Francesca Albo and Lea Burbidge Izquierdo initially crossed paths at a dog park, where they quickly connected over shared experiences. Both were grappling with the pressures of corporate burnout while attempting to launch their own side projects. Their friendship blossomed, and soon the two self-proclaimed dog moms decided to collaborate on a venture. Launched officially in 2021, Puppy Sphere—a wellness initiative offering yoga sessions alongside puppy therapy—has enjoyed remarkable success since its inception.
A Unique Wellness Journey
Puppy Sphere’s puppy yoga classes quickly attracted a clientele, a concept that stemmed from Albo and Burbidge Izquierdo’s personal experiences. They wanted to harness the mental health benefits they received from spending time with their dogs, creating a space where individuals could enjoy the company of puppies without the long-term responsibilities of pet ownership. They were, in fact, their first clients.
“We selfishly developed puppy yoga because we craved time with adorable dogs,” Albo explains. “We were eager to merge our passion for yoga with our love for animals.” It was only after their venture experienced substantial growth that they understood the scientific support behind the positive effects of animal-assisted therapy.
“Research indicates that being around dogs significantly boosts your mood and supports mental health,” says Burbidge Izquierdo. “Engaging with puppies triggers the release of serotonin, prolactin, and oxytocin, all of which alleviate stress and enhance overall well-being.”
The physical and mental benefits extend from reduced anxiety and feelings of loneliness to tangible improvements like lower blood pressure and decreased pain.
“Recognizing the positive impact puppy yoga had on mental health motivated us to expand our reach and make this experience available to more people across North America and potentially beyond,” Albo adds.
Their operation now caters to 16,000 individuals monthly across 16 studios in 10 cities, with plans for further expansion, including 30 more locations by 2026.
Perfecting the Experience
As Albo and Burbidge Izquierdo grew their business, they engaged in numerous sessions and made noteworthy realizations. One key finding was that the duration of traditional classes was inadequate.
“When our sessions were 45 minutes, participants primarily wanted to take photos with the puppies,” Albo notes. “They weren’t focusing on yoga.”
This insight prompted them to develop Puppy Sphere’s unique 75-minute experience, which allows for 45 minutes of yoga followed by a dedicated 30 minutes for relaxed puppy time, perfect for capturing adorable photos. This approach fostered a vibrant word-of-mouth referral among their clients.
Additionally, they learned that puppy yoga serves as a gentle introduction to mindful movement, free from the tensions of conventional yoga environments.
“Wellness can sometimes be intimidating,” Burbidge Izquierdo recalls her own apprehensions when starting yoga. “At Puppy Sphere, you have the freedom to pause your pose and play with a puppy, creating a much more welcoming atmosphere.”
All Are Welcome
The yoga studios provide venues for families to gather for birthday celebrations or special events like Mother’s Day. Teens aged 14 and above are also encouraged to participate, allowing parents to introduce their children to the joys of puppy therapy without the commitments of pet ownership.
For younger attendees, the advantages of yoga combined with animal-assisted wellness extend to improved social interaction, better coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety, and boosted cognitive abilities.
Albo and Burbidge Izquierdo have witnessed firsthand the positive feedback from customers regarding these classes’ mental health benefits. Beyond the uplifting community that Puppy Sphere fosters at each location, these emotional advantages contribute significantly to the enduring popularity of the sessions.
“Clients attend our classes for a multitude of reasons,” Burbidge Izquierdo reflects. “What unites us is the desire to feel better.”
Both she and Albo take pride in providing relief from stress, burnout, and the chaos of everyday life—the very same relief they sought when first meeting at the dog park.
“Dogs inherently offer love, presence, and comfort,” Albo adds. “People crave spaces where they can experience those feelings of connection. Puppy Sphere serves as a modern-day dog park.”
This article first appeared in the September/October 2025 issue of Thewindowsclubs magazine (US edition).
