Puppy Yoga in Melbourne: Stretch, Unwind and Enjoy Puppy Playtime with Yoga Paws

Looking for something different to do in Melbourne this weekend? Yoga Paws combines gentle yoga, playful puppies and a little relaxation in a beginner-friendly experience designed for animal lovers. (Puppy yoga in Melbourne)

Melbourne’s weekend activities are getting a little more adorable. Instead of the usual brunch, shopping trip or fitness class, residents can now roll out a yoga mat and share the studio with a group of playful puppies.

Yoga Paws offers a 60-minute experience combining gentle yoga, dedicated puppy playtime and relaxation. Whether you’re an experienced yoga enthusiast or someone who has never attempted a downward dog, the sessions are designed to be accessible, welcoming and enjoyable.

The concept is simple: stretch, unwind and enjoy the company of puppies who are free to explore their surroundings.

From a Brisbane Side Project to Nine Australian Cities

Harry McCann and Tea-Maria Constantin founded Yoga Paws in Brisbane in September 2024.

At the time, both founders were working full-time and envisioned the business as a small fortnightly project. Their shared love of animals and interest in positive puppy socialisation inspired them to combine two activities: gentle yoga and spending time with puppies.

What started as a weekend experiment quickly attracted interest. The business expanded beyond Brisbane and now operates across nine Australian cities, including Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth and Canberra.

Today, Yoga Paws welcomes participants looking for something beyond a conventional workout, from friends arranging a weekend outing to couples seeking a different kind of date.

What Happens During a Puppy Yoga Session?

Each session lasts approximately 60 minutes and incorporates beginner-friendly yoga, dedicated puppy interaction and a relaxing finish.

Participants are guided through gentle movements while puppies explore the studio, approach visitors and occasionally interrupt the exercise.

Unlike a traditional yoga class, maintaining perfect concentration isn’t necessarily the point. A curious puppy might wander across someone’s mat or settle beside a participant during a stretch.

Mats are provided, so visitors don’t need specialised equipment or previous yoga experience.

The sessions are open to participants aged 12 and over, making them suitable for teenagers and adults looking for an unusual weekend experience.

Putting Puppy Welfare First – Yoga Paws Melbourne

While the photographs and playful atmosphere are part of the appeal, animal welfare remains an important consideration.

Yoga Paws says its sessions focus on voluntary interaction, allowing puppies to decide whether to approach participants, play, or rest.

Puppies have access to a separate retreat area, and two trained staff members focus on their care during sessions. Full rest breaks are scheduled between classes, helping ensure the animals aren’t continuously interacting with visitors.

Participants also receive instructions on safe handling, including remaining seated when holding a puppy.

The company works with breeders and animal welfare organisations and says its approach prioritises positive socialisation rather than forcing interaction. Puppies are not sold during sessions.

For visitors, respecting these boundaries is part of the experience.

When and Where Can You Join? Puppy Yoga in Melbourne

Melbourne sessions run weekly on Sundays, with regular start times of 8am, 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm. The final session finishes at 5pm.

Tickets cost $59 including GST, and bookings are generally released about three weeks in advance.

Sessions are currently advertised in West Melbourne, although visitors should check the booking page for confirmed venues, dates, availability and cancellations.

For those looking for an activity that combines light exercise, animal interaction, and a break from their usual routine, puppy yoga offers a refreshing alternative.

You might leave feeling more relaxed, but remembering every yoga pose is probably less likely than remembering the puppies.

Bookings and information: Yoga Paws Melbourne — View Upcoming Sessions