness drink cart are included, so all you really need to bring is comfortable clothes and your love for dogs.
What Is Puppies & Yoga Chicago?
Puppies & Yoga Chicago is a pop‑up style wellness event that brings together three feel‑good elements:
- Mindful movement through a guided, all‑levels vinyasa flow.
- Joyful connection with 6–12 playful, vaccinated puppies aged 8–12 weeks.
- Relaxed social time in a welcoming studio setting, perfect for friends, couples, and solo guests.
Each session is led by a certified yoga instructor who keeps the class accessible, lighthearted, and fun. Whether you are brand‑new to yoga or a regular on the mat, the focus here is less on perfect poses and more on enjoying the moment — with plenty of puppy interruptions along the way.
Tickets are currently priced at around $69 per person for the full 75‑minute experience, with everything you need for class provided on site.
How the 75‑Minute Puppy Yoga Session Flows
Every Puppies & Yoga Chicago class follows a simple, feel‑good structure so you know exactly what to expect.
First 45 Minutes: All‑Levels Vinyasa Yoga
You will start with a 45‑minute all‑levels vinyasa flow designed to gently warm up your body, build a bit of strength, and create space for relaxation. The instructor offers options and modifications, so you can customize the intensity to your comfort level.
All throughout the flow, the puppies are free to wander the studio. You might find a pup napping on your mat during child’s pose or gently nosing your hand in downward dog. The class is intentionally relaxed and playful — nobody expects a perfectly serious practice when there are puppies involved.
Next 30 Minutes: Puppy Chill, Cuddles & Photos
After your flow, the yoga portion winds down into what many people consider the best part of class: 30 minutes of dedicated puppy chill time. This is your chance to:
- Cuddle, pet, and gently play with the puppies.
- Capture photo‑worthy moments and short videos.
- Sip from the wellness drink cart and simply hang out in a feel‑good, social atmosphere.
The studio layout and pace of the session make it easy to move around, meet different puppies, and chat with other guests, all while keeping the environment calm and comfortable for the dogs.
What Your Puppies & Yoga Chicago Ticket Includes
Your ticket is designed to feel like an all‑inclusive mini retreat. Here is what is typically included with each booking:
- 75 minutes in the studio with puppies and a certified instructor.
- 45‑minute all‑levels puppy yoga flow (vinyasa style).
- 30‑minute puppy chill session devoted to cuddles, photos, and playtime.
- Yoga mat provided for use during the session — no need to bring your own.
- Access to a wellness drink cart so you can enjoy a refreshing beverage post‑flow.
- Photo‑friendly environment with plenty of time to capture memories.
| Feature | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Session length | 75 minutes total (45 minutes yoga + 30 minutes puppy chill) |
| Price | Around $69 per ticket (subject to change) |
| Location | Weekend pop‑up studio in Chicago, Upper East Side area |
| Mats | Yoga mats are provided for all guests |
| Drink cart | Wellness drink cart included with the experience |
| Class level | All levels welcome, beginner‑friendly |
| Puppies per class | Usually 6–12 vaccinated puppies, ages 8–12 weeks |
Who This Chicago Puppy Yoga Experience Is Perfect For
Puppies & Yoga Chicago is intentionally designed to be inclusive and approachable. You do not need to be a serious yogi or a dog expert to enjoy yourself. It is especially great for:
- Beginners to yoga who want a fun, low‑pressure way to try a class.
- Experienced yogis looking for a lighter, joy‑focused practice.
- Dog lovers who cannot have a pet at home right now but crave puppy time.
- Friends and couples searching for a unique weekend activity or date.
- Students and busy professionals in need of a cheerful reset between hectic weeks.
- Visitors to Chicago who want a memorable, photo‑ready local experience.
Because each class is capped by the number of available puppies and mats, the environment stays intimate and welcoming, rather than overcrowded.
About the Puppies: Safety, Sourcing & Socialization
The puppies are the heart of the experience, and their wellbeing comes first. Here is how Puppies & Yoga Chicago cares for them while creating an uplifting environment for guests.
Where the Puppies Come From
- Puppies are sourced from local breeders near each city, generally within about an hour of the studio.
- Dogs who join classes are between 8 and 12 weeks old and are vaccinated according to their age and local veterinary guidance.
- They participate in sessions as part of their early life experiences, before joining their new homes. After class, they return to their breeders and continue their transition toward meeting their future families.
