Great American Rescue Bowl, a two-hour shelter pet adoption event set for Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, in New York from noon to 2 p.m.

The event, presented by Great American Media in partnership with North Shore Animal League America, is billed as a national spotlight on rescue and adoption that pairs televised programming with coordinated adoption efforts aimed at finding animals permanent homes. Organizers highlight the event as a national platform to promote shelter pet adoption. Some animal welfare organizations and studies have reported that large-scale adoption events with waived or reduced fees can increase short-term adoption numbers, but specific research should be cited or the statement should be made more general without implying a particular quantified impact.

Beth Stern is named as host and North Shore Animal League America is listed as a partner in the announcement; Joanne Yohannan is identified as SVP., Operations for the organization and Bill Abbott as President & CEO of Great American Media.

The two-hour schedule—Noon–2pm on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026—frames the Rescue Bowl as a concentrated broadcast window that organizers say supports on-the-ground adoption efforts and local shelter partners. The event’s materials describe shelter pets as “adorable, adoptable pets” whose outcome the program aims to accelerate by “finding forever homes.” Recent statistics from shelter data aggregators indicate that a substantial proportion of dogs and cats in U.S. shelters are adopted each year, but the precise figure varies by source and methodology.

Bill Abbott, President & CEO, framed the event as part of a broader push to promote adoption: “Every pet placed into a loving home is a life saved and a family changed for the better because of the pet. ‘Great American Rescue Bowl’ has worked to adopt tens of thousands of animals and the mission inspires countless others to consider shelter pet adoption,” he said. He highlighted that the event aims to inspire viewers to become active participants in the adoption process.

Joanne Yohannan, SVP., Operations for North Shore Animal League America, thanked the media partner and emphasized the visibility the event provides. “We are truly grateful to Great American Family for this high-profile platform they provide us to highlight the importance of rescue and adoption while shining a light on the lifesaving work we do across the country to rescue as many homeless animals as possible,” she said. Additionally, individuals looking to support local animal shelters can also engage by volunteering, donating supplies, or even fostering animals, further helping to alleviate the pressure on shelters.

Organizers describe the Rescue Bowl format as a chance to showcase adoptable animals and connect viewers with local shelters and adoption events timed to the broadcast. The announcement highlights moments meant to champion the mission—vivid images of shelter pups enjoying their spotlight and appeals to viewers to support adoption and local rescue work.

North Shore Animal League America is the event partner and hosts activities such as adoption promotions and at least one watch party around the Rescue Bowl, as shown in current event pages. The Great American Rescue Bowl is presented by Great American Media, led by Bill Abbott, with Beth Stern as host and North Shore Animal League America assisting operations and adoptable-animal coordination. Event organizers say the program aims to convert viewers into participants in the adoption process and to find lasting homes for shelter animals. As evidenced by the increased adoption rates associated with similar events, this initiative promises to make a significant impact in the lives of many shelter pets.

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Original reporting: view the original article.