Pet Yoga Isn't Cheap—But Why Are People Saying 'YES'?* – The Times of India delves into the growing popularity of pet yoga, highlighting its benefits for both pets and owners.

Introduction

In a world where wellness is no longer a luxury but a necessity, people are constantly searching for holistic practices that offer more than just physical fitness. Yoga, with its roots in ancient India, has long been celebrated as a path to balance, inner peace, and physical vitality. But in recent years, yoga has evolved beyond mats and postures into something more inclusive, social, and playful—enter pet yoga, an emerging global trend that has steadily made its way to India’s urban centers.

At first glance, the idea of combining dogs, cats, rabbits, or even goats with downward dogs and sun salutations may sound eccentric or even indulgent. After all, traditionalists might argue that yoga is sacred and should not be mingled with playful distractions. Yet, as classes grow in popularity and waitlists lengthen, the question arises: why are people saying “yes” to pet yoga, even when it isn’t cheap?

The Rise of Pet Yoga

Pet yoga, also known as “Doga” when it involves dogs, originated in the United States and gained traction in wellness-conscious communities across Europe and Australia. Its concept is simple: pet owners bring their pets to yoga classes where movements are adapted to involve the animals—whether by lifting them gently into poses, allowing them to wander freely during practice, or using them as a source of mindfulness and comfort.

India, a land synonymous with yoga, has witnessed this wave in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Pune. Luxury yoga studios, boutique pet cafés, and even five-star hotels have begun offering pet yoga sessions as part of their lifestyle experiences. But unlike a regular yoga class that may cost between ₹300 to ₹700 per session, pet yoga often comes with a higher price tag—ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 per class.

Despite the steep pricing, demand continues to grow. According to wellness entrepreneurs, the blend of fitness, socialization, and emotional bonding explains why pet yoga is more than just a passing trend.

Why Is Pet Yoga Expensive?

1. Specialized Instructors – Unlike regular yoga classes, pet yoga requires instructors who are skilled not just in yoga but also in animal behavior. Ensuring that pets are safe, calm, and engaged requires expertise. Such dual-specialization drives up the cost.
2. Limited Class Sizes – To prevent chaos and ensure quality, pet yoga classes are kept small, typically with 5–10 participants. Smaller groups mean less revenue per session compared to traditional yoga classes.
3. Pet-Friendly Infrastructure – Studios must be pet-proofed, with non-slip mats, sanitized flooring, and air-conditioning to keep pets comfortable. Cleaning and maintenance costs add up significantly.
4. Safety and Insurance – Handling multiple animals in one space comes with liability risks. Organizers often need insurance coverage, trained staff, and emergency vet contacts.
5. Premium Positioning – In many ways, pet yoga markets itself as a luxury lifestyle offering, similar to organic food or boutique wellness retreats. Higher pricing ensures exclusivity while covering operational expenses.

The Benefits of Pet Yoga for Owners

Despite the price, pet yoga enthusiasts swear by its benefits.

• Stress Relief with a Twist – Traditional yoga already reduces stress, but having pets around amplifies feelings of joy and relaxation. Watching your dog stretch into a playful “puppy pose” can be more therapeutic than meditation alone.
• Strengthened Bonding – Modern lifestyles often leave little time for quality pet-owner bonding. Pet yoga provides a structured way to share physical activity, laughter, and closeness.
• Social Connection – Pet yoga classes often double as social events, where like-minded pet parents connect, share tips, and form communities.
• Enhanced Mindfulness – Animals live in the present. Their spontaneity serves as a reminder to practitioners to focus on “now” rather than stress about “what next.”
• Physical Workout Plus Engagement – While some moves may be modified, pet yoga still provides a core-strengthening workout, particularly when lifting smaller pets or adjusting balance with them on your lap or back.

Benefits for Pets

Skeptics might question whether pets gain anything from these sessions, but experts highlight several benefits:

• Mental Stimulation – Pets, particularly dogs and cats, thrive on new experiences. A yoga class with their owner is an engaging change from their daily routine.
• Reduced Anxiety – Just as humans benefit from calming environments, pets also relax in the tranquil setting of a yoga studio. Gentle music, scents, and touch can reduce separation anxiety or hyperactivity.
• Physical Activity – For dogs, especially, yoga classes often involve playful stretches and gentle movements that help with flexibility.
• Strengthened Human-Pet Bond – Pets are highly sensitive to their owners’ energy. Shared calmness and synchronized breathing can improve emotional closeness.

