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Pawtriots

PAWTRIOTS

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The Kraft Family and the New England Patriots Foundation are passionate about giving dogs and pets a shot at finding loving homes. The number of pets in shelters in need has reached an all-time high, making adoption more important than ever. With more pets waiting for homes, choosing adoption is a powerful way to save the lives of animals and make a lasting difference. Teaming up with the local animal shelters across New England, fans can build lifelong bonds with pets who'll be cheering alongside you - win or lose - for seasons to come. When you adopt, you're not just gaining a best friend, you're adding another loyal fan to Patriots Nation.

Dog Adoption "TailGate" in Patriot Place Plaza

Dog Adoption "TailGate" in Patriot Place Plaza

The Kraft Family and the Patriots Foundation is excited to launch the Pawtriots Pet Adoption "TailGate", taking place on Sunday, October 19 in the Patriot Place Plaza. Starting at 11:30 a.m., fans are invited to come to the Patriot Place Plaza where four animal organizations will be on-site with adoptable dogs. Fans are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs, and stay in the plaza to enjoy a watch party for the Patriots vs. Tennessee Titans game kicking off at 1 p.m.! To add to the fun, Patriots alumni Brian Hoyer and David Andrews, Patriots cheerleaders, and Pat Patriot will be in the Plaza during pregame to meet fans and help families find their new pet. Food trucks, games, live music, face painting and more fun activities will be on site for a free, family-friendly day of fun. In addition, the Patriots are inviting fans to bring pet food, pet toys, collars and leashes to donate to local shelters and support dogs in need.

  • WHO: All Patriots Fans
  • WHAT: Pet Adoption "TailGate" Watch Party
  • WHEN: Sunday, October 19, 11:30 a.m.
  • WHERE: Patriot Place Plaza, directly in front of the Patriots Pro Shop and Hall of Fame located at One Patriot Place, Foxborough, MA 02035

Dog Adoption "TailGate" FAQ

Is the event free?

  • Yes! To attend the event is free of charge. Adoptable dogs and food trucks will have fees.

Where can I park?

  • Fans are encouraged to park in Lots 3 and 4 of Gillette Stadium. A map of these lots can be found here.

How many dogs will be there?

  • Roughly 25-30 dogs will be on-site, ready to be adopted as your new Patriots companion. Each organization will have staff available to guide you through the adoption process and help you meet the perfect pet.

How much are the adoption fees for the dogs?

  • There will be four animal adoption organizations on site including the Animal Rescue League of Boston, Berkshire Humane Society, MSPCA and Second Chance. Each organization's adoption fees will vary. Check out the adoption fees for each organization under the "Participating Shelters" section of this page.

What kind of food will be there?

  • There will be various food trucks on site, all available for purchase. Non-alcoholic drinks will also be available for purchase at the food trucks.

What can I bring to the Patriot Place Plaza?

  • Fans are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to the Plaza to cheer on the Patriots – tailgate style!

Where can I donate items?

  • There will be Pawtriots donation boxes throughout the Patriot Place Plaza for fans to donate pet food, pet toys, collars and leashes that will go to local animal shelters and support dogs in need.

If I'm looking to adopt a dog, am I able to bring my own dog?

  • If you're looking to adopt a dog and want to ensure the dog is compatible with your own dog, there will be a space available for dogs to interact and get to know each other.

If it rains, can I still adopt a dog and watch the game?

  • Yes! The event is rain or shine. Should the weather not cooperate, the event relocated into an indoor area.
Pet Adoption Day at Patriots Training Camp

Pet Adoption Day at Patriots Training Camp

To kick off training camp and the new Pawtriots initiative, over 40 dogs were available for adoption from the Animal Rescue League of Boston, Potter League for Animals and Berkshire Humane Society. Almost all dogs in attendance were adopted and met their new families. Robert and Dana Kraft attended the event to celebrate the adoption of dogs and promote the importance of giving pets a chance to find new loving homes.

