In this heartwarming and thought-provoking holiday episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine explore what truly connects humans and animals. From the emotional language of dogs to groundbreaking research on the human–animal bond, this episode dives deep into the love, trust, and science behind our relationship with pets.

Story Time features:

Kristen highlights a new industry survey revealing what pet parents really want from their veterinarians — better communication, collaboration, and more time during appointments. The study also shows how veterinary medicine is evolving to meet the expectations of proactive, informed pet owners who see pets as family.

Special Guests:

Lindsay Braun, Vice President of Research & Operations, Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI)

Pet Product Recommendations:

 Holiday Cat Tunnel (Tree Skirt Style) – https://amzn.to/3LoEHbV

Q&A Topics:

Is there real science behind the idea that pets make people healthier and happier? (Submitted by Eli from Boston, MA)

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Pets Add Life (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLife

Pets Add Life (TikTok): https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlife

Pets Add Life (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@petsaddlife

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Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV

In this insightful December episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine discuss the realities of pet parenthood, the science of enrichment, and natural veterinary care. From budgeting for a new puppy to learning how 15 minutes of focused attention can transform your pet’s well-being, this episode is full of practical wisdom for pet lovers everywhere.

Story Time features:

Chris takes a lighter approach with a story from Thailand, where pets compete in fun events like “cat eating contests” and photo competitions — all part of a growing $1.8 billion pet industry that celebrates joy, creativity, and laughter.

Special Guests:

Dr. Andrew Jones, Veterinarian, Author & Founder of Veterinary Secrets

Pet Product Recommendations:

Merry & Bright Holiday Pet Collection (PetSmart) – https://www.petsmart.com

Q&A Topics:

Why do cats stare at walls or “see” invisible things — are they detecting something we can’t? (Submitted by Owen from Portland, OR)

Related Links:

Veterinary Secrets (Dr. Andrew Jones): https://www.youtube.com/@VeterinarySecrets

American Pet Products Association (APPA): https://www.americanpetproducts.org

DOGTV Unleashed FAST Channel: https://www.dogtv.com/unleashed

Pets Add Life: https://www.petsaddlife.org

Social Channels:

Pets Add Life (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLife

Pets Add Life (TikTok): https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlife

Pets Add Life (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@petsaddlife

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Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV

In this fun and informative episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine chat about inspiring pet stories, exciting upcoming events, and expert dog training advice. From fostering kittens to improving communication with your canine, this episode explores the joy of connection between pets and their people.

Story Time features:

Kristen discusses the growing rise of “pet prenups” as more couples plan ahead for their furry family members. She explains how new laws are recognizing pets as companions rather than property and how joint pet custody agreements are becoming common across the U.S.

Special Guests:

Michael Hill, Owner & Lead Trainer, Michael Hill Dog Training

Pet Product Recommendations:

Ruffwear Sun Shower Dog Raincoat – https://a.co/d/05dkfqS

Q&A Topics:

My cat keeps meowing loudly at night even though she’s fed and healthy—what could be causing this, and how can I help her settle down? (Submitted by Melissa from Chicago, IL)

Related Links:

Michael Hill Dog Training: https://www.michaelhilldogtraining.com

DOGTV: https://www.dogtv.com

American Pet Products Association (APPA): https://www.americanpetproducts.org

Pets Add Life: https://www.petsaddlife.org

Social Channels:

Pets Add Life (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLife

Pets Add Life (TikTok): https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlife

Pets Add Life (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@petsaddlife

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Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV

In this festive Thanksgiving episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine share gratitude, laughter, and expert advice for keeping pets happy and safe during the holidays. From falling acorns to falling iguanas, and mindful connection to mindful eating, this episode celebrates the joy pets bring into our lives every day.

Story Time:

Kristen shares the heartwarming story of Emmy the Labrador, who visits her neighbor every day to ring a special nose-level doorbell for a treat, reminding us how much dogs love routine, friendship, and community.

Special Guests:

Dr. Mark Freeman, Clinical Associate Professor of Community Practice at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine

Pet Product Recommendations:

ChomChom Roller Pet Hair Remover – https://a.co/d/eTuX5S9

Q&A Topics:

How to keep pets calm and comfortable when hosting large gatherings (Submitted by Grace from Charlotte, NC)

Related Links:

Intuitive Animal Communication (Book): https://michaelrburke.com/intuitive-animal-communication-book/

Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine: https://vetmed.vt.edu

Holiday Hazards Guide (Virginia Tech): https://news.vt.edu/articles/2024/12/vetmed-pet-holiday-safety.html

American Pet Products Association (APPA): https://www.americanpetproducts.org

DOGTV Unleashed FAST Channel: https://www.dogtv.com/unleashed

Pets Add Life: https://www.petsaddlife.org

Social Channels:

Pets Add Life (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLife

Pets Add Life (TikTok): https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlife

Pets Add Life (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@petsaddlife

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Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV

In this heartfelt episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine explore the emotional side of pet ownership—from coping with loss to deepening our connection with the dogs we love. Together, they share moving stories, expert advice, and practical tools to strengthen the human-animal bond.

Story Time features:

Chris recounts a headline-grabbing story from the London Pet Show Live, where the event collapsed due to fraud and mismanagement—offering a behind-the-scenes reminder that successful pet expos like Global Pet Expo take immense dedication and expertise.

