Pets Add Life

In this heartfelt episode of Pets Add Life, Kristen and Chris dive into the powerful stories, science, and soul behind K-9 heroes and everyday pet companionship.

First, they welcome Jason Johnson, Founder and CEO of Project K-9 Hero, who shares how his organization supports retired police and military working dogs through medical care, sanctuary, and rehoming. With over 30 years of service, Jason’s mission is to give back to the dogs who’ve served our country, and he talks about the inspiring work being done at their 177-acre rehab facility in Tennessee—and the ongoing push for the K-9 Hero Act in Congress.

Then, they’re joined by the legendary Steve Dale, CABC, a certified animal behavior consultant and longtime radio host, columnist, and pet advocate. Steve shares insights on how to strengthen the human-animal bond, debunk common behavior myths, and create fear-free experiences at the vet. He also discusses his work with the EveryCat Health Foundation and his passion for advancing behavioral science in pet care.

As always, we highlight two pup-tastic products and answer three insightful questions from listeners—ranging from excessive barking to choosing a first fish for a 4-year-old.

Bark Bowls – Portable, travel-ready dog meals that combine dry kibble and wet toppers in a compostable container.

K&H Pet Products Small Animal Heating Pad – A safe, low-wattage heating pad for bunnies, guinea pigs, and other small pets—great for tile floors or chilly rooms.

Rachel from Austin, TX:

Mike from Denver, CO:

Emily from Chicago, IL:

Project K-9 Hero

Steve Dale – Pet Advocate & Behavior Consultant

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Presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV.

This week on Pets Add Life, we’re coming to you live from the Western Veterinary Conference (WVC) in Las Vegas! Kristen is joined by special co-host Dr. Jeff Werber, an Emmy Award-winning veterinarian and co-founder of Airvet, to bring you expert insights on modern pet care, stress-free vet visits, and the future of veterinary medicine.

First, we sit down with Dr. Marty Becker, known as America’s Veterinarian, and Dr. Jennifer Merlo, VP of Operations at Fear Free. They share how Fear Free practices are revolutionizing vet care by reducing fear, anxiety, and stress in pets, and why more pet parents are seeking calmer, more compassionate veterinary experiences.

Next, we talk with Dr. Audrey Wystrach, CEO & Founder of Petfolk, a rapidly growing veterinary company designed to make vet care easier, more accessible, and modernized for today’s pet parents. Dr. Wystrach discusses integrating telehealth, same-day appointments, and flexible care options to provide a seamless pet healthcare experience.

Plus, we highlight two exciting pet products, answer listener questions about pet health and behavior, and share the latest veterinary trends shaping the future of pet wellness.

Nylabone 70th Anniversary Collection – Celebrating 70 years of chew toys, Nylabone is donating one toy to Best Friends Animal Society for every purchase in 2024.

Airvet – 24/7 Telehealth for Pets – A game-changing veterinary telemedicine platform providing instant access to licensed veterinarians for urgent pet concerns, triage, and advice anytime, anywhere.

Emily from Denver, CO: "My dog has been scratching incessantly lately, but I haven't noticed any fleas. What could be causing this, and how can I help alleviate his discomfort?"

Michael from Austin, TX: "My indoor cat has suddenly started urinating outside the litter box. What are some common reasons for this behavior change, and what steps should I take to address it?"

Fear Free – Stress-Free Vet Visits & Training

Petfolk – Modern Veterinary Care

Dr. Marty Becker – America’s Veterinarian

Airvet – Veterinary Telemedicine for Pet Owners

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Presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV.

This week on Pets Add Life, Kristen and Chris bring you two incredible guests who are making a huge impact in the pet world—through humor, storytelling, and community events!

First, Walter "Skinni Go Live" Brown, a registered veterinary technician, social media influencer, and comedian, joins us to talk about his viral content that blends veterinary education with humor. Walter shares how he’s making vet medicine more accessible, his passion for mentorship, and what life is like with his impressive collection of exotic pets (hint: he has 30 tarantulas).

Then, we head to Charleston, SC with Brian Foster, publisher of Lowcountry Dog Magazine and the mastermind behind Woofstock, a dog-friendly music festival bringing together pet lovers, live bands, and adoption events. Brian shares what’s in store for Woofstock 2025, how Charleston became one of the most dog-friendly cities, and the incredible ways his publication supports rescue efforts across the Carolinas.

And, as always, we wrap up with two awesome pet products and answer listener questions about agility training, cat scratching, and planning the ultimate dog birthday party!

Chillin’ Chicken Treats – For Love of Pets – A healthy, calming dog treat marinated in chamomile broth for a natural stress-relief effect.

Super Feedy 4-in-1 Slow Feeder Dog Bowl – A versatile, all-in-one feeding system that includes a slow feeder, storage container, and lick mat to help dogs eat at a healthier pace.

Jennifer from Boulder, CO: "I've been considering agility training for my Border Collie, but I’m not sure where to start. What are the benefits of agility beyond just exercise? Does it help with behavior or confidence? And how can a beginner get started?"

Marco from Seattle, WA: "My cat, Felix, scratches a lot, and my arms are covered in little marks! I know he doesn’t mean to, but is there a way to train him to be gentler? What products or techniques can help prevent painful scratches while letting him express his natural instincts?"

