For the past 12 years, Animal Planet has been airing its annual sporting game for canines, known as the Puppy Bowl, as a pregame party to the Super Bowl. For many, it has become a tradition for families and friends to tune in to see adorable pups chasing after one another as they attempt to score touchdowns with their toys.

To celebrate Puppy Bowl XII this year, Animal Planet is allowing fans to experience the biggest sporting event for pups in virtual reality.

Viewers can now watch 360-degree videos of the event, which allows them to feel like they are on the mini-field and get up-close views of the puppies. Those who have Google Cardboard or other VR headsets can download the Discovery VR app for iOS and Android or the Samsung Milk VR app, or they can access the Puppy Bowl VR content by going to the Animal Planet or Discovery VR websites.

Animal Planet's 360-degree videos feature the pups on Team Ruff and Team Fluff practicing for the event. Other VR videos of the event already available include one that features three puppies fighting over a toy phone, and one where Marley makes a move.

Users without a VR headset can still enjoy the experience by moving their mobile devices around, or by using the controls in the top left of the video when viewing the desktop version to look around.

The teams that will compete in the Puppy Bowl include 84 puppies from 44 rescues across the U.S., with the aim to spread awareness about adoption, as well as finding them a home. Animal Planet has also partnered with the Pro Football Hall of Fame to promote the adoption of older "veteran" animals in its new Puppy Bowl Hall of Fame.

The Puppy Bowl Pre-Game Show kicked off at 2:30 p.m. EST, whereas the main show airs on Feb. 7 at 3 p.m. EST on Animal Planet.

Source: TechCrunch