These events, which involve young puppies or kittens roaming around and being handled during yoga classes, have exploded in popularity in recent years. While interactions between humans and animals can be mutually beneficial, it cannot be assumed that because the interaction is positive for the human it is necessarily also a positive experience for the animals.

SPCA acknowledges that most people who participate in puppy or kitten yoga classes, care about animals.

However, use of animals in these classes is not regulated and can expose puppies and kittens to overwhelming environments, inappropriate or dangerous handling and inadequate care.

While early socialisation is important for puppies and kittens, these classes may inadvertently expose young animals to overwhelming or negative experiences that can compromise their welfare and have long-lasting impacts on their social development and behaviour. Young animals require sufficient periods of rest and quiet. In these classes, puppies and kittens are often passed between multiple participants and may be picked up while sleeping, resting or trying to evade contact. This can cause stress, exhaustion, or even illness.

Puppy and kitten yoga classes should have rules in place to minimise potentially problematic contact with people. Animals should be properly assessed for suitability for the programme, supervised at all times, and have the choice of participation in the event (e.g. be free to engage or disengage with the activity). Rest areas should be provided that allow escape from contact with humans and potentially stressful aspects of the class environment (e.g. noise, strange smells, and movement). Water should be freely available as young puppies and kittens are vulnerable to dehydration and overheating.