Puppy Yoga Retreat
FAQ
Where do the puppies come from?
All puppies staying at our retreat are rescue puppies. We do not buy puppies and we do not work with breeders.
We foster puppies in cooperation with animal welfare organisations in Cyprus, mainly the A.I.R.S. Foundation. and STAR – Stronger Together Animal Rescue .
Some puppies are found abandoned on the streets, outside shelters or in remote areas. Others are surrendered by local owners who can no longer or do not want to care for them.
They stay with us temporarily as foster puppies while they receive care, socialisation and prepare for their future homes.
Why are there so many rescue puppies in Cyprus?
This is one of the questions we are asked most often – especially because visitors to Cyprus rarely see large numbers of stray dogs on the streets.
Unfortunately, the reality is very different. Many dogs in Cyprus are still not neutered or spayed. Unplanned litters are common, and puppies are regularly abandoned, surrendered or found outside shelters.
Rescue organisations and shelters are often already full, but new dogs and puppies continue to arrive. Foster homes are therefore incredibly important because every puppy placed in foster care creates a little more space for another dog that needs help.
If you would like to understand more about the situation, read our article The Hidden Reality of Stray Dogs in Cyprus .
Are the puppies healthy?
The health and safety of our puppies and our guests are extremely important to us.
Our rescue puppies receive veterinary care, are vaccinated, microchipped, dewormed and treated against fleas and ticks. They are also tested for Mediterranean diseases and other relevant infectious diseases before travelling to their new homes.
If a puppy needs additional treatment, medication or veterinary care, this is organised together with our rescue partners and veterinarians.
Any known medical condition that could be relevant to a future adopter is communicated transparently during the adoption process.
Can I come to the retreat even if I don’t want to adopt a dog?
Absolutely. There is no expectation whatsoever that guests at our Puppy Yoga Retreat will adopt a dog.
Many of our guests simply love dogs but cannot have one of their own because of work, travel, housing or other circumstances.
During your stay, you can cuddle, play with, walk and spend time with our foster puppies without making any commitment to adoption.
And if you fall in love with one of them along the way, we can of course introduce you to the rescue organisation responsible for their adoption.
Can I adopt a puppy I meet at the retreat?
Yes. Some of our guests have met their future dog while staying with us.
If you develop a special connection with one of our foster puppies, let us know and we will put you in contact with the rescue organisation responsible for that puppy.
Puppy Yoga Retreat itself does not approve adoptions. The rescue organisation decides whether the dog and potential adopter are a suitable match and manages the entire official adoption process.
Please also remember that some puppies may already have a future family waiting for them, so not every puppy staying at the retreat will necessarily still be available for adoption.
How old does a puppy have to be before it can leave Cyprus?
Our puppies can travel to their new homes abroad from the age of 15 weeks at the earliest.
Puppies must be old enough to receive their rabies vaccination and the required waiting period must have passed before they are allowed to travel.
This means that falling in love with a puppy during your retreat does not necessarily mean that you can take them home on your own flight.
If the puppy is not yet old enough to travel, the rescue organisation will arrange the next steps and help organise their journey once all requirements have been met.
How does the adoption process work?
If you would like to adopt one of our foster puppies, the adoption is handled directly by the rescue organisation responsible for that dog.
The process usually begins with an adoption application or questionnaire. The organisation will then speak with you about your home, lifestyle, experience with dogs and the individual needs of the puppy.
Depending on the organisation and destination country, this may also include a video call, home check or virtual home check. Once the adoption has been approved, an adoption contract is completed and the puppy's travel can be organised.
The rescue organisation also takes care of the veterinary requirements, documentation and arrangements necessary for the puppy to travel legally to its new home.
You can read more about the adoption process directly from our partners: A.I.R.S. Foundation. and STAR – Stronger Together Animal Rescue .
How much does it cost to adopt a puppy?
The adoption fee is currently approximately €750 or £750, depending on the rescue organisation and destination country.
This fee is paid directly to the animal welfare organisation responsible for the adoption. Puppy Yoga Retreat does not receive the adoption fee and does not earn money from placing the puppies in new homes.
The adoption contribution helps the rescue organisations cover costs connected with rescuing and preparing the dogs for their new lives, including veterinary care, vaccinations, microchipping, health tests, documentation and transport.
Exact fees and travel costs can vary, so the responsible rescue organisation will always confirm the final amount with you before the adoption is completed.
What happens to the puppies when they grow up?
Our greatest hope is that every foster puppy finds a loving permanent home.
Many puppies leave us when they are around three to four months old and are ready to travel to their new families. Others may stay in foster care for longer while the right home is found.
We do not believe that a puppy should be adopted simply because somebody feels sorry for them. Finding the right long-term match is much more important than finding the fastest possible home.
If you would like to see what life can look like after Puppy Yoga Retreat, you can read Oscar's journey from a rescue puppy in Cyprus to his forever home in Germany .
Can I come with my partner if they don’t like yoga?
Of course. Participation in our yoga classes is completely optional.
Your partner can relax by the pool, explore Paphos, spend time with the puppies or simply enjoy the villa while you join a yoga session.
The retreat is about slowing down and enjoying your time in Cyprus – not following a compulsory schedule.
Can I adopt an adult rescue dog instead?
Absolutely. Puppies are wonderful, but an adult rescue dog can be an equally amazing companion.
Our animal welfare partners care for many adult dogs in Cyprus who are still waiting for their forever homes.
If you are interested in adopting an older dog, let us know. We are happy to connect you with the A.I.R.S. Foundation. or STAR – Stronger Together Animal Rescue so you can learn more about the dogs currently looking for homes.
Do I have to spend all day with the puppies?
Not at all. Both our guests and our puppies need time to rest.
You can spend time with the puppies, join yoga sessions, relax by the pool, explore Paphos or simply enjoy some quiet time on your own.
There is no pressure to participate in every activity. Your retreat should still feel like a holiday.
How can I support the rescue puppies?
You do not have to adopt a dog to make a difference.
Sharing our puppies and their stories can help them reach potential adopters. Spending time with them while they are in foster care also gives them valuable positive experiences with different people.
You can also support our animal welfare partners directly through donations, fostering or adoption.
Another way to help is by volunteering with us here in Cyprus. Our volunteers support the daily care of the foster puppies and help with many of the practical jobs that keep the retreat running.
Volunteering is very different from staying with us as a retreat guest. Puppies are adorable, but they also create a surprising amount of work. Feeding, cleaning, washing, carrying supplies and dealing with plenty of puppy mess are all part of everyday life.
If you do not mind getting your hands dirty, enjoy practical work and would genuinely like to contribute rather than simply have a holiday with puppies, volunteering can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
Find out more about the work of the A.I.R.S. Foundation. and STAR – Stronger Together Animal Rescue .
