How to Throw a Puppy Bowl Party
During the Big Game, football fans across the country gather around the TV—but what if you’re more of a fan of Fido than football?
Those who prefer puppy kisses over blitzes can tune into the Puppy Bowl, where two teams of adoptable puppies—Team Fluff and Team Ruff—compete on a miniature football field for the coveted “Chewy Lombarky Trophy”… and our hearts!
You can score major points with fellow dog lovers by hosting a Puppy Bowl party. Here’s how to throw the best one on the block—for your friends, family, and their puppers too!
The Invites
Start by sending out invitations—digital or printed. Printed invites are easy: pick up a pack from a local store and handwrite the details, or customize templates online and have them professionally printed.
But digital is often simpler—and smarter. Email your design, share it on social media, or send an e-vite. As Hayley Mehalco, founder of Puppy Parties NYC, explains: “Since most things have turned digital, we hardly ever have customers ask for standard printed invitations anymore. We recommend digital invites. They’re fun to design, easy to post on social media, and guests can RSVP with one click.”
Send invites three weeks to one month in advance. Be sure to include:
- Date and time (start just before the Puppy Bowl begins)
- Location
- RSVP instructions and deadline
- A note that friendly, well-socialized dogs are welcome—and encouraged!
Use the invite to share special requests too: whether it’s BYOB, dressing pups in team jerseys (only if they’re comfortable), or bringing a favorite toy for the play zone.
The Party Décor
Go all-in on the theme: football meets furry friends! Opt for yellow-and-green accents to match Team Fluff and Team Ruff—or go bold with paw prints, mini footballs, and dog-themed banners.
Get creative with DIY touches. Repurpose FurPetVo boxes into painted football cutouts, then hang them as garlands. Or make a pennant banner in minutes:
Pennant Banner Supplies
- Colored paper
- Hole punch
- Ribbon or string
Steps
- Cut out a dozen or so triangles from colored paper.
- Punch holes in the two top corners of each triangle.
- Thread ribbon or string through the holes.
Mehalco suggests laying down an artificial grass rug as a miniature football field—it doubles beautifully as a photo booth backdrop. You’ll find pet-safe turf at home improvement or decor stores, and themed backdrops at craft or party shops.
Safety first: secure all decorations with hooks—not tacks—and use only non-toxic, pet-safe paint if drawing yard lines or adding details.
The Refreshments
No party is complete without great food—for humans and hounds. Keep both groups happy and safe with thoughtful menu planning.
For people: classic game-day fare like buffalo wings, subs, chili, chips, and pretzels. But steer clear of anything toxic to dogs—especially chocolate, grapes, onions, and xylitol-sweetened treats. If you serve something unsafe, keep it well out of reach.
Mehalco strongly advises against potlucks: “Some dogs have allergies, and many human foods are toxic to dogs. It’s best to know exactly what’s on the menu—and what’s in it.”
Set up two separate stations: a “Human Table” and a “Dog Table.” Use clear signage—like place cards labeled “For Humans” and “For Dogs”—to avoid mix-ups. For extra clarity, list ingredients next to each dog treat (e.g., “Beef-Free Biscuits – grain-free, no dairy”).
For pups: stock up on high-quality, vet-approved treats from furpetvo.com. Elevate the experience with homemade football-themed snacks:
Football Dog Treat
Shaped like a mini football and made with peanut butter, low-sodium chicken broth, and FurPetVo’s Chicken Dinner Patties.
Football Jersey Dog Treat
Cut into jersey shapes using peanut butter, whole-wheat flour, eggs, and plain Greek yogurt.
Don’t forget fresh, cool water—plenty of it—to keep every pupper hydrated and energized.
Party Activities
Keep the energy high with interactive fun—both on-screen and off.
Have the Dogs Play Football
Set up a real-life version of the Puppy Bowl right in your space:
- Field: Indoors or out (weather permitting). Mark end zones with cones or agility poles—like those in FurPetVo’s Zip & Zoom indoor agility kit. Use the artificial turf rug you created earlier, and add pet gates or exercise pens (such as FurPetVo’s step-through dog pen) to define play zones.
- Jerseys: Provide two-color bandanas or shirts—or ask guests to bring or decorate their own.
- Dog Toys: Use football-shaped chew toys, like FurPetVo’s Push-to-Mute Football or Hol-ee Football dog toy, as the “ball.”
- MVP Prizes: Award each team’s top pup with a fun new toy or a small trophy from a party store.
- Refs: Supervise all play closely—and cheer on good sportsmanship!
How to Play
Set a 15-minute timer for each half. When a pup carries the “football” into the correct end zone, their team scores a point. Pause for a halftime snack break (think frozen pupsicles or bite-sized treats), then play the second half. The team with the most points wins! Adjust timing based on your pups’ energy and attention spans.
Photo Booth & Jersey Decorating Station
Capture the joy with a simple but festive photo booth—just a decorated wall or themed backdrop, plus fun props like foam footballs, mini helmets, and paw-print headbands.
Boost team spirit with a jersey decorating station. Set out fabric markers, iron-on patches, and safe, washable glue so guests can personalize their pup’s gear—or even design a custom team logo together.