Special Guests:

Maggie Marton, Author of For the Love of Dog: The Ultimate Relationship Guide for You and Your Dog

Pet Product Recommendations:

Wowowo Dog Backpack Carrier – https://amzn.to/3WOrift

Q&A Topics:

How to register a dog as a service animal and determine if they’re a good candidate (Submitted by Janelle from Columbus, OH)

Related Links:

For the Love of Dog: https://www.maggiemarton.com

Neighborhood Pets: https://www.neighborhoodpetscle.org

K9s for Warriors: https://www.k9sforwarriors.org

American Pet Products Association (APPA): https://www.americanpetproducts.org

DOGTV Unleashed FAST Channel: https://www.dogtv.com/unleashed

Pets Add Life: https://www.petsaddlife.org

Social Channels:

Pets Add Life (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLife

Pets Add Life (TikTok): https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlife

Pets Add Life (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@petsaddlife

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Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV

In this powerful Veterans Day edition of the Pets Add Life Podcast, host Chris Bonifati is joined by guest co-host Tori Mistick for an inspiring conversation on service, healing, and the human-animal bond. Together they explore how pets bring comfort to veterans, how community programs keep pets in loving homes, and how new tools are saving lives.

Story Time features:

Chris highlights Love Lost, an AI-driven app created by Petco Love to reunite lost pets with their owners through image matching and community alerts.

Special Guests:

Wyatt Haines, Chief Canine & Business Officer, K9s for Warriors

Pet Product Recommendations:

Pup O’Clock Family Subscription Box (for kids & dogs) – https://pupoclock.com

Q&A Topics:

I just adopted a rabbit – what are the basics for housing, diet, and social interaction? (Submitted by Megan from Portland, OR)

Special Offer:

Related Links:

K9s for Warriors: https://www.k9sforwarriors.org

Petco Love Lost App: https://lost.petcolove.org

American Pet Products Association (APPA): https://www.americanpetproducts.org

DOGTV Unleashed FAST Channel: https://www.dogtv.com/unleashed

Pets Add Life: https://www.petsaddlife.org

Social Channels:

Pets Add Life (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLife

Pets Add Life (TikTok): https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlife

Pets Add Life (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@petsaddlife

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Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV

In this enriching episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, host Chris Bonifati is joined by guest co-host Tori Mistick as they dive into new trends in pet enrichment, a surprising Gen Z reptile boom, and the emotional power of the human-animal bond.

Story Time features:

Chris breaks down findings from the 2025 APPA Fish & Reptile Report, including the loyalty of fish and reptile owners to independent retailers and the rise of reptiles among Gen Z pet owners.

Special Guests:

Andy Bond

Pet Product Recommendations:

Q&A Topics:

Special Holiday Freebie:

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Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV

In this special National Cat Day episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, host Chris Bonifati is joined again by guest co-host Harrison Forbes for a feline-focused celebration. The duo share hilarious and heartwarming cat stories, from Boston’s “Bike Path Cat Mayor” to the expressive felines of the New York Pet Fashion Show. They’re then joined by the one and only Jackson Galaxy, the world-famous “Cat Daddy” and host of My Cat from Hell. Jackson shares how he went from musician to cat behaviorist, discusses enriching feline environments through “catification,” and highlights the incredible work of the Jackson Galaxy Project. Later, the hosts welcome Dr. Matthew Gray, President & CEO of the Healthy Trade Institute, who explains his organization’s groundbreaking national reptile and amphibian adoption program and its mission to ensure disease-safe, ethical pet trade practices.

Special Guests:

Pet Product Recommendations:

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Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV

In this educational and heart-warming episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, Chris welcomes special guest co-host Harrison Forbes, renowned dog trainer and animal behavior expert, while Kristen takes a week off. Together they explore three essential aspects of modern pet parenting—from staying safe at home to celebrating the science behind our bond with animals. First, Dr. Renee Schmid from the Pet Poison Helpline shares the most common household toxins that endanger pets (from chocolate and xylitol to supplements and cleaners) and what to do if an emergency occurs. Then, Dr. Rustin Moore of The Ohio State University discusses his groundbreaking book Unleashing the Bond, detailing how interacting with pets improves our physical and emotional health while highlighting the responsibilities that come with this connection. The hosts also dive into today’s dog-friendly amenities, products, and practical pet-care questions every pet parent can use.

Special Guests:

Pet Product Recommendations:

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Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV

In this jam-packed episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Kristen Levine and Chris Bonifati explore authenticity, advocacy, and innovation in the pet world. First, they chat with Pamela Kennison, founder of Dogs Review Stuff, a growing review site and TikTok community where real dogs test and rate products—no paid fluff, just honest insights from pups of every size. Then, Mike Bober, President & CEO of the Pet Advocacy Network, returns to the show to discuss key policy efforts shaping the future of pet ownership, from pet-friendly housing and HSA reform to the annual Pet Week on Capitol Hill. Finally, Carla Ng from Earthbath joins to celebrate the company’s 30-year anniversary and share how the brand continues to lead in natural, eco-friendly pet grooming with biodegradable formulas, sustainable packaging, and a passion for giving back.

Special Guests:

Pet Product Recommendations:

Q&A Topics:

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Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV