CHERRY HILL, N.J. -

While many Americans will be intrigued to see who claims the NFL Championship, Subaru of America is asking people to spend part of their Super Bowl Sunday with their dogs.

The automaker is using its own website and Facebook page to generate interest for its “Dog Tested. Dog Approved” campaign and the new Subaru Game Day Dog Walk Event. Subaru believes its walk event set for Feb. 6 is a healthy, active alternative to sitting on the couch for an all-day football-watching marathon.

“And a great way for dog owners to get outside and show their love for their four-legged friends,” officials added.

As the showdown in Dallas approaches, dog owners can pledge to walk their dog on game day via Subaru.com or on Subaru’s Facebook page. Brand officials explained dog lovers who sign up and commit to get outdoors on the big day can see an up-to-the-minute tracker that streams a live count of the number of dogs walking throughout the country.

Furthermore, individuals who join on Subaru’s Facebook page can also submit a picture and story of their dog for Subaru Facebook fans to read and enjoy. 

And instead of advertising during the game, Subaru declared that it’s taking “the road less traveled by other automotive companies.” Instead, the manufacturer is one of the advertising sponsors for Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl VII.

Subaru insists that it has one of the highest dog-ownership rates among all OEMs. It wants to celebrate those who have participated in the Game Day Dog Walk Event by naming participants on Subaru.com and sending free MVP doggy gift packs to those who pledged to walk their dog on Feb. 6 while supplies last.

The company highlighted that these free doggy MVP packs include Subaru-branded water bowls, Frisbees, plush stuffed animals, blankets, engraved dog tags personalized by Subaru of America and much more.

Moreover, this campaign also features new commercial spots — viewable on Subaru.com and on Subaru’s YouTube Channel — where consumers can see Subaru’s two favorite dogs, Olive and Zelda, driving around in the snow.

Officials also mentioned the “Dog Tested. Dog Approved” campaign and Game Day Dog Walk Event highlights Subaru’s partnership with the ASPCA.

“We know that Subaru lovers tend to be dog lovers with two-thirds of Subaru owners being pet owners, too — so the ‘Dog Tested’ initiative was created to highlight Subaru owners’ love for their canine companions in an engaging, interactive way,” explained Brian Johnson, national advertising manager for Subaru of America.

“What better way to show that love than to commit to doing something healthy and active — for dogs and their humans — during one of the most popular days for lounging on the couch,” stated Johnson, who added that Subaru posted a record sales year in 2010, moving 263,820 units. The total marked an increase of 22 percent year-over-year and 50 percent in two years.

Owners can pledge to walk their dog on game day at Subaru.com/dogs or Facebook.com/SubaruofAmerica.