PARTNER SHELTERS

Animal Rescue League of Boston

Animal Rescue League of Boston

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is an unwavering champion for animals in need, committed to keeping them safe and healthy in homes. While they make every effort possible to help keep an animal where they belong, it's inevitable that some animals in need will make their way into shelters before they can be connected with a loving family. By partnering with communities, the ARL helps animals heal and thrive, keep pets and people together, and protect animals from harm. Because there is no government funding for this important work, animals must rely on people to get the care they need, when they need it most, 365 days a year.

Potter League for Animals

Potter League for Animals

The Potter League for Animals is dedicated to promote, protect and advance the well-being of Rhode Island's companion animals. As the most comprehensive animal welfare organization in the state, Potter League impacts more than 10,000 companion animals each year. For more than 90 years, they have been committed to service the needs of people and animals in the Rhode Island community. As the heart of a compassionate community, Potter League for Animals enrich lives and promote the humane treatment of animals.

Berkshire Humane Society

Berkshire Humane Society

At Berkshire Humane Society, the mission is to ensure the compassionate care, treatment and placement of companion animals, while promoting and improving the welfare of all animals through education and outreach. Located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Berkshire is compassionate about providing responsible care for all animals. Since beginning in 1992, Berkshire has sheltered over 57,000 homeless animals who are cared for and made available for adoption. The Berkshire Humane Society prides themselves on being a valuable member of an essential resource for the community.

Second Chance Animal Services

Second Chance Animal Services

Second Chance Animal Services is a nonprofit animal welfare organization founded in 1999. Second Chance began as an animal shelter and grew to help more pets in need. Today, Second Chance operates Community Veterinary Hospitals in North Brookfield, Southbridge, Springfield, and Worcester providing access to the highest-quality veterinary care for all. Subsidized rates are provided to underserved communities to ensure access to care for all pets in need. Last year, Second Chance helped over 56,000 pets live better lives through full-service veterinary care, spay/neuter services, adoption services, community & educational outreach programs, training, and a pet food pantry.

Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA)

Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA)

MSPCA-Angell's mission is to protect animals, relieve their suffering, advance their health and welfare, prevent cruelty, and work for a just and compassionate society. Since 1868, the MSPCA-Angell has been at the forefront of animal protection and veterinary care, providing hands-on care for thousands of animals each year. Today, the MSPCA-Angell is a world leader in animal welfare; healing, rescuing, sheltering, protecting, and advocating for more animals than any other humane organization in the United States

PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS

Paws for Patrick

Paws for Patrick

Paws For Patrick is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the mental health of young people through the emotional support of animals. Created in memory of Patrick Roemer, a dedicated animal lover who died by suicide, the organization has impacted thousands of lives nationwide since 2020. Paws for Patrick is dedicated to supporting individuals facing depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health challenges by making it easier to obtain an Emotional Support Animal (ESA). Through their comprehensive ESA program, Paws for Patrick proudly serves families in all 50 states, focusing on clients ages 0–30. In addition, Paws for Patrick's Therapy Dog Program brings certified therapy dogs into group settings—such as schools and mental health programs—to provide calming, meaningful interactions that help reduce anxiety and foster emotional connection for young people.

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

The ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) has been at the forefront of animal rescue and protection since founding as the first animal welfare organization in North America in 1866. For more than 150 years, ASPCA has been the leading voice in animal welfare, bringing the critical protection of animals to the forefront of society. ASPCA has led the way in fighting cruelty, rescuing and securing adoptions for animals in need, and driving significant legislative change that protects their lives and welfare — ultimately transforming how Americans value and care for animals.

Robert and Dr. Dana Kraft with the New England Patriots Foundation hosted a Pet Adoption Day at training camp on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. More than 20 puppies from the Animal Rescue League were on site and available for adoption. Players carried puppies to the field to some families, who had already adopted the animals. The other puppies were handed off to volunteers, who made them available for adoption for fans at Patriot Place.

To continue the Pawtriots initiative promoting pet adoption, Dr. Dana Kraft and the New England Patriots Foundation visited the Animal RescueLeague of Boston on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. After a short facility tour, Patriots players Brenden Schooler, Mike Onwenu, Bryce Baringer, Caedan Wallace and Andy Borregales, along with Dr. Dana Kraft, met various dogs in the shelter.