The Puppy Bowl XXI, held on February 9, 2025, was the biggest and most exciting one yet! It brought together 142 adorable puppy bowl adoptable dogs 2025 from 80 shelters across 40 states and two countries, all looking for loving homes.
But the Puppy Bowl isn’t just about cute puppies playing—it’s about giving rescue dogs a second chance. Every year, all the puppies in the game get adopted, and even more shelter animals find homes because of the awareness it creates. Some of these puppies have had tough beginnings, but thanks to events like this, they get the chance to be part of a family.
This guide will walk you through how to adopt a Puppy Bowl dog, what to do if your favorite pup is already taken, and other ways you can help. Even if you’re not looking to adopt, you can still foster, donate, volunteer, or spread the word. Every small effort helps rescue animals find the love and care they deserve!
Understanding the Puppy Bowl and Its Mission
The Puppy Bowl isn’t just a fun game—it helps rescue puppies find loving homes. But how does it work, and why does it matter? Let’s find out!
History and Purpose
- The Puppy Bowl has been running for 21 years and has a 100% adoption rate, meaning every puppy finds a forever home.
- It raises awareness about rescuing shelter animals, including special needs dogs that often get overlooked.
- The event also helps animal shelters and rescues by showing how amazing these adoptable pups are.
2025 Highlights
- This year featured 11 special needs puppies, including:
- Jolene – A pit bull mix using a wheelchair, showing how dogs can thrive with mobility aids.
- Sprinkle – A blind and hearing-impaired Australian shepherd mix, proving that special needs pups are just as playful.
- Some unique breeds made history:
- Julep – The first St. Bernard mix to ever play in the Puppy Bowl.
- Smoosh – The only Pekingese in Puppy Bowl history, stealing hearts with a fluffy face.
- Over 100 puppies from 70+ shelters and rescues competed in this fun, feel-good event.
Puppy Bowl Adoptable Dogs 2025
The Puppy Bowl XXI, held on February 9, 2025, featured an incredible lineup of 142 puppies from 80 shelters across 40 states and two countries. These adorable pups showcased their energy, playfulness, and heartwarming stories while competing for touchdowns—and more importantly, finding loving homes.
Standout Puppy Bowl 2025 Stars
- Paws Allen (Labrador Retriever mix) – Scored the final touchdown for Team Fluff, leading them to a 68-66 win.
- Foxtrot (Border Collie mix) – Won the Most Valuable Puppy (MVP) award for amazing skills on the field.
- Julep (St. Bernard mix) – The first St. Bernard mix to play in Puppy Bowl, representing the Kentucky Humane Society.
- Smoosh (Pekingese) – The only Pekingese ever to play in Puppy Bowl, known for his adorable face and determination.
- Jolene (Pit Bull mix) – A wheelchair-using pup who showed her strength and spirit.
- Sprinkle (Australian Shepherd mix) – A blind and hearing-impaired pup who proved that special needs dogs can do anything!
- Otter (Golden Retriever mix) – A water-loving pup who was a natural on the field.
- Tater Tot (Bulldog mix) – Known for his cute waddle and playful tackles.
How to Adopt a Puppy Bowl Dog?
Want to bring home a Puppy Bowl star? Every puppy in the event is from a shelter or rescue, and they’re all looking for loving homes. Here’s how you can adopt one (or another deserving pup from the same shelter!):
Step 1: Research Participating Shelters
- 80 shelters and rescues from all over the U.S. and Canada took part in Puppy Bowl 2025.
- You can find a full list of these shelters on the official Puppy Bowl website.
- Even if a specific Puppy Bowl pup has already been adopted, these shelters have many other wonderful dogs waiting for homes.
- Many shelters also rescue special needs pets, senior dogs, and bonded pairs looking for a second chance.
Step 2: Understand Adoption Requirements
Every shelter has its own process, but most require:
- An adoption application with basic details about you and your home.
- Home checks to make sure your space is safe for a new pet.
- References (from a vet, landlord, or previous pet owners, if applicable).
- Proof of ability to care for a pet—some shelters may ask about your work schedule, lifestyle, or experience with dogs.
- Preparing essentials like food, toys, a comfy bed, and a safe space before bringing your puppy home.
- Adoption fees (usually between $50–$500, depending on the shelter and the puppy’s medical care).
Step 3: Visit Shelters or Adoption Events
- Meet adoptable puppies in person to see which one connects with you!
- Attend special adoption events where shelters bring puppies to public spaces.
