The RSPChas been a voice for animals for two centuries, and the need for its services has only grown over time. The charity has been changing minds, laws, and industries to support and create a better world for animals and people alike. It’s work has ranged from rescuing millions of animals from harm, showing the compassion, they deserve, and becoming their voice by campaigning on their behalf.
Today, the RSPCA is embracing an innovative way to inspire change and nurture kindness. Brand X and the RSPCA have decided to launch “Paws and Pose”. This is a series of innovative puppy yoga pop-ups aimed at combating the growing epidemic of loneliness and mental health struggles amongst young Londoners. The campaign aims to be more than just a feel-good experience, calling for action to embrace real-life connections while supporting animal welfare.
The RSPCAS work is more crucial than ever and serviceslike these have become fundamental in order to help gain adoptions. More than 27 dogs a day were cruelly treated in 2022, with it being more than one every hour. The non-profit organisation is now trying to raise awareness for the sheer amount of animal abuse that goes on daily. Beyond rescue efforts the RSPCA’s committed to prevention. The charity has worked helping 40,000 young people to develop compassionate and kindness towards animals at their centre-based community education hubs,. This education is vital to creating a more compassionate society
The RSPCA however isn’t just focused on animal welfare, it cares deeply about the younger generations who are facing many challenges due to the mental health crisis. The RSPCA in collaboration with Brand X, are now stepping up to offer solutions that address both animal and human needs.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a fundamental shift with how the younger generation communicate. The mental health foundation shines a light into this crisis with over 40% of respondents aged 16-24 reporting feeling lonely and isolated often in a 2022 survey. Due to lockdowns keeping people indoors, digital platforms had become a reliance for everyday life. This digital dependence has taken a toll on mental health. Loneliness, anxiety, and depression have risen significantly among Gen Z, only being worsened by the lack of in-person interactions and the pressure to keep an online persona. The Mental Health Foundation reports that young adults are particularly vulnerable to loneliness, with those aged 18-24 experiencing it more often than any other demographic. These challenges are fuelled by the stigma surrounding mental health issues leaving many young adults feeling trapped.
For many, the solution to these mental health challenges lies in returning to simple, real-life experiences that foster connection, and promote a sense of community. That’s where “Paws and Pose” comes in.
The “Paws and Pose” campaign taps into two powerful trends: the rising popularity of yoga and the emotional uplift that comes from interacting with animals. Yoga has long been recognised for its mental health benefits, including reducing anxiety, lowering blood pressure, and promoting mindfulness. Meanwhile, research into animal-assisted activities has shown that spending time with animals can lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone), increase oxytocin (the bonding hormone), and improve overall mood Puppy yoga, therefore, offers a unique combination of physical activity, and emotional comfort. Participants can therefore enjoy the calming effects of yoga whilst receiving playful interactions from adorable puppies. It’s a win-win situation that nurtures the mind and body.
“Paws and Pose” events are being held as pop-up sessions in iconic outdoor locations across London such as Hyde Park and Primrose Hill. These beautiful, scenic locations will allow for participants to be able to unwind and reconnect with the world around them.
The most impressive thing about these pop-ups is that each session is led by a professional yoga instructor and features adoptable puppies from the RSPCA. The presence of these furry companions will bring a heartwarming event to practise transforming the atmosphere of regular yoga into something magical combing together over a shared love for animals.
“Paws and Pose” is not just about feeling good in the moment. It’s a call to action, encouraging participants to support a meaningful cause. By attending these sessions participants are directly supporting the RSPCA’s efforts to rescue and rehabilitate animals in need.
The welfare of the puppies is a top priority at “Paws and Pose” events. The RSPCA has taken extra precautions to ensure that the puppies are not placed in an overwhelming or stressful environment. A dog behaviour expert is always on sit to minimise the puppies well-being and to answer any questions about the adoption process. These experts ensure that the puppies are comfortable and happy, cremations a safe environment for both the animals and the participants. The events also serve as an opportunity to educate attendees about responsible pet ownership and the importance of adopting over buying pets.
Puppy yoga not only offer a temporary mood boost, it is also a rare opportunity to step away from the demands of daily life and experience the joy of being alive. The playfulness of the puppies will create precious moments of laughter and connection that will linger long after the session ends. For young Londoners, struggling with loneliness and mental health challenges these sessions can be a lifeline. They offer a sense of community that is often forgotten in todays digital world.
A participant of a mock trial for these pop-ups, Molly, shared her experience,
“I’ve been feeling really isolated since the pandemic, especially now with all my friends moving away and starting university in other cities. It’s honestly just been really hard to meet new people. Coming to this session was like a breath of fresh air. It made me feel like I wasn’t alone anymore. The puppies were adorable and it felt good to be in a green space.”
The “Paws and Pose” campaign is more than just a feel good initiative, its bringing about real change. It’s raising awards about the impact of small acts of kindness can have on both people and animals. By raising awareness about animal welfare and mental health, the RSPCA and Brand X are changing the community. The RSPCA’s mission has always been about more than rescuing animals, its about bringing the change that’s needed in this world through compassion and empathy. Through campaigns such as “Paws and Pose”, the charity is able to find different ways to bring people together and promote mental wellbeing.
As the campaigns launching, there’s a hope that people will be inspired to hoping or simply spread awareness that everyone can play a role for creating a better world for animals. The RSPCA collaboration with Brand X, presents the compassion that isn’t seen in London much due to the array of negativity that gets spread around. Campaigns like “Paws and Pose” really make a difference in proving that small moments of connections can lead to lasting change- one wagging tail at a time.