The Psychology Behind Saying "YES"

Why are people willing to pay more for pet yoga when cheaper alternatives like parks, solo yoga, or free YouTube tutorials exist? The answer lies in psychology and modern lifestyles.

1. Experience Economy – Millennials and Gen Z are less interested in owning material goods and more interested in experiences. Pet yoga is unique, Instagram-worthy, and emotionally fulfilling—ticking all the boxes of modern leisure.
2. Emotional Well-being Post-Pandemic – After COVID-19, people have recognized the importance of mental health, companionship, and shared activities. Pets became emotional lifelines during lockdowns, and pet yoga is a continuation of that bond.
3. Status Symbol & Lifestyle Branding – Attending pet yoga classes signals a wellness-oriented, pet-loving lifestyle. Just as boutique gyms and vegan cafés attract certain crowds, pet yoga is about community identity.
4. Therapeutic Escapism – In an urban environment of constant stress, pet yoga offers playful escapism. The laughter when a cat refuses to sit still or when a dog interrupts a downward dog isn’t a distraction—it’s therapy.

Global vs. Indian Scenario

Globally, pet yoga has been around for over a decade, but India’s adoption is unique. Unlike in the West, where pets are often treated as children, India still has a large population adjusting to the concept of pets as family. Pet yoga therefore appeals primarily to affluent, urban pet parents who have both the financial means and cultural openness to embrace it.

Interestingly, in India, yoga already has spiritual and cultural depth, so adding pets to the mix sometimes sparks debate. Critics argue that it trivializes an ancient practice, while supporters insist it modernizes yoga to keep it relevant in contemporary lifestyles.

Criticisms of Pet Yoga

Not everyone is convinced. Common criticisms include:

• Commercialization of Yoga – Critics say pet yoga commodifies a sacred tradition into a luxury trend.
• Stress for Pets – Some animal activists argue that not all pets enjoy being placed in new environments, especially cats who prefer stable routines.
• Accessibility – With high prices, pet yoga remains a niche activity for the wealthy, limiting its potential societal impact.

Despite these criticisms, the growing demand indicates that for many, the positives outweigh the concerns.

The Future of Pet Yoga in India

With India’s pet care industry growing rapidly—estimated at ₹7,500 crore in 2024 and projected to rise further—pet yoga fits neatly into the expanding ecosystem of premium pet services. From pet spas and gourmet food to therapy and fashion, pet yoga is likely to evolve as a regular offering in wellness retreats, hotels, and urban studios.

We may even see specialized certifications for instructors, dedicated yoga resorts for pets and owners, and collaborations between veterinary experts and yoga schools.

