How to Adopt a Rescue Puppy from the 2025 Puppy Bowl

The Puppy Bowl isn't just about adorable entertainment – it's a powerful platform for promoting rescue puppy adoption nationwide. With 142 puppies from 80 shelters participating in Puppy Bowl XXI, there are countless opportunities to welcome one of these stars into your home. Here's your comprehensive guide to adopting a Puppy Bowl participant or finding your own rescue MVP.

Meet Adoptable Puppies Before Game Day

Animal Planet and Puppy Sphere have created an innovative way to meet adoptable puppies through their Rescue Puppy Yoga events. These special 90-minute sessions, available in Toronto, Chicago, Houston, and NYC, offer a unique opportunity to interact with adoptable puppies in a relaxed, welcoming environment. While enjoying a beginner-friendly yoga session and complimentary refreshments, participants can bond with puppies who may be looking for their forever homes.

The event combines wellness with purpose – 100% of net proceeds support local rescue organizations. It's a meaningful way to support animal welfare while potentially meeting your future family member. These sessions provide valuable one-on-one time with the puppies, allowing you to observe their personalities and interaction styles in a natural setting.

Finding Puppy Bowl Participants

Animal Planet partners with shelters across the country for the Puppy Bowl. Each participating organization has its own adoption process and requirements. The Puppy Bowl website will list participating shelters, making it easy to connect with organizations in your area. Even if a specific Puppy Bowl star has already found their home, these shelters have many other wonderful puppies waiting for adoption.

Preparing for Your New Family Member

Before bringing home your puppy, ensure you're fully prepared for the responsibility. Here are a few things to consider:

• Your time commitment. Puppies require significant attention, training, and exercise. Evaluate your schedule and ensure you can dedicate enough time to your new family member.
• Home setup. Create a safe, welcoming environment with appropriate supplies, including food, beds, toys, and puppy-proofing materials.
• Support system. Identify local veterinarians, trainers, and pet sitters who can support you in caring for your new puppy.
• Long-term planning. Consider the financial commitment of pet ownership, including routine veterinary care, training classes, and emergency funds.

Alternative Ways to Help

If you're not ready to adopt, there are many other ways to support Puppy Bowl participants and rescue animals:

1. Fostering. Many shelters need foster homes to prepare puppies for adoption. This temporary commitment helps socialize puppies and provides valuable information about their personalities.
2. Volunteering. Shelters always need volunteers for various tasks, from dog walking to administrative support. This can be a great way to gain experience with different breeds and personalities.
3. Donation support. Financial contributions help shelters provide medical care, food, and supplies for their rescued animals. Many organizations also welcome donations of supplies, blankets, and toys.
4. Spreading awareness. Share adoption success stories on social media, tell friends about your Rescue Puppy Yoga experience, or help promote local shelter events.

Taking the Next Steps

Whether you're ready to adopt or just beginning to explore the possibility, start by attending a Rescue Puppy Yoga session or visiting your local shelter. These firsthand experiences will help you understand what to expect and determine if you're ready for the commitment of pet adoption.

Even if you're not ready to adopt right away, don't forget to tune in to Puppy Bowl XXI on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at 2 PM ET / 11 AM PT on Animal Planet or stream it on discovery+. The three-hour event showcases the incredible journeys of these rescue puppies, from their shelter beginnings to their moments of gridiron glory.

Meet the author

Emily Balock

Animal Welfare Account Manager, Puppy Sphere

Emily oversees animal welfare at Puppy Sphere and sets the welfare standards our studios follow. More about Emily.