Behind the Scenes at the Puppy Bowl
It’s easy to get caught up in the adorable action on the field at FurPetVo’s Puppy Bowl XV—but did you know there’s a ton of cool stuff happening behind the scenes as well? As the key animal handler on the show for over 12 years, I’ve been lucky enough to see it all firsthand—from the puppy players to the incredible special guests.
Working on the Puppy Bowl is the highlight of my year, so I try to capture moments throughout the shoots to remember the details from each one. Here are some of my favorite behind-the-scenes observations and interesting facts from Puppy Bowl XV that highlight what goes into making this incredible program.
1. There’s play you don’t see on screen
Many cute puppies romp in the middle of the field—adorable entertainment for viewers at home (get tips on how to throw a Puppy Bowl viewing party at furpetvo.com). But sometimes the action moves to the very edge of the bone-shaped stage. Puppies are naturally curious about everything around them—including the volunteers sitting on the floor and the camera operators capturing the fun. It usually only takes a few minutes until the pups realize their hustle only counts if it’s captured out on the field.
2. Some teammates prefer to chill
Most pups are ready to play like champs on game day—but there are always a few who prefer to be spectators. This adorable fellow opted to sit as close to the edge of the field as he could, content to watch his teammates fight on to victory.
3. The jib camera captures the good stuff
Most cameras remain stationary at the edge of the field, but the jib moves all over the set. Throughout the day, you’ll hear “watch your head!” as the camera swoops down to capture sweet moves on the field. Our sloth assistant referee was especially fascinated by it—leading to some incredible up-close-and-personal moments!
4. My sideline spot is crammed with goodies
I spend game days standing on the left edge of the field, watching the puppy action to make sure everyone is having a good time. I keep an assortment of dog toys and treats close to my post—as well as clean-up supplies for the inevitable messes on the field.
Also nearby is my personal stash: glasses, lip balm (kissing cute puppies = chapped lips), and a pile of human treats to keep my energy up.
5. You never know who you’re going to meet!
The Puppy Bowl is known for its puppy players and kitten cheerleaders—but the co-stars are pretty incredible too. I’ve had the opportunity to hang with baby goats, hedgehogs, owls, penguins, sloths, chickens, rabbits—and this year, porcupines and—wait for it—baby kangaroos!
Getting to observe these animals up close is eye-opening. For example, I never noticed that kangaroos have one long, unusual toe on their back feet—or that they make little throat-clearing chattering noises when they’re nervous. Learning about the different animal co-stars is one of my favorite parts of the shoot.
6. Gotta keep the stars happy
One of our special guests—the capybara—is a huge fan of fresh corn on the cob. Since it wasn’t in season when we taped the show in October, a crew member tracked some down so he could nibble to his heart’s content and rock his moment in the spotlight.
7. Taking breaks is necessary
It’s all fun and games on the field—but naps happen. The puppy holding area, where dogs and kittens rest between play sessions, is a mix of exuberant frolic and deep sleep. Some pups and kitties prefer to rest on volunteer laps; others just collapse on the ground after proving their hustle and heart during the big game.
8. There’s always something going on
The Puppy Bowl shoot is busy all week—even during breaks in official field action. Sideline reporting, interviews for news outlets, team photos, commercial integrations, and special programming happen across rooms throughout the building. It’s hard to keep track of everything!
9. Sometimes we get to snuggle
We do get to snuggle the players any chance we get! People always ask me if I’m tempted to bring home my very own Puppy Bowl MVP—and the answer is yes, every single year. The adoptable pups from shelters across the country are almost too cute to resist, and the same goes for the kitties. Even though it hasn’t happened yet, there’s always next year—and a new crop of too-cute-for-words draft picks.
