Imagine starting your weekend in Chicago with a gentle yoga flow, a refreshing wellness drink, and a pack of irresistibly cute puppies trotting across your mat. That is exactly what Puppies & Yoga Chicago delivers: a 75-minute, beginner-friendly pop-up experience that combines movement, mindfulness, and puppy joy in one unforgettable session.
With certified instructors, 6–12 playful puppies, and everything you need provided on site, this is one of the most uplifting ways to reset, recharge, and treat yourself in the city.
What Is Puppies & Yoga Chicago?
Puppies & Yoga Chicago is a pop-up wellness experience that blends an all-levels vinyasa yoga class with guided puppy playtime. Throughout the session, you are surrounded by a litter of vaccinated, adoptable puppies aged roughly 8–12 weeks, sourced from local breeders within about an hour of Chicago.
While you move through simple, accessible poses, the puppies roam the studio, curl up on mats, and occasionally decide that your savasana is the perfect time for a cuddle. After the flow, you transition into dedicated chill time focused entirely on photos, snuggles, and play.
The result is a feel-good, sensory-rich experience that supports your own wellbeing while also helping to gently socialize the puppies before they meet their new families.
How the 75-Minute Puppy Yoga Session Works
Each ticket to Puppies & Yoga Chicago (regular price $69) includes a full 75-minute experience designed to be smooth from start to finish.
1. Check-in and Welcome (Arrive 15 Minutes Early)
To keep the experience calm for both humans and puppies, attendees are asked to arrive 15 minutes before class time. This window allows you to:
- Check in with the team and confirm your booking.
- Sign the required participation waiver.
- Settle onto your provided yoga mat.
- Meet the staff, learn the do's and dont's, and start to unwind.
Important: For the flow of the class and the wellbeing of the puppies, no entry is allowed 20 minutes after the session begins. Arriving on time ensures you enjoy the full experience without rushing in late.
2. 45-Minute All-Levels Vinyasa Flow
Once everyone is settled, your instructor will guide you through a 45-minute vinyasa-style sequence. The flow is designed to be:
- Beginner-friendly– no yoga experience is required.
- Adaptable– options are provided for different comfort and mobility levels.
- Light and playful– the focus is on enjoyment, not perfection.
Puppies wander freely around the studio during this part of the session. They might:
- Explore under and around your mat.
- Pause for a curious sniff during your downward dog.
- Settle down for a nap right next to you during seated or resting poses.
Certified yoga instructors keep the sequence approachable, safe, and relaxed, making sure that even total beginners feel comfortable while still offering enough movement for more experienced yogis to enjoy.
3. 30-Minute Puppy Chill Time
After your body has loosened up and your mind has settled, it is time for the best part for many guests: 30 minutes of dedicated puppy chill time.
During this segment you can:
- Take photos and videos with the puppies for your favorite social platforms.
- Cuddle, gently play, or simply sit and let a puppy fall asleep on your lap.
- Sip from the on-site wellness drink cart, which offers a refreshing complement to your practice.
The atmosphere during puppy chill is social, relaxed, and very camera-friendly. Staff are present to support safe, gentle interactions and to help ensure each puppy gets an appropriate amount of attention.
4. Wrap-Up and Goodbyes
As the session ends, guests say goodbye to their new furry friends. Puppies typically return to their breeders after class and later go on to join their future homes. Many attendees leave feeling grounded, energized, and full of smiles.
What Your Ticket Includes
Every Puppies & Yoga Chicago ticket is packed with value, making it a thoughtful gift, a unique date idea, or a memorable outing with friends.
Each $69 ticket typically includes:
- 75 minutes with puppies– a full experience blending yoga and puppy time.
- 45-minute puppy yoga session– all-levels vinyasa flow with certified instructors.
- 30-minute puppy chill time– dedicated snuggles, photos, and play.
- Wellness drink cart access– a refreshing post-flow treat.
- Yoga mat for the session– no need to bring your own mat.
All you really need to bring is yourself, comfortable clothing, and a willingness to laugh and relax. Everything else is provided for you.
Who Leads the Classes?
Puppies & Yoga Chicago classes are led by certified yoga instructors who are experienced in guiding mixed-level groups. Their goal is to create a welcoming, judgment-free environment where everyone can move at their own pace.
Instructors focus on:
- Clear, simple cueing so beginners can follow along easily.
- Offering modifications for participants who want more or less intensity.
- Maintaining a playful, relaxed tone that fits a puppy-filled space.
Guests often describe the classes as easy to follow, approachable, and fun, even for those stepping onto a mat for the very first time.
Meet the Puppies: Wellness, Safety, and Origins
The puppies are the heart of the experience, and their health is treated as the top priority.
- Age: Puppies are generally 8–12 weeks old.
- Health: They are vaccinated and monitored for wellbeing.
- Origin: Litters come from local breeders located within about one hour of Chicago.
- Adoptable: Puppies attending sessions are on their way to, or preparing to meet, their future families.
- Litter size in class: Each session usually welcomes 6–12 puppies, depending on the specific litter.
To protect puppy health, different litters are not mixed during a single class. After sessions, puppies return to their breeders for a period before joining their forever homes.
Why Puppy Yoga Helps Socialize Puppies
Beyond the human benefits, these sessions also serve an important role for the dogs themselves. Controlled exposure to gentle humans helps puppies:
- Get used to different voices, movements, and environments.
- Build confidence around people before entering a new home.
- Practice being calmly handled, petted, and cuddled.
This kind of early socialization can support a smoother transition when they finally meet their adoptive families.
When and Where Does Puppies & Yoga Chicago Run?
Puppies & Yoga Chicago operates as a pop-up experience, making each weekend feel special and in-demand.
