Just from its name alone, you’d know that Puppy Yoga Singapore doesn’t offer your typical yoga class. It’s one of the very few businesses in the city-state that hosts yoga sessions alongside furry companions.
Inspired by similar offerings overseas, founder Audrey Sin, then 23 years old, started the business in 2020 while she was still a final-year student at NUS.
“As a yoga enthusiast, I was really excited about the idea [of doing yoga with animals]. I thought, since there are a lot of people in Singapore who enjoy both yoga and dogs, such a class would definitely be popular here,” she told Lianhe Zaobao in a previous interview.
But is the concept even feasible, and is there any real appeal behind it?
Five years in, it looks like the answer is yes. Despite sounding like a novelty, it has managed to carve out a niche for itself and stay afloat throughout these years.
Although our attempts to reach Puppy Yoga Singapore went unanswered, here’s what we were able to uncover about the business and why it seems to resonate with Singaporeans.
How does it work?
Puppy Yoga Singapore’s classes are admittedly quite pricey, costing about S$44 each.
According to its website, classes are held fortnightly on weekends and last for an hour. Each session, which accommodates a maximum of six dogs, includes 50 minutes of yoga, followed by 10 minutes of dedicated puppy playtime.
During the classes, the dogs are allowed to roam freely around the space, allowing for plenty of opportunities to interact with the pups.
As for its venue, the business is not attached to a permanent location, hence, it can vary from session to session. You can check its booking link here or head to the business’s Instagram page to stay updated on where classes are held.
To join one of Puppy Yoga Singapore’s classes, you do not necessarily need to own a dog; however, do note that there are rules in place to ensure each class runs smoothly.
While you’re welcome to pet and play with the puppies, you shouldn’t force interaction and allow them to approach you at their own pace.
For dog owners bringing their fur kids along, you would need to make sure that they are not aggressive and are free from any transmissible diseases (though it’s unclear whether Puppy Yoga Singapore conducts any formal checks for this).
Do keep in mind that accidents can happen during class—especially when the dogs get excited—so they may occasionally pee on your mat or belongings. If your dog is prone to marking, you’re encouraged to put a diaper on them to help keep the space clean for everyone.
It’s also the dog owner’s responsibility to monitor their pet’s comfort throughout the session. If they seem uneasy or overwhelmed, you should take them out for a short break.
In addition, be sure to keep an eye on and be prepared to step in if there are any signs of aggression between dogs.
To cater to cat lovers, Puppy Yoga Singapore expanded its offerings in 2023 by launching Kitty Yoga Singapore, where participants can practice yoga alongside the nine rescue cats at Arab Street cat cafe Fuzzies Singapore.
These classes are also priced at S$44 each (according to its website), and like Puppy Yoga, follow strict guidelines to ensure the safety and comfort of both participants and feline residents.
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When planning the classes, Audrey shared in a previous interview that special considerations have to be made when deciding the sequences and moves. “We have to be mindful not to step on the dogs,” she said.
As a result, the sessions are generally beginner-friendly, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for both participants and pets.
“It is great for the mental health and body,” she added. “And these animals are all so loving; it’s a big mood-booster for everyone.”
Beyond the physical and mental benefits for attendees, Audrey also claims that these classes are beneficial for pets, as they provide an opportunity for them to socialise with both humans and other animals in a positive environment.
So, why not consider something different like puppy yoga or kitty yoga the next time you’re looking to unwind?
- Find out more about Puppy Yoga Singapore here.
- Find out more about Kitty Yoga Singapore here.
- Read other articles we’ve written on Singaporean startups here.
Featured Image Credit: Puppy Yoga Singapore
