The hottest new animal yoga class in Portland doesn’t involve goats, kittens or puppies.
It’s all about snakes.
HISSS, a reptile shop that opened in August, is hosting regular snake yoga classes in its lobby that invite attendees to “uncoil your body and quiet your mind.”
A typical class features four snakes — including corn snakes, ball pythons and red‑tailed boas — plus a few other reptiles that might make guest appearances. (In December, that included Miso the bearded dragon, though an Argentine black‑and‑white tegu and an Aldabra tortoise are also regulars.)
“It’s a really positive experience, and it’s very transformative,” said yoga instructor Katy Vanek. “Snakes make you confront a fear factor. It can be challenging because there’s an animal that sometimes makes people feel uncomfortable or is misunderstood. They remind you of fears and challenges you can overcome.”
Space is tight in the shop’s lobby, which fits up to 14 participants. The class is open to all ages and experience levels. The one‑hour session costs $30 and includes use of a provided mat.
“A lot of people are excited and nervous,” said HISSS owner Dru Morales. “There are a lot of people that come here to get over their fear of snakes, so that’s very amazing and incredible that we have the opportunity to help them with that.”
HISSS sells supplies for reptile owners, operates a pet hotel, and typically has a variety of snakes, lizards, geckos and tortoises for sale. The space is also available for birthday parties and private events, and Morales has plans for trivia nights, bingo, “paint and sip” evenings, and, of course, more snake yoga.
“I’m all about fostering curiosity and really getting everyone of all ages inspired and curious about all of the creepy crawlers,” Morales said.
Vanek has been teaching yoga for more than 15 years and has led animal‑themed classes with puppies, kittens and goats. But when Morales reached out to her about snake yoga, she wasn’t so sure. Then she visited the shop, where she held Diana, a ball python.
“She just made me feel so grounded, and I felt so comfortable,” Vanek said. “I was expecting a wriggly snake and, no, she’s just so relaxed. If you told me this three, four months ago, I’d be like, ‘Really? I don’t know about that.’ But it’s changed my mind. It’s changed my heart in so many ways.”
During December’s yoga class, a trio of “snake handlers” moved among participants, gently redirecting snakes that wandered and occasionally placing them on people.
“These animals are never forced on you,” Morales said. “We always ensure they’re comfortable and you’re comfortable.”
Evy Hall, owner of PDX Critters, brought Jewels, her 3‑year‑old coastal carpet python. Jewels is a regular at birthday parties, educational events and the Portland Night Market.
“A lot of people actually keep snakes as emotional support animals because it kind of feels like they’re giving you a hug,” Hall said. “I think it’s just the feeling of their muscles moving, and they just love to explore and wrap around. It’s a really interesting experience having a snake crawl all over you.”
Snakes hear primarily by detecting vibrations through their jawbones. In one exercise, Vanek led the class in a steady hum, asking them to “put your vibration out there so they can hear you a little bit more.”
Snakes make surprisingly capable yoga partners. For one, they’re flexible, but they’re also slow and methodical in their movements.
“The snakes are just so calm,” said Megan Caldwell, who attended with her 12‑year‑old son, Cameron. “It was really cool to have them just wandering, and to have some of the leaders place them on us so we could experience them and get to know them.”
The snakes are smooth, like a slow, firm muscle.
“I feel like snakes are very intentional,” said attendee Sam Pennypacker. “They move slowly and deliberately, and it matches what this class is all about.”
The snakes slithered and weaved among the participants.
“They’re very grounding. It’s almost like a weighted blanket,” Morales said. “To feel them choose you and embody your energy — most of the time we’re grabbing cats or dogs and holding them. Here, they’re almost grabbing us.”
IF YOU GO: HISSS, 2106 N.E. MLK Blvd., is open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. The next snake yoga classes are on Feb. 8 and Feb. 21. A Sip & Paint night will be 7 p.m. Jan. 29; tickets are $20. Register for events at hisssthereptileshop.com.
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