- Days: Primarily on Saturdays and Sundays, with sessions offered throughout the day.
- Location: A studio in the Chicago Upper East Side area, with the exact location announced closer to the event date on www.puppies-yoga.com/products/chicago.
Because of the pop-up format and limited space per session, spots tend to fill quickly, especially during peak weekend times. Planning ahead helps you secure your ideal time slot.
Who Is Puppies & Yoga Chicago Perfect For?
This experience is thoughtfully designed to be accessible to many different people. It is ideal if you are:
- New to yoga and looking for a low-pressure way to try it.
- A dog lover who cannot currently have a pet or just wants more puppy time.
- A busy professional craving a fun, stress-relieving weekend reset.
- A student looking for a unique, mood-boosting activity with friends.
- Visiting Chicago and wanting a one-of-a-kind wellness experience.
- Planning a celebration such as a birthday, special outing, or creative date.
Guests frequently describe the classes as the highlight of their weekend, combining light exercise, deep relaxation, and a lot of laughter.
Benefits: Why People Love Puppy Yoga
Blending yoga with puppies brings together multiple wellbeing benefits into one session.
1. Stress Relief and Mood Boost
Gentle yoga, intentional breathing, and puppy interactions can help:
- Lower perceived stress after a long week.
- Encourage the release of feel-good hormones associated with touch and movement.
- Shift your focus away from screens and daily worries.
Many guests leave feeling lighter, more energized, and genuinely uplifted.
2. Accessible, Non-Intimidating Movement
Because classes are guided by certified instructors and kept intentionally inclusive, they offer:
- A welcoming entry point for yoga beginners.
- A gentle complement to more intense workouts you may already enjoy.
- An opportunity to reconnect with your body in a fun, forgiving way.
3. A Social, Camera-Friendly Experience
Between the wellness drink cart, puppy cuddles, and cozy studio setup, the entire session is highly social and very photo-ready. It is a natural way to:
- Meet other dog-loving Chicagoans.
- Create memorable photos and videos with friends, partners, or family.
- Share a unique experience that stands out from the usual brunch-and-coffee routine.
4. Supporting Puppies on Their Journey Home
By joining a session, you are not just treating yourself; you are also participating in the socialization of puppies on their way to their new homes. Your gentle, supervised interactions help them practice being around people, sounds, and movement, which can make their transition to family life smoother.
Important Policies and Safety Information
To keep the experience enjoyable and safe for everyone, there are a few key guidelines and policies to know before you book.
Age Requirements
- Minimum age: Children must be at least 10 years old to participate.
- Under 15: Minors under 15 must attend with an accompanying adult.
Risks and Waiver
Even in a supervised environment, interacting with puppies naturally comes with some risks. Before joining the session, all participants must:
- Sign a waiver acknowledging potential risks such as minor scratches or playful nips.
- Follow staff guidance on safe, gentle ways to hold, pet, and play with the puppies.
While the team works hard to create a safe space, it is important to remember that puppies are young animals and can be energetic and unpredictable.
Puppy Interaction and Wellness
Puppy wellness always comes first. That means:
- Interaction with puppies is not guaranteed at all times or in specific ways.
- If a puppy shows signs of fatigue or stress, staff may limit handling or remove them from the main space for a break.
- Guests are asked to respect when puppies need rest or quieter interaction.
This approach keeps the experience positive and safe for both humans and dogs.
Pregnant Participants
If you are pregnant or think you might be, it is recommended that you consult your healthcare provider before participating. While puppy yoga is generally gentle, your provider can help determine whether this type of movement and environment is appropriate for your specific situation.
Ticket Policy: Final Sales and Class Changes
Because Puppies & Yoga Chicago is a pop-up concept with limited capacity, there is a clear ticket policy:
- All ticket sales are final and non-refundable.
- You can typically change your class time or date up to 3 days before the event, subject to availability.
This policy helps the team plan accurately for the number of guests and puppies in each session and maintain a smooth experience for everyone.
Breed Announcements
Curious which type of puppies will be in your class? Breeds are usually:
- Announced up to 3 days before the session on Puppies & Yoga Chicago social channels and on the event information page.
- Subject to change at the last minute due to puppy wellness needs, breeder schedules, or availability.
This means you can often get a sneak peek of the upcoming litter while understanding that final breeds are not guaranteed.
How to Make the Most of Your Puppy Yoga Experience
A little preparation goes a long way toward making your session even more enjoyable.
What to Wear
- Comfortable, stretchy clothing you can move freely in.
- Layers, so you can adjust your temperature during flow and chill time.
- Items you do not mind getting a bit of fur on.
What to Bring
- A small bag for your belongings.
- A hair tie or headband if you have long hair.
- Your phone or camera for photos during puppy chill time.
You do not need to bring a yoga mat; mats are provided for you at the studio.
Mindset Tips
- Come with an open mind and flexible expectations – the puppies may decide how your practice flows.
- Focus on having fun rather than achieving perfect poses.
- Be patient and gentle with the puppies, letting them approach you at their own pace.
Why Puppies & Yoga Chicago Belongs on Your Weekend List
Puppies & Yoga Chicago brings together the best elements of a modern wellness day in the city: movement, mindfulness, connection, and a whole lot of cuteness. In just 75 minutes, you can:
- Practice accessible yoga with guidance from certified instructors.
- Enjoy an uplifting environment filled with laughter and community.
- Relax, reset, and support puppies on their way to new homes.
- Walk away with photos, memories, and a refreshed state of mind.
If you are looking for a unique, feel-good activity in Chicago that pairs self-care with puppy cuddles, this pop-up experience is hard to beat. Plan ahead, arrive a bit early, and get ready for a wellness session that is as joyful as it is relaxing.
