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The Puppy Bowl 2023 adoption event offers an incredible opportunity to find your perfect four-legged companion. Hundreds of adorable puppies from local shelters will be available for loving families. We at DogingtonPost have compiled everything you need to know about the adoption process. From preparation tips to required documentation, this guide will help you navigate your puppy adoption journey successfully. What Makes the Puppy Bowl 2023 Special Record-Breaking Participation Numbers The Puppy Bowl 2023 event stands as the largest adoption showcase in the event’s 19-year history. Animal Planet features 122 adoptable puppies from 67 shelters and rescue organizations across the United States and the Caribbean. The event has achieved a remarkable perfect record, which makes this your best opportunity to find a companion while you support shelter animals. This year includes 11 special needs puppies, such as a deaf Dalmatian and a sight- and hearing-impaired dog mix (these dogs prove that every puppy deserves a loving home regardless of physical challenges). How the Adoption Process Actually Works Animal Planet pre-tapes the Puppy Bowl weeks before it airs on February 12, 2023. Many featured puppies may already have homes by broadcast time. Interested adopters must contact shelters directly through Animal Planet’s website rather than wait for the show to air. Each shelter handles its own adoption process, with fees that typically range from $200 to $600 (these fees cover spaying, neutering, and vaccinations). The ASPCA reports that approximately 5.8 million dogs and cats enter U.S. shelters annually, which makes events like this vital for shelter population reduction and euthanasia prevention. Strategic Adoption Approach Try to apply to three to five shelters simultaneously to maximize your chances, as demand for featured puppies often exceeds availability. Most shelters require extensive documentation that includes veterinary references, proof of housing, and personal references before they approve adoptions. Shelters may conduct home visits to check for safety hazards. Adoption fees fund ongoing veterinary care and rescue operations at these organizations. Now that you understand what makes this event special and how the process works, you need to prepare your home and gather the right supplies before you bring your new puppy home. Essential Supplies and Home Preparation Stock Up on Day-One Essentials Purchase these items at least one week before pickup: a properly sized collar with ID tags, a 6-foot leash, food and water bowls made from stainless steel or ceramic, and age-appropriate puppy food that the shelter recommends. Buy a crate that allows your puppy to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably but not so large that accidents become likely in one corner. Pet stores report that new puppy owners spend an average of $2,127 on initial costs including adoption fees, medical care and supplies, but you can reduce costs when you buy essentials first and add toys gradually. Schedule Veterinary Care Early Book a veterinary appointment within 72 hours of adoption since puppies need health checkups and vaccination schedules that continue from shelter care. Most veterinarians recommend wellness visits every 2-4 weeks until puppies reach 16 weeks old. These appointments track growth, address behavioral concerns, and establish preventive care routines that protect your puppy’s long-term health. Transform Your Home Into a Safe Space Remove electrical cords, small objects that pose choking hazards, toxic plants like lilies and azaleas, and household chemicals from puppy-accessible areas. Install baby gates to restrict access to stairs and certain rooms while your puppy adapts to house rules. The American Veterinary Medical Association states that puppy-proofing prevents 60% of common household accidents during the first month of ownership. Establish Feeding and Sleep Routines Set up feeding stations away from high-traffic areas and establish consistent meal times at 7 AM, noon, and 5 PM for puppies under six months old. Create a designated sleeping area with comfortable bedding in a quiet corner where your puppy can retreat when overwhelmed by new surroundings. Consistent routines help puppies adjust faster and reduce anxiety during their transition period. Once you have your supplies ready and your home prepared, you can focus on understanding the specific adoption requirements and procedures that shelters use during the Bowl 2023 event. How Do You Actually Apply and Adopt Submit Your Application Before the Event Start your adoption application process immediately after Animal Planet announces the participating shelters rather than wait for the broadcast date. Each of the participating shelters maintains separate application systems with different requirements and timelines. Most shelters require completed applications that include your housing situation, previous pet ownership history, veterinary references from the past five years, and personal references who can verify your ability to care for a pet. Submit applications to multiple shelters since popular puppies receive dozens of applications within hours of the taping (shelters typically respond to applications within 24-48 hours, but high-demand periods can extend response times to one week). Schedule Meet and Greet Sessions Strategically Approved applicants receive invitations to meet specific puppies based on their lifestyle preferences and housing situations that shelters match during the screening process. These sessions last 15-30 minutes and allow you to interact with puppies in controlled environments where shelter staff observe compatibility factors like energy levels, size preferences, and behavioral responses. Bring all family members and existing pets to these meetings since shelters require approval from everyone in your household before they finalize adoptions. Most shelters charge adoption fees that cover spaying, neutering, microchipping, and initial vaccinations (payment is due at the time of adoption through cash, check, or credit card). Gather Required Documentation and Complete Adoption Bring photo identification, proof of housing such as a lease agreement or mortgage statement, and contact information for your chosen veterinarian to complete the adoption process. Shelters conduct final home visits for applicants who adopt special needs puppies or first-time dog owners to verify safe living conditions. The entire process from application approval to taking your puppy home typically takes 3-7 days, depending on documentation verification and scheduling availability. Shelters provide complete medical records, feeding instructions, and behavioral assessments to help your puppy transition successfully to their new environment. Final Thoughts The Puppy Bowl 2023 adoption process demands advance preparation, proper documentation, and realistic expectations about competition levels. You must apply to multiple shelters immediately after they announce participation and prepare your home with essential supplies. Complete application requirements include veterinary references and housing verification that shelters review before they approve adoptions. Your new puppy represents a 10-15 year commitment that involves daily exercise, regular veterinary care, and consistent training. Special needs puppies require additional medical attention and specialized care plans that shelters provide during the adoption process. The CDC reports that dog ownership improves mental health and increases physical activity levels among owners (which makes this commitment beneficial for both you and your new companion). Success depends on how well you match your lifestyle with the right puppy’s energy level and care requirements. We at DogingtonPost provide expert guidance for new puppy owners who need practical solutions during their first months of pet ownership. Our platform offers comprehensive resources that cover dog health, nutrition, and training advice for responsible pet owners.

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