Number of Puppies & Litter Policy
- Each session typically includes between 6 and 12 puppies, depending on the specific litter and availability.
- For health and safety, litters are not mixed. Each group of puppies in a class comes from the same litter.
Breed Announcements
One of the most exciting parts of booking puppy yoga is finding out which breed (or type of mix) will be joining you. Puppies & Yoga Chicago usually announces the breeds up to three days before the weekend sessions on its social channels and event page.
Because the puppies' schedules and needs come first, specific breeds cannot be guaranteed and may occasionally change at the last minute. Flexibility keeps the experience safe and positive for the dogs.
Interaction & Puppy Wellness
The goal is always to give guests lots of puppy time — but the brand is clear that interaction with specific puppies is not guaranteed. If a pup needs a break, is resting, or shows signs of being overstimulated, the team prioritizes the dog's comfort.
At the same time, these sessions are a powerful way to socialize puppies. Calm, gentle interactions with a variety of people helps many dogs grow into more confident, well‑adjusted companions once they join their permanent homes.
Key Class Policies & What You Need to Know
To keep things smooth, safe, and enjoyable for everyone, Puppies & Yoga Chicago has a few important guidelines. Understanding them ahead of time helps you relax and fully enjoy your visit.
Arrival, Timing & Late Entry
- Arrive 15 minutes early to check in, sign your waiver, settle onto your mat, and meet the team.
- Entry is not allowed 20 minutes after the session begins. This protects the flow of class and limits disruptions for other guests and the puppies.
Waivers & Minor Risks
Because you are moving on a mat with energetic young dogs nearby, there are some inherent minor risks to be aware of. Guests are asked to:
- Sign a waiver before participating in each session.
- Acknowledge that small scratches or nips are possible when interacting with playful puppies.
- Follow staff guidance on safe ways to hold, pet, and play with the dogs.
The team is present throughout every class to monitor both puppy and guest safety, gently redirect rough play, and keep the energy calm and enjoyable.
Age Requirements
Puppy yoga is a family‑friendly activity, but there are specific age rules to protect the dogs and younger participants:
- Minimum age is 10 years old.
- Guests under 15 must attend with an accompanying adult.
If you are planning a visit with kids or teens, it is a good idea to talk with them beforehand about being gentle, listening to staff instructions, and giving puppies space when they need it.
Tickets, Refunds & Transfers
Because Puppies & Yoga Chicago operates as a pop‑up experience with limited capacity, tickets follow a clear, simple policy:
- All ticket sales are final. Tickets are non‑refundable.
- You can usually transfer or change your class up to three days before the event, subject to availability.
This structure helps the team coordinate with local breeders, manage puppy travel and care, and ensure that each session is properly staffed and prepared.
Location & Schedule
- Sessions run on weekends, with Saturday and Sunday time slots throughout the day.
- Events take place in a Chicago studio in the Upper East Side area, with an intimate, photo‑friendly setup.
- As a pop‑up concept, dates and times are released in advance, so you can plan your visit around your schedule.
Why Puppy Yoga Feels So Good: Benefits for Body & Mind
The magic of puppy yoga is not just that it is adorable (though it absolutely is). The combination of movement, breath, and gentle interaction with animals offers a surprising range of wellness benefits.
Mind & Mood Benefits
- Stress relief: Slowing down, focusing on your breath, and sharing space with calm, curious puppies can lower perceived stress levels and help you feel more grounded.
- Boosted mood: Playful animal interactions are strongly associated with increased feelings of joy and connection. Many guests leave smiling, laughing, and visibly lighter.
- Mindful presence: It is hard to obsess over your inbox when a puppy has decided your mat is the perfect nap spot. The experience naturally pulls you into the present moment.
Physical Benefits
- Gentle strength and flexibility: The all‑levels vinyasa flow offers a balanced mix of stretching and strengthening without being intimidating.
- Improved posture and mobility: Regular practice of foundational yoga poses can support better alignment and ease everyday tension in the neck, shoulders, and lower back.
- Accessible movement: Because the class is not about extreme poses or performance, you can adapt everything to your body on that particular day.
Social Connection
- Shared joy: Laughing when a puppy trots across your mat instantly bonds you with the people around you.
- Low‑pressure socializing: If you are shy or new to the city, the puppies offer an easy focal point and conversation starter.
