PUPPY CARE & SAFETY

At Paws of Zen, the wellbeing of our puppies and our guests is our top priority. Every class is designed to create a safe and low-stress environment where both people and puppies feel comfortable.

Our Approach

We keep our sessions calm, structured, and flexible. Classes are ran thoroughly to avoid overwhelming the puppies, and we build in natural breaks so they can rest, hydrate, and reset as needed.

We also design our yoga & pilates flow to be beginner-friendly and adaptable, allowing for movement without creating a chaotic or high-energy environment.

Our Puppies

We collaborate with a trusted local partner, Happytail Puppies in Oak Ridge, to bring in puppies that are well-cared-for, socialized, and accustomed to human interaction.

All puppies are:

Age-appropriate (at least 8-weeks old) for safe socialization
Monitored throughout each session
Given access to rest areas and water at all times
Handled gently and respectfully

If a puppy shows signs of fatigue or overstimulation, they are immediately given a break away from the group.

Health & Cleanliness

We maintain a clean and sanitary space for every class. This includes:

Sanitized Space

Regular sanitizing of floors and shared surfaces to prevent transmissible viruses.

Guest Hygiene

Hand sanitation available for all guests.

Ongoing Clean-Up

Clean-up protocols in place throughout each session.

Shared Responsibility

We also ask guests to follow basic hygiene guidelines to help us maintain a safe environment for the puppies.

Guest Guidelines

To keep the experience safe and enjoyable for everyone, we ask that guests:

Handle puppies gently and follow guided instructions
Stay aware of their surroundings during movement
Respect the puppies’ space when they are resting

Our team is always present to guide interactions and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring my own mat?

No! We provide mats for each customer and their session.

Where do the puppies come from?

We collaborate with a trusted local partner, Happytail Puppies in Oak Ridge, to bring in puppies that are well-cared-for, socialized, and accustomed to human interaction.

Do I bring my own dog?

No, all puppies are provided by a local breeder.

Can I participate if I’m pregnant?

Guests who are pregnant are welcome to attend with approval from their healthcare provider. Please keep in mind that puppy yoga & pilates involves a dynamic environment with live animals, so we recommend moving at your own pace and modifying as needed. Participation is at your own discretion.

What is the minimum age requirement?

Participants must be at least 10 years old. Anyone under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Guests aged 16 and older may participate without an accompanying adult.