Puppy yoga in Bali might look cute on Instagram. But here’s the truth no one tells you: it’s not safe, it’s not ethical — and it’s not harmless.If you’re booking a class to cuddle fluffy pups in between stretches, you’re probably being misled. Behind every filtered photo is a business that puts profit before animal welfare. And in Bali, that’s a dangerous game to play.
Let’s Talk About Rabies. And Puppies.
Bali has active rabies cases. That’s not up for debate — it’s fact.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), rabies remains endemic in 26 of Indonesia’s 38 provinces — including Bali. (WHO Indonesia)
A 2023 report from the World Rabies Bulletin notes that 11 people died of rabies in Bali in the first half of the year, with thousands of dog bites reported annually.
In 2024, Four Paws reported that Bali recorded 268 confirmed rabies cases in animals and five human deaths — reinforcing that the virus is still widespread on the island. (Four Paws International)
If you want to better understand why this matters, read our in-depth guide on rabies in Bali and how it affects both people and animals.
These are not isolated incidents. Rabies is a preventable but deadly disease — and Bali continues to face outbreaks that put both animals and people at risk.
Here’s what no puppy yoga business will tell you:
- Puppies can’t be vaccinated for rabies until at least 8 weeks old
- Immunity takes another 3–4 weeks to develop
- Most puppy yoga pups? 6–8 weeks old
- Many are not vaccinated.
Now imagine those puppies licking open skin. A mosquito bite. A tiny scratch. That’s all it takes.
Still want to do downward dog next to a six-week-old puppy?
Exploiting Puppies for Profit
Bali Dogs show strong independent traits from their free-roaming background. They act as natural guards, marking their space and watching over their families. While smart and quick to learn, these dogs need patient training due to their self-reliant nature. They bond deeply with their families but may take time to warm up to strangers.
Benefits of Adopting a Bali Dog
These sessions aren’t about healing. They’re about money.
Most of these puppies are not rescued. They’re bred for business. Taken too early from their mothers. Handled by dozens of strangers every day. Forced to interact.
They are props for their, and your, social media.
And then what? What happens when they get too big, too sick, or too scared to perform? That’s the part you don’t see — and the part we deal with.
There Is a Better Way
You can connect with dogs in Bali. But do it right.
At Mission Paws’ible’s Healing Centre, we rehabilitate dogs who’ve survived neglect, abuse, illness — and yes, some who came from businesses just like this.
Every dog here:
- Is fully vaccinated
- Is loved, not exploited
- Is healing in a safe, peaceful environment
And when you visit, you’re not just playing with dogs. You’re part of something bigger.
Tourism Has Power. Use It Wisely.
If you book a puppy yoga class in Bali, you’re voting with your wallet. You’re saying “yes” to unethical breeding, to underage puppies used as entertainment, to businesses that don’t care what happens once you walk out the door.
But you can choose differently.
Ask where the dogs come from.
Ask how old they are.
Ask if they’re vaccinated.
Ask how many hours a day they’re handled.
Ask what happens when they’re no longer cute.
If you don’t get clear answers — walk away.
Don’t Mistake Cute for Kind
Bali doesn’t need more puppy yoga. Bali needs more compassion.
Support organisations that heal. That protect. That actually help animals — not use them for tourism trends. If you love dogs, you owe them more than a selfie.
