Puppy Bowl 2025: Date, Time, Channels, And 7 Shocking New Records For Puppy Bowl XXI
Get ready for the most adorable sporting event of the year! As of today, December 22, 2025, the official date for the 21st annual Puppy Bowl—dubbed Puppy Bowl XXI—is confirmed to air on Super Bowl Sunday, bringing a record-breaking number of rescue animals to the field. This year’s event is not just a pre-game show; it’s a massive call-to-adoption, showcasing 142 adoptable puppies from 80 shelters across 40 states and two countries, making it the biggest lineup in Puppy Bowl history.
The Puppy Bowl is the original and longest-running call-to-adoption event in television history, designed to raise massive awareness for animal rescue and pet adoption nationwide. Whether you're a fan of Team Ruff or Team Fluff, this guide has all the essential, up-to-date information on the schedule, where to watch, and all the new segments for the 2025 showdown.
Puppy Bowl XXI: The Essential Game Day Roster
Before kickoff, here is the complete, confirmed schedule and broadcast information for the 2025 Puppy Bowl.
- Event Name: Puppy Bowl XXI
- Date: Sunday, February 9, 2025
- Start Time (Kickoff): 2:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) / 11:00 AM Pacific Time (PT)
- Duration: The main event is a three-hour broadcast.
- Broadcast Channels (Simulcast): Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, TBS, and truTV.
- Streaming Services: Discovery+ and Max (formerly HBO Max).
- Pre-Game Show: The new "Puppy Combine" pre-show will air before the game, showcasing all the adoptable pets.
Meet the Hosts and Commentators
The human element of the Puppy Bowl ensures the rules are followed and the action is called with excitement. The 2025 event will feature a familiar face and a dynamic commentary team.
- Referee and Host: Dan Schachner, the event's longtime referee, will return to host and keep the puppy players in line.
- Play-by-Play Commentators: Sports commentators Steve Levy and Taylor Rooks will provide the play-by-play commentary for the matchup, bringing their professional sports analysis to the canine field.
7 Record-Breaking Details That Make Puppy Bowl XXI a Must-Watch
The 21st annual Puppy Bowl is setting new records and introducing new features that make it the most significant event in its history. This is more than just a game; it's a massive, multi-faceted adoption drive.
1. The Biggest Roster Ever: 142 Puppy Players
Puppy Bowl XXI will feature an unprecedented 142 rescue puppies competing for the coveted "Lombarky" trophy. This is the largest cohort of canine competitors ever assembled for the event, ensuring a high-energy, three-hour showdown between Team Ruff and Team Fluff.
2. A Record 80 Rescue Organizations from 40 States
The puppies hail from a record-breaking 80 different shelters and rescue organizations across 40 states and two countries. This expansive network highlights the event's mission to support local animal rescue efforts nationwide.
3. The Special Needs Squad: 11 Puppy Players
In a heartwarming move, the 2025 lineup includes 11 puppies with special needs, further emphasizing the importance of adopting all animals, regardless of their condition. This includes players who are deaf or have physical disabilities, showcasing their playful personalities.
4. The New "Puppy Combine" Pre-Show
For the first time, fans will be treated to a "Puppy Combine," a pre-game show that will introduce all the adoptable pets and likely feature adorable tests of skill and agility before the main event.
5. The Return of the Kitty Half-Time Show in New Orleans
The beloved Kitty Half-Time Show is confirmed to return, with the feline festivities heading to New Orleans. This segment gives kittens their moment in the spotlight, promoting the adoption of rescue cats and providing a purr-fect break from the puppy action.
6. The "Most Pupular" Competition
A new fan-voted segment, "Most Pupular," will feature 16 starting lineup players competing for the title. Fans can follow the competition and vote for their favorite puppy to win the ultimate popularity contest.
7. Massive Adoption Impact: The Best Friends Partnership
The Puppy Bowl's primary goal is adoption. In celebration of Puppy Bowl XXI, Animal Planet partnered with Best Friends Animal Society to cover adoption fees for all Best Friends pets during the event's run, resulting in 283 animals being adopted. This partnership demonstrates the immediate, tangible impact of the show.
How the Puppy Bowl Supports Animal Rescue Entities
The Puppy Bowl is a powerful platform for animal rescue, generating awareness and support for numerous organizations. By featuring puppies from diverse backgrounds, the event shines a spotlight on the tireless work of shelters across the country.
Key Participating Rescue Entities and Organizations
While 80 organizations are participating, the event relies on the dedication of key partners, including national and local shelters. The following entities are confirmed to be involved in Puppy Bowl XXI:
- Best Friends Animal Society (National Partner)
- Helen Woodward Animal Center (California)
- Louie's Legacy Animal Rescue (New York)
- Connecticut Humane Society (Connecticut)
- DAWS (Danbury Animal Welfare Society, Connecticut)
- The Feline Connection (Kitten Half-Time Show Partner)
- The 80 Total Shelters (Spanning 40 U.S. States and Two Countries)
Every puppy featured in the game—from the tiniest Chihuahua mix to the largest Great Pyrenees—is a rescue animal, and every single one is already adopted or will be available for adoption through their respective shelter. The event's consistent success has made it a crucial part of the pet adoption landscape, helping to connect shelters with potential adopters and volunteers across all 40 represented states.
If you're considering adding a new member to your family, watching Puppy Bowl XXI is the perfect opportunity to see the incredible variety of adoptable dogs available and to find a local shelter near you. Tune in on Sunday, February 9, 2025, to witness the biggest, cutest, and most impactful Puppy Bowl yet!
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