PAWGA: How Puppy Yoga in India Is Healing Both Humans and Shelter Animals
In a fast-paced urban world where stress is rising and animal abandonment remains a concern, a unique initiative called PAWGA (Pets and Yoga) is quietly creating a bridge between human wellbeing and animal welfare. What started as a simple idea among friends has grown into a meaningful movement that combines yoga, compassion, and the hope of giving shelter animals a loving home. During an exclusive telephonic interview with Brighter World, the founders of PAWGA shared the story behind this unconventional yet powerful concept that is touching lives across India.Meet the FoundersPAWGA (Pets and Yoga India) was founded by three college friends—Sindhuja, Swati, and Subhashree—who shared a deep love for animals and social impact. While Sindhuja leads marketing and outreach, Subhashree handles finance and PR, and Swati supports operations, together building a unique initiative promoting animal adoption and human wellbeing.A Friendship, an Idea, and an Unusual InspirationThe journey of PAWGA began around December 2020, when a group of college friends returned to India after pursuing their studies in different parts of the world. They wanted to start something meaningful together, but the exact idea was still unclear. The spark came from an unexpected source. In 2019, a promotional campaign for the popular series Game of Thrones featured actress Sophie Turner participating in goat yoga. The unusual concept immediately caught their attention.Instead of goats, however, the friends envisioned something more purposeful: yoga sessions with shelter puppies in India. Their aim was not just to create a fun experience but also to highlight the beauty and value of Indian indie dogs, which are often overlooked in favor of expensive pedigree breeds. “We wanted people to see that breed doesn’t matter,” one of the founders explained. “If you simply spend time with a dog, your perception changes.”Challenging Stereotypes Around Indie DogsOne of the biggest motivations behind PAWGA was addressing a common stereotype in India. While many people are willing to pay large amounts for foreign dog breeds, Indian shelter dogs are often ignored or abandoned. The founders hoped that by bringing these puppies into a warm, interactive environment, people would begin to see them differently—not as street animals, but as loving companions deserving of homes. Of course, introducing such a new idea was not easy. In some early sessions, people even walked away after realizing the puppies were indie dogs. “It was painful to see," Sindhuja admitted. “But we knew this mindset existed, and we wanted to change it.” Over time, their efforts started making a difference. People who attended sessions often left with a new appreciation for shelter animals.More Than Yoga: A Space for HealingPAWGA sits at the intersection of human welfare and animal welfare. The founders often explain their concept using a simple Venn diagram—one circle representing human well-being, the other representing animal welfare, with PAWGA in the middle. The impact became clear during their first pilot session at Blue Cross of India in 2020. Participants from completely different walks of life were invited, from a flower vendor to an actor, from children to elderly individuals. The results were unexpected and emotional. Many participants experienced powerful emotional releases during the session. Some even began crying while interacting with the puppies. The founders realized that spending time with animals could open people emotionally and help relieve stress. “The puppies help people release emotions," Sindhuja said. “It becomes a moment of pure connection.”Creating a Safe and Respectful Space for AnimalsWhile the sessions appear playful and spontaneous, a great deal of planning goes into ensuring animal welfare remains the top priority. Participants are strictly instructed that the puppies are not props for entertainment. Instead, they are encouraged to interact gently and respectfully. Some puppies, especially those rescued from difficult backgrounds, may initially feel anxious around strangers. In such cases, the team patiently guides participants on how to approach and hold them safely. One technique they recommend is holding a puppy close to the chest so it can hear a human heartbeat, something that reminds them of their mother and helps them calm down. In many sessions, animal behaviorists and trained coordinators are also present to monitor the animals’ comfort and wellbeing.Expanding Beyond YogaAs PAWGA grew, the team began experimenting with new creative experiences while maintaining the same philosophy. Today, the initiative includes: Puppy yoga sessions, art and painting with puppies, clay modeling sessions, pottery experiences, music-based gatherings and even board game sessions with puppies. They have also introduced kitten yoga, offering participants the chance to interact with rescue kittens. Despite the variety of activities, the core rule remains unchanged: animal safety comes first. Even materials like paint and clay used in workshops are carefully chosen to be pet-friendly, and participants are instructed not to involve the animals directly with them.A Community Built on PassionOne of the most remarkable aspects of PAWGA is that it is not a full-time business for its founders. All three co-founders hold full-time jobs, while PAWGA events are mostly conducted on weekends. Over time, passionate volunteers and interns began joining the initiative. Today, teams of coordinators operate in multiple cities, helping organize events and support animal shelters. Interestingly, many volunteers joined simply by attending sessions and asking if they could help. “What team?" Sindhuja laughed while recalling one such moment. “But we said okay, now you’re part of the team.”Changing Lives—For Humans and AnimalsToday, PAWGA events attract people from all age groups—children, young professionals, families, and even elderly participants. The sessions are intentionally unstructured. Participants can do yoga, paint, or simply sit and cuddle with a puppy for the entire hour. That freedom often leads to genuine moments of connection. For the puppies, these sessions are more than playtime; they are socialization opportunities that increase their chances of being adopted. For humans, they offer something equally valuable: peace, joy, and emotional healing. “Strength is simply showing up,” she said. “Even when you’re afraid, you still go out there and do what needs to be done.”A Small Idea Making a Big DifferenceWhat began as a simple idea between friends has now grown into a movement that spreads compassion, awareness, and healing. By bringing people closer to shelter animals in a joyful and mindful setting, PAWGA is proving that sometimes the most powerful solutions are also the simplest. After all, a moment spent with a puppy can change more than just a day; it can change a life.
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