Puppy Bowl XXII, the annual televised event promoting pet adoption, airs today featuring a record 150 rescue dogs from 72 shelters across North America. This year’s lineup highlights the adorable participants from various rescues, with the goal of finding them forever homes through increased visibility and viewer engagement.
The event, scheduled for February 8, 2026, at 1 p.m. CT on Animal Planet and other networks, includes puppies from shelters in states like Iowa, where four dogs from AHeinz57 Pet Rescue are set to compete. These Iowa-based puppies—Asiago, Boopsie, Dendelion, and Atticus—represent a mix of breeds and will join either Team Ruff or Team Fluff in a playful football-like game. All participants are adoptable, and their profiles are being showcased to encourage adoptions nationwide.
Puppy Bowl XXII marks the 22nd edition of this heartwarming tradition, which runs concurrently with the Super Bowl and has consistently raised awareness for animal rescue. The show features a three-hour broadcast with a pregame show starting at noon CT, simulcast on Discovery, TBS, truTV, HBO Max, and discovery+. Referee Dan Schachner returns for his 15th year, adding to the event’s familiar charm and continuity.
Beyond the cuteness, the Puppy Bowl serves a critical purpose: highlighting the importance of adopting from shelters and rescues. With over 120 puppies previously featured and many successfully adopted after the show, this year’s expanded roster from 72 shelters underscores the growing reach and impact of the initiative. Shelters from Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands are also represented, emphasizing the event’s inclusive and widespread appeal.
The lineup includes dogs of various ages and breeds, with some having special needs, showcasing the diversity of adoptable pets. For the first time, older dogs are getting spotlighted in a halftime showdown, broadening the message that all animals deserve loving homes. This innovation aligns with the event’s evolving focus on comprehensive animal welfare and adoption advocacy.
Viewers can engage beyond watching, as local events like watch parties in Des Moines offer opportunities to meet Puppy Bowl alumni and support rescue efforts. The combination of entertainment and education makes the Puppy Bowl a unique platform that blends sports parody with serious social impact, fostering community involvement and charitable contributions.
As the event unfolds today, the anticipated outcome is a surge in adoption inquiries and heightened awareness for participating shelters. The Puppy Bowl’s legacy continues to grow, not just as a television spectacle, but as a powerful catalyst for change in animal rescue, inspiring viewers to consider adoption and support local shelters long after the game ends.
