How to Know if a Puppy Yoga Class Is Truly Ethical (6 Criteria That Matter)

Puppy yoga sounds adorable. But just like elephant rides or dolphin swims, not everything cute is harmless.

Tourism involving animals comes with big responsibilitiesand lots of greenwashing. So when it comes to puppy yoga, how can you tell if it's truly helping dogs or just using them?

Here’s your 6-step checklist to know if a class is genuinely ethical or just pretending to be.

1. Are the puppies rescued or bred?

This will give you a significant key point, mostly in Bali if they have been operating since several months, Bali have an issue with street dogs, it's a known fact.

If you ask where the puppies come from and they are hesitant, don't want to give you the number of their breeder, association, if you don’t get a clear answer… that is your answer.

2. Are the puppies adoptable, or just entertainment?

Real rescue-based puppy yoga try helps dogs find homes.

If no one has ever adopted a puppy from their sessions, chances are it's more about the tourists than the dogs. And yes puppies should absolutely be adoptable. (Unless you're hoping to adopt an elephant. In that case, good luck.)

3. Is part of the money given back to the shelter?

If the center have been made out of passion, a portion of each ticket should help cover food, vaccinations, or sterilizations for the animals. Look for partnerships, acts or any transparent financial support toward the rescue.

If they say "we give them exposure," that's not the same as actual help.

4. Are the puppies’ needs respected?

Water available at all times? Access to shade and breaks? No diapers? No forced cuddles?Ethical centers respect the puppies' rhythm, not just the photo ops.

Bonus points if the dogs have outdoor space and free movement.

5. Are staff gentle to both puppies and guests?

You want calm, confident handlers who know how to read puppy body language.

Ethical sessions include someone whose job is literally to watch the dogs, remove overwhelmed puppies, and gently remind guests about boundaries.

6. Is there full transparency about the rescue behind it?

Who are they working with? Is it a registered NGO? Can you visit the shelter?

If the answer is yes, you’re in the right place. If the name of the rescue is nowhere to be found… that’s a red flag.

Final thoughts: what ethical puppy yoga really looks like

When done right, puppy yoga is more than just cute—it’s a powerful way to help real dogs heal, get adopted, and fund their rescue.

If you're looking for an activity that’s both joyful and responsible, this is it.