The cutest part of Super Bowl Sunday is almost here!
The Puppy Bowl, the longest-running call-to-adoption television event, returns for its 22nd year. This year’s matchup features a record 150 dogs from 72 shelters across the U.S., Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands.
The cuddly canines and spirited mutts making up Team Fluff and Team Ruff will battle for the coveted Lombarky Trophy, while also playing up for the cameras in hopes of finding their forever home.
And for the first time, the Puppy Bowl will spotlight senior dogs in a special halftime exhibition game between Team Oldies and Team Goldies.
Here’s what to know to tune in.
What day is the Puppy Bowl?
The 22nd Puppy Bowl takes place Feb. 8.
When does the Puppy Bowl start?
The Puppy Bowl starts at 2 p.m. ET. The event airs until 5 p.m. ET.
What channel is the Puppy Bowl?
You can watch the Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS and truTV.
Puppy Bowl 2026 streaming
The Puppy Bowl is available to stream on HBO Max and Discovery+.
How does the Puppy Bowl work?
The dogs are split into two teams, Team Fluff and Team Ruff, and they compete on a carpet designed to look like a football field. They score touchdowns by crossing any goal line with a toy in their mouth.
According to ESPN, each dog is given a nickname, such as “Slick Rick” or “J-Paw,” and a specialty, like “Epic end zone dance.”
How many people watch the Puppy Bowl?
Last year, 12.8 million viewers tuned into the Puppy Bowl, ESPN reported. The event’s audience has more than doubled. The inaugural Puppy Bowl was watched by nearly 6 million viewers, per ESPN.
Are the puppies in the Puppy Bowl up for adoption? How to adopt Puppy Bowl dogs
Yes. Viewers can adopt one of the competing puppies by visiting PuppyBowl.com, which connects them with the dog’s shelter. Viewers can then inquire directly with the shelter about how to adopt the dog. “You gotta act fast,” Puppy Bowl referee Dan Schachner told USA TODAY. There’s a 100% adoption rate, he said.
Where is the Puppy Bowl filmed?
In previous years, the Puppy Bowl was filmed in Glen Falls, N.Y. after reclocating to Cool Insuring Arena.
When was the first Puppy Bowl?
The Puppy Bowl debuted in 2005.
USA TODAY reporter Steve Gardner contributed.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: What time is Puppy Bowl 2026? Can you adopt the dogs? What to know
Reporting by Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