Pet yoga, often called “Doga” when it involves dogs, has rapidly become one of the most surprising and talked-about wellness trends across the globe, and in recent years it has begun to capture the imagination of pet owners in India as well. At first glance, the very idea of mixing cats, dogs, or even rabbits with traditional yoga may seem like a frivolous, luxury fad that trivializes a sacred practice, yet the growing popularity of these classes raises important questions about why more and more people are saying “yes” despite the fact that a session costs far more than a standard yoga class. To understand the fascination, one must look at the rise of experience-driven lifestyles, the unique benefits for both pets and humans, and the deeper psychological reasons that make pet yoga worth the higher price tag for those who embrace it. The practice first originated in the United States, where wellness-conscious communities began blending yoga with animal companionship as a way to reduce stress and add playfulness to traditional routines, and soon Europe, Australia, and other parts of the world followed suit. Now, India—home to yoga itself—is witnessing pet yoga sessions in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Pune, often hosted in luxury studios, boutique pet cafés, or even five-star hotels. Unlike a typical yoga class that may cost ₹300 to ₹700, pet yoga comes with a premium price tag of anywhere between ₹1,000 and ₹3,000 per session, which immediately raises eyebrows. Why so costly? The answer lies in specialized instructors who are not only trained in yoga but also in animal behavior, limited class sizes that ensure safety and focus, pet-friendly infrastructure requiring sanitized flooring, air conditioning, and non-slip mats, and additional safety measures such as insurance coverage and trained staff in case of emergencies. On top of these practical factors, the classes are also deliberately marketed as premium lifestyle experiences, targeting pet parents who see themselves as part of an elite, health-conscious community. Yet people don’t pay just for exclusivity; they pay because of the benefits, and those benefits are surprisingly profound. For owners, pet yoga is a stress-busting, laughter-filled experience that enhances mindfulness by allowing animals to remind them of the present moment. It strengthens the bond between pets and their humans, who often struggle to find enough quality time together in busy urban lifestyles, and it provides a social outlet by bringing together like-minded pet parents who share not only their mats but also their stories. The workout itself is not compromised either; while some postures are modified, lifting smaller pets or balancing with them on the body adds an extra challenge, making it both fun and physically engaging. But what about the pets? Animal behaviorists argue that pets also benefit from these sessions because the new environment stimulates their minds, the calm music and energy of the space reduce anxiety, and the playful movements often count as physical exercise. Dogs, in particular, thrive on social interaction and routine disruption, while cats, although trickier, sometimes surprise owners by curling up calmly on yoga mats or exploring curiously around the room. In both cases, the pet feels closer to its human, picking up on calm energy and affectionate interaction. But beyond these tangible benefits, there is something psychological at play in why owners say “yes” despite the high costs. We live in an experience economy, where millennials and Gen Z are more interested in unique, shareable activities than material goods, and pet yoga, with its mix of wellness, cuteness, and Instagram-worthy moments, ticks every box. The post-pandemic world has also made people prioritize emotional well-being, companionship, and shared experiences with their pets, who often became lifelines during lockdowns. For some, joining a pet yoga class is also a status symbol, a way to showcase a modern, health-oriented lifestyle that values both self-care and pet care. And for many, it’s pure therapeutic escapism, where the unpredictability of animals becomes part of the healing—after all, when your dog interrupts a downward dog with sloppy kisses or your cat sprawls across your mat, it isn’t a distraction, it’s joy. Of course, the rise of pet yoga has not come without criticism. Some argue it commercializes and dilutes the essence of yoga, turning an ancient spiritual practice into a trendy luxury product. Others worry about the pets themselves, particularly animals who may not enjoy group environments or who may find travel and new settings stressful. And then there is the matter of accessibility—pet yoga is undeniably niche and priced for the affluent, making it more of an elite activity than a mainstream movement. Yet despite these concerns, demand continues to grow, and as India’s pet care industry—currently valued at over ₹7,500 crore—expands, pet yoga seems destined to become an integral part of the premium pet wellness ecosystem. In the future, we may see certified pet yoga instructors, retreats dedicated to human-animal bonding, and even collaborations with veterinarians to create scientifically backed wellness routines. What makes pet yoga truly fascinating, however, is not just the exclusivity or novelty but the way it redefines wellness in contemporary life. It acknowledges that health today is holistic, encompassing body, mind, relationships, and even the bonds we share with animals. At its heart, pet yoga is less about perfect poses and more about imperfect joy—it’s about laughter, play, closeness, and a shared space where humans and pets heal together. This, more than anything else, explains why people continue to say “yes,” even if it costs more than a regular yoga class.

