puppy yoga Chicago turns a classic yoga class into a playful, joy‑filled escape. Imagine flowing through gentle vinyasa poses while 6–12 tiny, vaccinated puppies wander around the room, curl up on your mat, and occasionally decide that your child’s pose is the perfect nap spot. That is the magic of this 75‑minute puppy adventure in Chicago.
Each experience blends 45 minutes of all‑levels vinyasa yoga with 30 minutes of supervised cuddle and playtime with adorable, adoptable puppies sourced from local breeders. Your ticket (typically around 69 dollars) includes a yoga mat, access to a wellness drink cart, certified instructors, and a seriously Insta‑friendly studio setting on weekends in Chicago.
Whether you are a total yoga beginner, a dedicated yogi, a dog lover, or just looking for the most uplifting thing to do in Chicago this weekend, Puppy Yoga Chicago is designed to help you unwind, laugh, and leave feeling lighter than when you walked in.
What Is Puppy Yoga Chicago?
Puppy Yoga Chicago is a feel‑good wellness event that pairs mindful movement with happy puppy energy. It follows a simple formula: you enjoy a guided vinyasa flow suitable for all levels while puppies explore the studio under staff supervision. The focus is less on the perfect pose and more on relaxation, connection, and fun.
The puppies, aged roughly 8 to 12 weeks, are vaccinated and come from local breeders near Chicago. They join the class right before transitioning to their new homes, so your visit becomes part of their early socialization, helping them feel more confident and comfortable around humans.
Instead of a silent studio, expect soft music, lighthearted instruction, laughter, and the irresistible sound of little paws skittering across the floor. You still get the mental and physical benefits of yoga practice, but with a big dose of extra joy.
Why Puppy Yoga Is Chicago’s Cutest Wellness Trend
Puppy Yoga Chicago is not just adorable; it taps into several proven wellness benefits while staying approachable for everyone. Here is why it stands out among things to do in the city.
- Stress relief on a whole new level. Yoga alone is known for easing tension, calming the nervous system, and improving mood. Add puppies to the mix, and you boost feel‑good hormones associated with pet interaction and play.
- Beginner‑friendly and non‑intimidating. Because the focus is on fun, guests do not feel pressured to nail every pose. Certified instructors design the flow to be accessible whether it is your first class or your hundredth.
- Built‑in social connection. Puppy yoga attracts people who love dogs and good vibes, making it a naturally friendly, low‑pressure space to chat, laugh, and meet others.
- Screen‑free reset. For 75 minutes, you get to step away from your daily routine, slow down, and be fully present with your breath, body, and the puppies right in front of you.
- Support for puppy socialization. Gentle interaction with calm, supervised humans helps puppies become more confident and less stressed when they meet their future families.
- Insta‑worthy memories. Between your vinyasa poses and puppy cuddle time, there are endless chances to snap fun photos and videos in a curated, studio environment.
What’s Included in Your 75‑Minute Puppy Adventure
Every Puppy Yoga Chicago ticket is designed to feel like a complete mini‑retreat in the heart of the city. Here is what you get with a typical ticket, usually priced around 69 dollars.
| Included | Details |
|---|---|
| 75‑minute experience | 45 minutes of all‑levels vinyasa yoga plus 30 minutes of dedicated puppy cuddle and playtime. |
| Puppy time | Interaction with 6–12 puppies (8–12 weeks old), supervised by staff for their safety and comfort. |
| Yoga mat | A mat is provided for you, so you can travel light and focus on the experience. |
| Wellness drink cart | Access to a wellness drink cart to help you hydrate and refresh before or after class. |
| Certified instructors | Guidance from qualified yoga teachers who customize the class for mixed levels and keep things fun and accessible. |
| Insta‑friendly studio | A photogenic Chicago studio setting, ideal for capturing memories with puppies and friends. |
Because all the essentials are included, you really only need to bring yourself, comfortable clothes, and your best puppy‑loving energy.
How a Puppy Yoga Chicago Session Flows
Wondering what actually happens from the moment you arrive until the final puppy snuggle? Here is a step‑by‑step breakdown.
1. Arrival and Check‑In (Plan to Arrive 15 Minutes Early)
- Arrive about 15 minutes before your time slot so you can check in, sign your waiver if you have not already, and settle onto your mat.
- Use this time to get comfortable in the space, choose a spot in the room, and maybe grab something from the wellness drink cart.
- To keep the flow smooth and respectful for everyone, entry is not allowed 20 minutes after the session begins. If you know you run late often, build in a little extra time.