- Try Rescue Puppy Yoga in cities like Toronto, Chicago, Houston, and NYC—a fun way to play with puppies and maybe find your new best friend.
- Ask shelter staff about each puppy’s personality, needs, and energy level to find the best match for your lifestyle.
Step 4: Complete the Adoption Process
- Fill out the adoption application and submit any necessary documents.
- Be ready for a short interview or home visit from shelter staff.
- If approved, finalize the paperwork and pay the adoption fee.
- Bring your new puppy home and give them lots of love!
Want to get started? Visit your local shelter or check out the Puppy Bowl adoption page to find your perfect pup!
Preparing for Your New Puppy
Getting ready for a new puppy is exciting! Here’s what you need to do before bringing them home:
Home Setup
- Set up a safe space for your puppy with a bed or crate where they can feel comfortable.
- Puppy-proof your home by moving anything dangerous, like cords or small objects they might chew.
- Stock up on the basics:
- Food and water bowls
- Puppy food
- Toys to keep them busy
- Collar, leash, and ID tags for safety
- Grooming supplies like a brush and shampoo
Time and Financial Commitment
- Puppies need a lot of training, exercise, and socialization to grow up well-behaved.
- You’ll need to spend time on house training and teaching them commands.
- Plan for costs, including:
- Vet checkups
- Training classes
- Emergency medical care if needed
Support System
- Find a veterinarian for regular checkups and vaccinations.
- Look for trainers or puppy classes to help with behavior.
- Know who to call for pet sitting or dog walking when you need extra help.
With a little planning, you’ll be ready for a happy puppy!
Alternative Ways to Support Puppy Bowl Dogs
Not ready to adopt? You can still make a difference in a shelter dog’s life. Here’s how:
Foster a Puppy
- Give a puppy a temporary home while they wait for adoption.
- Help them get used to living in a house and being around people.
- Most shelters provide food and vet care—you just give love and care.
Volunteer at a Shelter
- Walk dogs, play with them, and help them feel safe and happy.
- Assist at adoption events by setting up, greeting visitors, or handling puppies.
- Help shelters with simple tasks like cleaning, office work, or taking photos of adoptable dogs.
Donate Supplies or Money
- Shelters always need food, blankets, toys, and grooming supplies.
- Donations help pay for medical care, vaccinations, and shelter improvements.
- Some shelters let you sponsor a puppy, covering their care until they find a home.
Spread the Word
- Share adoption stories and Puppy Bowl highlights online.
- Tell friends and family about dogs looking for homes.
- Promote local adoption events and fundraisers in your area.
Even if you can’t adopt, these small actions can help puppies find loving homes.
Watching and Celebrating the Puppy Bowl
The Puppy Bowl is more than just a game—it’s a fun way to celebrate rescue dogs! Want to know how to watch and make the most of the event? Let’s dive in!
How to Watch?
- Aired on February 9, 2025, at 2 PM ET / 11 AM PT.
- Broadcast on Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV, Max, and Discovery+.
- Available for streaming on Discovery+ and Max after the initial broadcast.
Engaging with the Event
- Host a Puppy Bowl viewing party with snacks, decorations, and fun activities.
- Play themed games, like puppy trivia or a prediction contest.
- Organize a donation drive for local shelters, collecting food, blankets, or toys.
- Vote online for your favorite puppy to be crowned “Most Pupular”.
Whether watching with friends, family, or even your own pets, the Puppy Bowl is a great way to celebrate rescue dogs and support animal adoption!
Conclusion
Adopting a Puppy Bowl dog is a wonderful way to give a rescue puppy a happy and loving home. But even if you can’t adopt, there are still plenty of ways to help shelter dogs in need.
Final Thoughts
- Think about adopting a rescue puppy. Many of these dogs have had a tough start in life and just need a family to love them. When you adopt, you’re giving them a second chance.
- If adoption isn’t an option, you can still help by fostering a puppy, volunteering at a shelter, or donating supplies like food, blankets, and toys. Even sharing adoption stories online can help dogs find homes.
- The Puppy Bowl is more than just a fun event. It raises awareness about the importance of pet adoption and shows how amazing shelter dogs are. Every puppy in the game represents thousands of others still waiting for a family.
No matter how you choose to help, you’re making a difference in the lives of rescue animals. Every act of kindness brings them closer to finding a loving home!
Pet trainer with a passion for helping animals and owners build strong, loving bonds through positive reinforcement and expert care.