Many guests describe the experience as a mini reset — an hour and a bit where the worries of the week fade into the background and simple, wholesome fun takes over.
Real Guest Reactions to Puppies & Yoga
Puppies & Yoga locations have earned hundreds of positive reviews, and Chicago guests are no exception. Here is a taste of what people love about the experience, paraphrased from actual feedback:
- One guest raved that the session was “the most amazing experience”, noting that the instructor was fantastic and even helped her partner step outside his comfort zone.
- Another described the class as “easy yoga with adorable puppies”, sharing that the flow was enjoyable and accessible, and that she could not wait to come back for another round.
- Several reviews mention how beginner‑friendly the yoga is and how thoughtfully the instructor adapts poses so everyone can participate.
- Guests consistently highlight the studio’s ambiance and cleanliness, plus how attentive the staff is in making sure each person gets time with the puppies.
- Many reviewers call it a perfect Saturday start— an energizing blend of exercise, relaxation, laughter, and puppy play.
In short, most people come for the puppies and leave pleasantly surprised by how much they enjoyed the yoga, the space, and the overall sense of care.
How to Prepare for Your Puppy Yoga Class
Want to get the most out of your 75‑minute session? A little preparation goes a long way.
- Wear comfortable, flexible clothing. Think leggings, joggers, or shorts and a top you can move freely in. Remember that puppies may climb on your lap, so choose fabrics that can handle a little fur.
- Skip heavy perfumes or lotions. Strong scents are not ideal for dogs or for nearby guests with sensitivities.
- Arrive 15 minutes early. This gives you time to sign your waiver, claim your mat, and ease into the atmosphere without rushing.
- Bring a water bottle. The wellness drink cart is a plus, but it is always good to have your own water handy during and after class.
- Charge your phone. If you want photos or short videos, make sure your battery is ready — especially for that 30‑minute puppy chill segment.
- Think about the puppies' comfort. Be prepared to follow staff instructions on when to pick them up, let them rest, or give them space. Gentle, respectful interactions keep the environment positive for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Puppies & Yoga Chicago
Is puppy yoga beginner‑friendly?
Yes. The classes are specifically designed for all levels, including complete beginners. Instructors offer clear cues and modifications, and the atmosphere is relaxed and non‑judgmental. If you can comfortably get up and down from the floor, you are welcome.
How many puppies are at each session?
You can usually expect between 6 and 12 puppies in a class, depending on the size of the litter and their availability that day. For the health and safety of the animals, different litters are not mixed.
Are the puppies vaccinated?
Yes. Puppies who attend classes are between 8 and 12 weeks old and are vaccinated according to age and local veterinary standards. Their wellbeing is a top priority, and events are structured around what is appropriate for them.
Can pregnant women attend?
Puppy yoga is generally gentle, but every pregnancy is unique. If you are pregnant, it is recommended that you check with your healthcare provider before joining a session and follow their guidance on movement and positioning.
Can children come to puppy yoga?
Yes, with age limitations:
- Children must be at least 10 years old to attend.
- Anyone under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
All participants, including children, need to be able to follow instructions and treat the puppies gently.
What is the refund policy?
Given the pop‑up nature of the events and the careful planning required with local breeders, all ticket sales are final and non‑refundable. However, you can usually change or transfer your ticket to another class up to three days before the event, subject to availability.
Is this an adoption event?
The puppies you meet are on their way to future homes, and the focus of the experience is wellness and socialization rather than on‑site adoptions. They return to their breeders after class, where they continue their journey toward joining their new families.
Why Puppies & Yoga Chicago Belongs on Your Weekend List
In a city full of things to do, Puppies & Yoga Chicago stands out as a uniquely joyful way to recharge. It is part yoga class, part puppy playdate, and part mini retreat — all wrapped into a 75‑minute experience that leaves most guests feeling lighter, happier, and more connected.
You get movement without pressure, adorable chaos without the responsibilities of full‑time pet ownership, and a social atmosphere that is friendly without being overwhelming. If you are looking to brighten your weekend, celebrate a small milestone, or simply treat yourself to something different, puppy yoga in Chicago is a hard experience to beat.
Just remember to book early at www.puppies-yoga.com/products/chicago, arrive a little ahead of schedule, and bring an open mind — the puppies will happily take care of the rest.