2. 45‑Minute All‑Levels Vinyasa Flow
- A certified instructor leads you through an all‑levels vinyasa sequence. You can expect a gentle warm‑up, accessible standing poses, balancing work, and relaxing stretches.
- The flow is deliberately designed so beginners feel comfortable and more experienced yogis can still enjoy moving with their breath. Options and modifications are offered throughout.
- All the while, puppies roam the studio under supervision. Some may wander by for a curious sniff, others may nap near your mat, and a few might choose you as their designated cuddle buddy for part of class.
3. 30‑Minute Puppy Cuddle & Playtime
- After savasana (final relaxation), the class shifts focus fully to puppy time. The last 30 minutes are all about soft snuggles, gentle play, and plenty of photos.
- Staff members are present to supervise interactions, support the puppies, and help ensure each guest gets some time close to the pups when possible.
- This is the perfect moment to capture your favorite shots, bond with friends, and simply soak in the happiness that comes from being surrounded by wiggly tails.
Meet the Puppies: Breeds, Ages & Welfare
Puppy wellness is a top priority, and the entire experience is built around what is comfortable and safe for them. Here is how the puppy side of Puppy Yoga Chicago works.
- Local breeders. Puppies are sourced from breeders based within roughly an hour of each city. They attend class as part of their transition to new homes and return to their breeders afterward.
- 8–12 weeks old. The pups you meet are typically in the 8 to 12 week age range, a key window for socialization and gentle exposure to new environments.
- Vaccinated. Puppies are vaccinated according to the breeders’ protocols before joining the event.
- 6–12 puppies per session. Each class usually includes between 6 and 12 puppies, though the exact number can vary based on litters and availability. For health reasons, different litters are not mixed in one session.
- Adoptable and preparing for their new families. The puppies taking part are on their way to joining new homes, so this experience helps them practice calm, positive interactions with humans.
- Breeds announced shortly before sessions. Puppy breeds are usually announced up to three days before the weekend on social channels and the event page, but they are not guaranteed and may change at the last minute if needed for the puppies’ welfare.
Most importantly, interactions are not guaranteed. Staff members prioritize what is best for the puppies in each moment, which means a particular puppy might need a break or may be calmer with certain guests. You will still be surrounded by cuteness, but the experience follows the puppies’ needs first.
Who Puppy Yoga Chicago Is Perfect For
Puppy Yoga Chicago is intentionally designed to be inclusive, friendly, and relaxed. It is a great fit for many different people and occasions.
Yoga Beginners
If you have always wanted to try yoga but felt intimidated by traditional studios, this setting is ideal. The vibe is playful, the flow is beginner‑friendly, and there is no pressure to be perfectly aligned when there is a puppy climbing onto your mat.
Experienced Yogis
Already love yoga? Puppy yoga offers a fresh way to revisit familiar poses with less seriousness and more joy. You will still get to move, stretch, and breathe, but with an added layer of lightness and surprise.
Dog Lovers & Future Pet Parents
Maybe you adore dogs but cannot have one right now. Maybe you are considering a puppy in the future and want more time around them. Either way, Puppy Yoga Chicago gives you dedicated time to interact with puppies in a safe, supervised environment.
Groups, Dates & Special Outings
Puppy yoga makes a memorable date idea, a fun activity with friends, or a unique way to celebrate a birthday or milestone. Many past guests have brought partners, roommates, or coworkers and left with inside jokes, adorable photos, and a shared feel‑good memory.
Practical Details: Location, Schedule & Pricing
Here is what to know before you book your spot at Puppy Yoga Chicago.
- City. Sessions take place in Chicago at a dedicated studio space. The listing typically refers to a Chicago studio in an Upper East Side style area, with the exact studio location announced as details are finalized.
- Days. Puppy yoga is usually offered on weekends, with Saturday and Sunday time slots across the day.
- Time slots. Multiple sessions run throughout the day so you can choose a morning, midday, or afternoon visit, depending on availability.
- Ticket price. Tickets are typically around 69 dollars per person and include mat rental, the wellness drink cart, 45 minutes of yoga, and 30 minutes of puppy chill time.
Availability can change quickly, especially for popular time slots, so it is smart to plan ahead if you are coordinating with friends or visiting the city for a limited time.
Safety, Waivers & Age Requirements
Because Puppy Yoga Chicago involves live animals and physical movement, a few important guidelines are in place to keep everyone safe and comfortable.
