Puppy Bowl returns at Cape Coral Animal Shelter in Florida

Cape Coral Animal Shelter will host Puppy Bowl IV at 11 a.m. on Feb. 8 at 325 SW Second Ave. to raise awareness and support for young dogs; the free, public event will feature playful puppy activities and organizers say each participating puppy will be spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated before adoption.

Cape Coral Animal Shelter will host Puppy Bowl IV at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 8, at 325 SW Second Ave. The event features a playful "football" match where puppies zoom, tumble and chase each other on a makeshift field. Organizers say the Puppy Bowl began in 2023 as a social media idea and grew into a live gathering. The shelter reports a rising number of abandoned and unwanted puppies in Florida and frames the event as a way to raise awareness and support for animal care. Key details: - Date and time: Puppy Bowl IV is set for 11 a.m. on Feb. 8 at 325 SW Second Ave. - Admission: The event is free and open to the public; donations are encouraged to support the shelter. - Animal care: Organizers say every puppy featured will be spayed or neutered, microchipped and fully vaccinated before adoption. - Services: The shelter offers free and low-cost spay and neuter services to address pet overpopulation. - Participants: The match will include umpire Tom Ellegood and the shelter's cheerleaders, with staff and volunteers introducing other animals. - Shelter needs: Cape Coral Animal Shelter relies on community financial contributions to provide care, medical treatment and socialization for animals in its care. Summary: The Puppy Bowl aims to highlight the shelter's work caring for young dogs and to generate support for ongoing services amid a reported increase in abandoned puppies across the region. Puppy Bowl IV is scheduled for Feb. 8 at 11 a.m., and staff and volunteers will be available at the event to discuss adoption processes, volunteer programs and the shelter's needs.