With homework, tests and busy schedules, high school students often have stress coursing through their veins. While many people turn to music or journaling to unwind, a growing number of East students are embracing a more unconventional method — one that involves furry four-legged friends.
Recently, Puppy Yoga has spiked in popularity encouraging more and more people to put stress on paws and namaste in shape.
Puppies & Yoga in Philadelphia offers multiple classes every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., however these classes involve more downward dog than traditional yoga. Each session features a lively litter of puppies alongside a 45-minute all-level yoga flow, followed by 30 minutes of playtime, photo, and cuddle opportunities. Whether guests are seasoned yogis or complete beginners, Puppies & Yoga gives people the chance to try something new.
“I’m very much a strength exercise person and yes it was a little hard but it felt really good to actually stretch, “ said Peyton Frankovich (‘26). “[Yoga] helps a lot more mentally than people expect”
Frankovich experienced her first-ever yoga class at Puppies & Yoga in December with Shiba Inus and Dachshunds by her side. She discovered the studio after her mom sent her their Instagram profile.
“In general people get happy when they see puppies. They help mentally and they act as a nice distraction if you are struggling in the poses. It is also nice to have the puppies there because it makes people who are struggling feel better because they know everyone is paying attention to the puppies and not watching them,” said Frankovich.
After a booming success, Puppies & Yoga expanded to two locations in Philadelphia — one inside the Paradigm Gallery above an art exhibit in Old City and the other in Fairmount. With 2 locations they can give even more guests the opportunity to unwind and find a new best friend.
As stated on their website and Instagram, each yoga class is “designed around well-being, with access to food and water the whole time as well as 30-minute rest breaks between classes”.
Sanitation also remains a top priority with staff ensuring the space remains clean and comfortable for both guests and puppies. Sanitation wise they immediately cleaned up before, during and after the class.
“The instructor and the breeder were both super friendly,” said Frankovich.
While most puppies are pre-adopted, local breeders are always on-site during class to answer questions about the dogs or future litters. Breeders have even expressed their enthusiasm for the program describing how puppy yoga “makes the process of meeting new humans fun and intuitive for the puppies.”
Before class guests are required to book a class and bring their own towels. With such a high demand, classes tend to fill up fast so it is recommended to book at least a few days in advance. Upon arrival, guests check-in and secure a spot on an open yoga mat provided by the studio. In the first few moments of class, it’s not uncommon for the puppies — still waking from their rest break— to curl up on a favorite mat.
Sessions begin with a calming atmosphere, set by soft music and therapeutic incense. Instructors guide guests through a gentle 45-minute all-level flow session, starting with slow stretches and progressing to more strength-focused exercises. While yoga is known for its lower-impact effect these exercises never fail to get their guests moving. From Child’s Pose to Warrior 2, the 45-minute all-level flow session opens guests up to the world of yoga.
When the long-awaited 30-minute play time rolls around, the puppies roam freely, greeting guests with boundless energy. Employees take pictures and ensure a comfortable experience for both visitors and their furry companions.
Because Puppies & Yoga partners with local breeders of sociable breeds, the puppies are eager to interact with new people in a new environment. Not only do these interactions improve the guests mood and mental-health but they also help the puppies feel less stressed and more confident before adoption.
Each week Puppies & Yoga utilizes their Instagram account (@puppiesyogaphiladelphia) to reveal the featured breed for upcoming classes. So far they have welcomed countless breeds including French Bulldogs, Australian Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and many more, all of which can easily turn around anyones ruff week.
“I feel like it never gets boring because they are always changing up the different breeds,”
They also use their Instagram to post pictures and connect with potential guests. They often reach out to followers on Instagram informing them of available classes. As more East students attend classes and post their experiences on social media, it encourages others to look into yoga classes, spreading new ways to wind down and have fun.
“If you are or aren’t super into working out, the class isn’t difficult, it is very relaxing and puppies give you so much serotonin. It really is so much fun and you can even make a day out of it by having lunch in Philly after,”said Frankovich.
Whether you want to take a deep breath and relax in a Cobra pose or play with lovable puppies that are sure to make your day, Puppies & Yoga has it all.