Pet yoga, often called “Doga” when it involves dogs, has emerged as one of the most surprising yet increasingly popular wellness trends of the last decade, and in recent years its presence in India has turned heads, particularly in metropolitan hubs like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Pune, where pet parents are constantly on the lookout for new ways to bond with their furry companions. At first glance, the concept seems unusual—combining an ancient practice deeply rooted in Indian tradition with playful pets who may or may not follow the flow of a yoga sequence—but the rise of pet yoga reflects much more than novelty; it embodies a shift in lifestyle, priorities, and the way we define wellness in a post-pandemic, stress-heavy world. Unlike a regular yoga session that costs between ₹300 and ₹700, pet yoga comes with a premium tag, often between ₹1,000 and ₹3,000 per class, which raises a very natural question: why are people happily paying more? The answer lies in the unique blend of benefits it offers and the experience-driven culture we live in today. Pet yoga requires instructors who are not only trained in yoga but also knowledgeable about animal behavior, ensuring that pets remain safe, calm, and engaged throughout the class. Class sizes are intentionally small, usually not more than 5 to 10 participants, to prevent chaos and allow each pet-owner duo to receive personalized attention, which reduces revenue per session compared to a packed yoga class but guarantees quality. Studios must be pet-proofed with non-slip mats, sanitized floors, and climate control to keep animals comfortable, and additional costs come from safety measures such as liability insurance, staff trained to manage animals, and even emergency vet contacts on call. Beyond logistics, the exclusivity and luxury positioning of pet yoga play into its premium pricing, much like boutique gyms, vegan cafés, or organic retreats that thrive because people are willing to pay for experiences that feel unique, aspirational, and aligned with their values. The benefits for owners are plenty: traditional yoga already relieves stress, but the presence of pets multiplies joy, laughter, and relaxation, making the experience therapeutic in ways meditation alone sometimes cannot achieve; owners also strengthen their bond with pets by involving them in structured activities, which is invaluable in busy urban lives where pets often get limited quality time; the social factor is equally strong, as pet yoga classes become spaces where like-minded individuals connect, exchange stories, and form communities bound by both wellness and pet love. On the physical side, pet yoga still challenges the body—lifting smaller pets during poses or balancing with them on one’s lap adds resistance and engagement, making it not only fun but also effective. For the pets, the benefits are also evident; they experience mental stimulation from new environments, reduced anxiety from the calming atmosphere of soft music and mindful breathing, and physical engagement from gentle stretches or playful participation, with dogs in particular thriving in such social, stimulating spaces, while cats may or may not enjoy it but often end up curling on mats or watching curiously. Most importantly, pets sense their owners’ calm energy and share in it, deepening the emotional bond. The psychology behind saying “yes” to pet yoga is powerful: we live in an experience economy where millennials and Gen Z prioritize unique, Instagram-worthy activities over material goods, and pet yoga perfectly fits this trend; the pandemic amplified awareness of emotional health and reinforced the central role of pets as companions and stress relievers, so activities like pet yoga feel like an extension of that companionship; there is also the aspirational angle, with pet yoga serving as a status symbol for those who want to showcase a lifestyle that values both wellness and pets; and finally, it provides therapeutic escapism, as the unpredictability of pets in a calm yoga setting—dogs interrupting a downward dog or cats sprawling lazily across mats—becomes part of the joy and healing. Of course, not everyone is convinced. Critics argue that pet yoga commercializes and dilutes a sacred practice, turning yoga into a luxury commodity for the wealthy rather than a universally accessible discipline. Animal activists question whether all pets enjoy such environments, especially animals like cats who often prefer stability and quiet over group settings. Accessibility is also a concern—at current prices, pet yoga is reserved for the affluent, making it more of a niche lifestyle experience than a mainstream wellness option. Still, demand is growing, and as India’s pet care industry—currently worth thousands of crores and expanding rapidly—continues to flourish, pet yoga seems poised to carve out its space in the premium pet wellness market, alongside spas, gourmet food, and designer accessories. The future may even see formal certifications for pet yoga instructors, retreats designed for human-animal bonding, and collaborations between veterinary experts and yoga studios to create scientifically backed wellness routines. But what makes pet yoga truly fascinating is not its novelty or luxury positioning—it is the way it redefines wellness in contemporary society by acknowledging that health is not just about the body but also about emotions, relationships, and the bonds we share with animals. At its heart, pet yoga is not about perfect poses but about imperfect joy—about dogs who break into playful antics mid-session, cats who refuse to follow instructions but add charm nonetheless, and owners who find themselves laughing more and stressing less. The higher cost reflects the expertise, safety, and exclusivity required to make these classes work, but for many, the return on investment is measured not in rupees but in moments of shared happiness, relaxation, and connection. That is why, despite the price, people continue to say “yes,” and why pet yoga, far from being a passing fad, may remain a meaningful niche in the ever-evolving wellness landscape.

Conclusion

At its heart, pet yoga is not about perfect poses but about imperfect joy. It’s about dogs interrupting meditation with sloppy kisses, cats curling up on yoga mats mid-session, and owners laughing their stress away. Yes, it costs more than a regular yoga class, but for many, the combination of wellness and companionship is priceless.

Pet yoga is not just a fitness trend; it’s a cultural shift—an acknowledgment that health today is holistic, involving not just our bodies but our relationships, emotions, and even our furry friends. Whether it will remain a luxury or eventually become mainstream is yet to be seen, but for now, pet yoga stands as a testament to how deeply pets have entered our lives and our hearts.

Q&A Section

Q1: Why is pet yoga more expensive than regular yoga?

Ans: Pet yoga requires specialized instructors, smaller class sizes, pet-friendly infrastructure, and safety measures. These additional factors raise costs compared to traditional yoga classes.

Q2: Do pets actually benefit from yoga sessions?

Ans: Yes. Pets can experience reduced anxiety, mental stimulation, playful physical activity, and a stronger bond with their owners during pet yoga sessions.

Q3: Is pet yoga suitable for all animals?

Ans: No. While dogs and some cats adapt well, not all pets enjoy group environments. Owners should consider their pet’s temperament before enrolling.

Q4: Does pet yoga disrespect traditional yoga practices?

Ans: Opinions differ. Critics say it commercializes yoga, while supporters argue that it modernizes the practice, making it more accessible and fun without losing its essence.

Q5: Will pet yoga become mainstream in India?

Ans: Given India’s growing pet care industry and wellness trends, pet yoga may expand in popularity. However, due to pricing, it may remain a niche, premium activity for the foreseeable future.