- Waiver required. All participants must sign a waiver before joining the session. This is standard for fitness and animal‑assisted experiences and helps ensure you understand the nature of the activity.
- Minor risks. Any class with puppies can involve minor risks such as light scratches or playful nips. Staff members are present to supervise and help manage interactions, but it is important to be aware that puppies explore the world with their paws and mouths.
- Puppy welfare first. The comfort and safety of the puppies come before anything else. If a pup seems overstimulated or tired, staff may remove or redirect them. Because of this, specific interactions or amounts of cuddle time cannot be guaranteed.
- Age minimum. Children must be at least 10 years old to attend. Guests under 15 must be accompanied by an adult, which helps ensure that interactions stay gentle and respectful for the puppies.
- Arrival window. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early. To keep disruptions to a minimum, no entry is allowed 20 minutes after the session begins.
These guidelines help create a calm, controlled environment where both humans and puppies can enjoy the session safely.
Booking, Ticket Changes & Sell‑Outs
Puppy Yoga Chicago operates as a pop‑up style experience, which means dates, times, and locations are carefully scheduled in advance and can fill up fast. Here is how tickets work.
- All sales are final. Because of the pop‑up nature of the events, ticket sales are non‑refundable. Once you secure a spot, it is reserved just for you.
- Change your class up to three days before. If your plans change, you can usually transfer or switch your class up to three days before the event, subject to availability. This gives you some flexibility without compromising the planning required for puppies and staff.
- Book in advance. Weekend classes and prime time slots tend to sell out, especially when a particularly popular breed has been announced. If you have a specific date or time in mind, it is wise to secure your ticket early.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Puppy Yoga Session
To fully enjoy your Puppy Yoga Chicago experience, a little preparation goes a long way. Consider these simple tips.
- Wear comfortable, puppy‑friendly clothing. Soft, breathable activewear that you do not mind getting a little fur on is ideal. Avoid dangling jewelry or anything that a curious pup might tug.
- Arrive early and settle in. Use the extra 15 minutes before class to pick your spot, breathe, and soak in the atmosphere. The calmer you feel, the more the puppies will pick up on that relaxed energy.
- Keep an open mind about the flow. Unlike a traditional yoga class, puppy yoga is delightfully unpredictable. A pup might join you in warrior two or nap in the middle of your mat. Embrace the spontaneity.
- Follow staff guidance with the puppies. If staff members suggest a different way to hold, pet, or approach a puppy, they are doing so to support the animals’ welfare. Gentle, respectful interaction keeps everyone happy.
- Take photos mindfully. There is plenty of time for pictures, especially during the last 30 minutes. Try to stay present during the yoga portion and then lean into photo moments during cuddle time.
- Hydrate and listen to your body. Enjoy the wellness drink cart, take breaks when you need to, and remember that it is completely fine to rest in child’s pose and just enjoy the pups.
Real Guest Reactions: Why People Love Puppy Yoga Chicago
Guest feedback from past sessions paints a clear picture: people walk into Puppy Yoga Chicago curious and walk out glowing. Many describe it as the highlight of their weekend or a totally unique way to spend a morning in the city.
One guest shared that the experience was amazing from start to finish, praising the instructor, the relaxed vibe, and how the session even helped her partner step out of his comfort zone. The puppies, she said, made the whole experience incredible.
Another attendee loved how accessible the yoga was and how adorable the puppies were, mentioning that her first session featured energetic Australian shepherd puppies and left her eager to return.
Couples and friends frequently comment on how the class is adapted to all levels, how clean and welcoming the studio feels, and how the staff work hard to make sure guests get time with the pups. One reviewer described it as exercise, relaxation, laughter, and smiles all in one.
Across reviews, common themes include friendly staff, clean spaces, gentle yoga, and, of course, unforgettable puppy time.
Is Puppy Yoga Chicago Right for You?
If you are craving a break from your routine, love dogs, or want a fresh spin on your wellness habits, Puppy Yoga Chicago is a standout option. It is not about perfecting your practice; it is about feeling good, being present, and sharing space with playful, adoptable puppies in a supportive studio setting.
You get 75 minutes of movement, mindfulness, and puppy magic, guided by certified instructors and supported by a team that cares about both human and animal welfare. With mats and wellness drinks included, weekend time slots, and an atmosphere that welcomes absolute beginners, it is one of the most enjoyable ways to recharge in Chicago.
Plan ahead, book your preferred session, and get ready for a puppy‑powered yoga class that leaves you smiling long after you roll up your mat.