Puppies in Poses

Francesca Albo and Lea Burbidge Izquierdo forged a connection at a dog park, discovering common ground in their struggles with burnout from corporate jobs while trying to launch their side ventures. Their friendship blossomed, leading these self-proclaimed dog moms to collaborate on an innovative idea. Officially launched in 2021, Puppy Sphere—a wellness platform that merges yoga classes for all levels with puppy therapy—has experienced remarkable success.

A Unique Wellness Opportunity

Puppy Sphere quickly gathered a following for its unique puppy yoga offerings, a concept that blossomed from Albo and Burbidge Izquierdo’s personal experiences. Motivated by the mental health benefits their own pets provided, they aimed to cultivate a space where individuals could enjoy time with puppies without the long-term obligations of pet ownership. Albo and Burbidge Izquierdo initially served as their own first clients.

“We developed the notion of puppy yoga initially for our love of puppies,” Albo shares. “It was a chance to merge our passion for yoga with our affection for animals.” As their business flourished and demand surged, they recognized the genuine scientific foundations supporting the advantages of animal-assisted therapy.

“Numerous studies illustrate the positive impact of being around dogs on mental health,” Burbidge Izquierdo notes. “Engaging with puppies triggers the release of serotonin, prolactin, and oxytocin, all of which alleviate stress and enhance well-being.” These health advantages encompass emotional and mental aspects, such as reduced anxiety and feelings of isolation, as well as physical benefits like lower blood pressure and pain alleviation.

“Realizing the substantial influence of puppy yoga on people’s mental health galvanized our dedication to growing the business and broadening access across North America and potentially beyond,” Albo explains.

The enterprise currently caters to 16,000 clients each month at its 16 locations spread across 10 cities, with aspirations to expand further, aiming for 30 new studios by the close of 2026.

Perfecting the Experience

Through their journey of building Puppy Sphere, Albo and Burbidge Izquierdo frequently joined their own classes and discovered noteworthy insights during this process. One major revelation was that conventional class lengths were inadequate.

“When our sessions lasted 45 minutes, participants weren’t engaged in much yoga,” Albo admits. “They primarily wanted to take photos with the puppies.”

This realization led them to develop Puppy Sphere’s signature 75-minute experience, which includes a 30-minute segment dedicated entirely to “puppy chill time” after 45 minutes of yoga. This arrangement allowed customers ample opportunity to capture adorable moments with the puppies, prompting positive word-of-mouth.

Additionally, they discovered that puppy yoga serves as a non-intimidating introduction to mindful movement, free from the pressure associated with traditional yoga settings.

“Wellness can often feel daunting,” says Burbidge Izquierdo, reflecting on her initial impressions of yoga. “At Puppy Sphere, you can stop your pose anytime and just engage with a puppy. It’s incredibly welcoming.”

Welcoming Atmosphere for All

The studios enable families to come together for events such as birthday celebrations or occasions like Mother’s Day. Teens aged 14 and up are welcome, allowing parents to offer their children the joy of puppy therapy without committing to pet ownership.

For younger participants, the rewards of yoga and animal-assisted wellness include improved social skills, enhanced coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety, and boosted cognitive abilities.

Albo and Burbidge Izquierdo have observed the positive transformations in their clients’ mental health through their classes firsthand. The supportive community cultivated at Puppy Sphere is a key factor in maintaining the popularity of these classes.

“The reasons people join our classes vary widely,” Burbidge Izquierdo explains. “What unites us is a collective desire to feel better.”

Both owners take satisfaction in providing customers with relief from stress, burnout, and life’s hectic pace—much akin to the solace they sought after their initial meeting at the dog park.

“Dogs are innately loving and present; they offer tremendous comfort,” Albo reflects. “People need a refuge where they can find that connection. Puppy Sphere serves as a new kind of dog park.”