Say “awwwwww!” It’s almost time for PUPPY BOWL XVI

The cutest wittle competition in sports, PUPPY BOWL, returns to Animal Planet on Sunday, Feb. 2 at 3 p.m. ET/noon PT for non-stop football action and a TV adoption event. This year’s adoptable puppy players on #TeamRuff and #TeamFluff celebrate a ‘Sweet 16’ extravaganza and dig deep in their quest to win the CHEWY “Lombarky” trophy at GEICO stadium. This year, Canadian talent is repped on the field when Hamilton’s own Lucca, a miniature pinscher-chihuahua mix, joins Team Fluff’s starting lineup. On game day, Animal Planet’s annual adoption extravaganza kicks off with the “tail” gate party – the PUPPY BOWL PRE-GAME SHOW – at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT, featuring “aww-nalysis” and cuddly commentary from sports correspondents James Hound, Rodt Weiler, and Sheena Inu serving up the pre-game breakdown. The competitive canines will conduct their pre-game rituals from the PUPPY BOWL locker room, which includes an all-new locker room webcam. Adoptable Canadian PUPPY BOWL XVI ambassadors from the Toronto Humane Society recently stopped by Bell Media Studios to help hype up Sunday’s big game! Check out some behind-the-scenes photos of the pups on home turf:

 

 

 

 

  But before the big day, Animal Planet’s mature canine competition PUPPY BOWL PRESENTS: THE DOG BOWL returns for a one-hour paw-tastic match for adult and senior dogs living in rescues and shelters. Hosted by award-winning animal advocate Jill Rappaport, the third annual fan favourite event premieres on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 8 p.m. ET. Viewers can gear up for the match with an all-new episode of PIT BULLS AND PAROLEES at noon ET, where host Tia gets some of her rescues ready for their performance at THE DOG BOWL. Leading up to PUPPY BOWL XVI, viewers can visit Animal Planet’s PUPPY BOWL homepage for digital extras such as “Cutest Puppy Moments” to an awwwwsome short from TSN’s Jay and Dan. All of the precious puppies featured in Animal Planet’s PUPPY BOWL XVI come from SPCAs, shelters, and pet rescue centres from across North America. Canadian viewers interested in adopting from a shelter in their area can visit a local SPCA for more information. About PUPPY BOWL XVI For the ninth consecutive year, fan-favourite “Rufferee” Dan Schachner returns to call the pooch penalties, furry fumbles, and terrier touchdowns. During half-time, award-winning animal advocate and television correspondent, Jill Rappaport introduces “Pup Close and Personal” segments, highlighting heartwarming stories of the adorable athletes. The in-depth “Pup Close and Personal” profiles this season include puppy adoption advocate Whitney Cummings who has teamed up with Love Leo Rescue in Los Angeles and picked Jack, a Chihuahua mix for game day; Lucca, a Chihuahua/Miniature Pinscher mix from Texas Chihuahua Rescue , and Sol, a Chihuahua/Border Collie mix. For PUPPY BOWL XVI, Animal Planet worked with 61 animal shelters and rescue organizations to fill the #TeamRuff and #TeamFluff rosters with 96 adoptable players for the annual puppy pileup – the most puppies and shelters in PUPPY BOWL history.