Goats climbing on your back while you’re in a plank, kittens curling up in your lap mid-meditation pose – the yoga with animals trend has put an adorable twist on the traditional yoga experience. Cats, dogs, goats, horses, butterflies, pigs, and a variety of other animals have become delightful exercise companions, creating a one-of-a-kind experience that combines the joy of animal interaction with the mind-body benefits of yoga.
The concept of combining yoga with animals began as a way to deepen human-animal connections while promoting wellness. In Japan, an animal lover named Noriko Onuma introduced dog (and later cat) yoga by founding the Japan Dog Yoga Association in 2006, aiming to raise awareness about animal cruelty.
A decade later, goat yoga made its debut in Oregon, where “Goat Happy Hour” at a farm turned into yoga classes featuring goats as playful exercise companions. The concept of yoga with animals has since become a beloved trend, inspiring classes all over the world that combine fitness with furry friends.
Yoga with animals isn’t just about adorable interactions with pets — it also offers a range of health benefits. According to the National Institutes Into Health, spending time with pets can lower cortisol, a stress-related hormone, and reduce blood pressure. Beyond physical benefits, pets also combat loneliness, enhance feelings of social support, and act as natural mood boosters. The presence of animals during physical activity not only adds a fun, uplifting energy but also nurtures your mental well-being. Here are just a few local classes that integrate exercise with furry companions, offering a unique way to enhance both your fitness and mental health.
GOGA
When Hurricane Harvey hit Texas in 2017, Rachael Phillips and Trey Kitchen searched for a way to raise money for storm victims. Having met Trey’s mom and her goats a few weeks before, Rachael had already been pushing the idea of starting a goat yoga business, and together the trio opened GOGA, a yoga studio that combines wellness activities with baby goats. Goat yoga classes are held two Saturdays a month at 12700 Hill Country Boulevard in the Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave. Visitors can look forward to a 45-minute vinyasa class – a type of yoga practice that focuses on flowing movements combined with breathwork – while baby goats run, jump, and hop their way around the mats. And don’t forget to check out GOGA’s appearance on season 10 of Shark Tank!
Inner Diva Studios
Each month, Inner Diva Studios combines the serenity of yoga with the playful energy of puppies and kittens. Classes benefit local animal rescues and the studio has not only raised $100,000 to aid the life-saving efforts of these organizations but helped pets find new loving families. Inner Diva Studios will offer two Kitten Yoga classes on Sunday, January 5 and two Pug Yoga classes on Saturday, January 11, with all proceeds donated to Austin Pets Alive and Pug Rescue of Austin. Certified yoga instructors guide visitors through a gentle yoga practice that is suitable for all levels while furry friends roam around the studio, providing plenty of cuteness and cuddles. 10401 Anderson Mill Rd #104, Austin
innerdivastudios.com/puppy-and-kitten-yoga-classes
Retreat Ranch
The Retreat Ranch offers monthly horse yoga classes that provide a unique way to relax and unwind as participants connect with nature and these gentle giants. For three hours, visitors are led through a yoga practice on horseback followed by a mindful, meditative walk in nature around the ranch at 1643 County Road 403 in Marble Falls.