Brownsville shelter announces yoga sessions with puppies, kittens

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The Brownsville Animal Regulation and Care Center is launching Puppy/Kitten Yoga, a new initiative aimed at providing a relaxing experience while promoting pet adoptions. (Courtesy: City of Brownsville)

The Brownsville Animal Regulation and Care Center is launching a new initiative aimed at providing a relaxing experience while promoting pet adoptions.

BARCC’s Puppy/Kitten Yoga invites the community to enjoy yoga sessions while playful puppies and kittens roam around, the city said in a news release. Participants will enjoy the calming benefits of yoga, which is being led by experienced instructors, while being able to interact with the animals.

The animal shelter hopes the interactive event will raise awareness of pet adoption and foster care to help many puppies and kittens find their forever families.

“Our goal with Puppy/Kitten Yoga is to offer a joyful experience for participants while raising awareness about adoption and fostering,” BARCC Deputy Director of Health, Wellness and Animal Services Dr. Antonio Caldwell said in the release. “Each of these puppies and kittens has their own story, and we’re hoping this event helps connect them with people who can provide them with the love and care they deserve.”

A female pit bull up for adoption investigates the dog park Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the Brownsville Animal Regulation & Care Center. (Denise Cathey/The Brownsville Herald)

The yoga class will be held on Sept. 21 at 11 a.m. at the Gonzalez Gym, located at 34 Tony Gonzalez Drive. The class will be accessible for everyone as it’s open to all yoga experience levels. Adoption or fostering isn’t required as the city says the event offers a unique opportunity to relax while giving back to the community.

Those interested in adopting, the fee for a puppy or kitten is $49, which includes vaccinations, spaying or neutering and microchipping.

Additionally, the city said there will be more yoga sessions scheduled through the end of the year. The next sessions are scheduled for Oct. 12, Nov. 16 and Dec. 14.

“Adopting a puppy or kitten from a shelter means giving them the love and care they deserve while gaining a loyal friend who will fill your home with happiness,” Public Health Director Dr. Arturo Rodriguez said in the release.

For more information regarding adopting, fostering, volunteering, or donating, the city encourages those to visit BTXBARCC.COM.