Vanessa from Atlanta, GA: "My sweet Poodle, Polly, is turning one soon, and I want to throw her an amazing birthday party! What are some fun ideas for decorations, treats, and activities? And are there any dos and don’ts when inviting other dogs?"

Woofstock Charleston – Dog-Friendly Music Festival

Lowcountry Dog Magazine – Adoption Events & Pet News

Follow Walter "Skinni Go Live" Brown for Vet Humor & Education

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Presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV.

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This week on Pets Add Life, Kristen and Chris welcome two groundbreaking experts in the world of pet care!

First up, Dr. Ian Dunbar, the legendary veterinarian, animal behaviorist, and dog trainer who revolutionized puppy training with his SIRIUS Puppy Training method. A pioneer in reward-based training, Dr. Dunbar has shaped how we understand and train dogs. He’ll share insights on early socialization, positive reinforcement, and why dog training is going backward instead of forward—plus, what we can do to fix it!

Then, we dive into the fascinating world of pet microbiomes with Dr. Holly Ganz, Chief Science Officer and co-founder of AnimalBiome. Dr. Ganz will explain why gut health is the key to your pet’s well-being, how microbiome testing can identify digestive issues, and how restoring gut balance can improve digestion, immunity, and even behavior.

And as always, we’ll wrap things up with two exciting new pet products and answer listener questions about dog behavior, car anxiety, and even horse ownership!

 Little Gulp Ultimate Doggy Water Bottle – A filtered, travel-friendly water bottle for dogs, designed to keep water fresh and prevent backwash contamination.

Katie’s Bumpers Fireballs – A super durable, floating dog toy made from recycled firehose material, designed for tugging, chewing, and enrichment.

Lisa from Boulder, CO: "My dog is very friendly but gets overly excited and jumps on guests when they come over. I’ve tried telling him ‘off’ and rewarding him when he sits, but he still gets too excited and forgets his manners. What’s the best way to train him to calmly greet people?"

Daniel from Seattle, WA: "My dog gets really anxious in the car—he whines, pants, and sometimes even refuses to get in. I want to take him on more road trips and make the experience enjoyable for him. What are some ways I can help him feel more comfortable and relaxed during car rides?"

Dr. Ian Dunbar’s Books & Training Resources

AnimalBiome – Gut Health Testing for Pets

SIRIUS Puppy Training – Off-Leash Socialization & Training

Dunbar Academy – Dog Training Videos & Online Courses

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

In this special birthday episode of Pets Add Life, Kristen and Chris celebrate with insightful conversations about dog-friendly social media, canine enrichment, and holistic feline care with two incredible guests.

First, we welcome Tori Mistick, the creator of Wear Wag Repeat, an award-winning blog and podcast dedicated to dog lovers and pet business owners. As a certified canine enrichment specialist, Tori shares science-backed activities to help dogs thrive and discusses social media trends shaping the pet industry. Whether you're a pet business owner, an aspiring pet influencer, or just looking for fun activities for your dog, Tori has expert insights to share.

Then, we chat with Layla Morgan Wilde, a holistic cat behaviorist, author, and founder of Cat Wisdom 101. Layla has spent decades advocating for feline welfare and educating pet parents on enrichment, holistic pet care, and the deep bond between humans and cats. She also created Black Cat Awareness Month, working to reshape perceptions and increase adoption rates for black cats. In this episode, Layla offers practical advice on feline behavior, enrichment strategies, and how to make life better for your indoor cat.

Grounds & Hounds Coffee – A mission-driven coffee company that donates 20% of proceeds to animal rescues. Try their popular Snow Day Blend for a warm winter treat.

Catit Self-Grooming Wall Brush – A budget-friendly $5 cat grooming tool that attaches to walls, letting cats scratch and groom themselves effortlessly.

Jake from Austin, TX: "My dog, Buddy, is super friendly with humans but shy around other dogs. How can I help him socialize without overwhelming him?"

Sarah from Denver, CO: "I keep hearing about canine enrichment. What are some easy, everyday ways I can keep my dog mentally stimulated?"

Emily from Portland, OR: "My dog, Charlie, is bored with his usual toys. I’ve tried rotating them, but he’s not interested anymore. Any fun, original games or DIY activities to keep things exciting?"

Wear Wag Repeat – Dog Blog & Pet Business Resources

Wear Wag Repeat Podcast – Interviews for Dog Lovers & Pet Entrepreneurs

Cat Wisdom 101 – Feline Enrichment & Holistic Behavior Tips

Black Cat Awareness Month – Advocacy & Adoption Support

Follow Tori Mistick & Wear Wag Repeat

Follow Layla Morgan Wilde & Cat Wisdom 101

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Presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV.

A winter-themed episode featuring playful elephants, top veterinarians at Westminster, and pet behavior tips from Chewy’s expert!

Join hosts Kristen Levine and Chris Bonifati as they bring you an episode packed with snowy fun, exciting pet industry updates, and invaluable pet wellness tips. This week, we share an adorable story of elephants experiencing snow, discuss the latest in pet supplements, and take you behind the scenes at two major pet industry events: Westminster Dog Show and VMX Veterinary Expo.

Elephants Play in the Snow! – The Houston Zoo experienced rare snowfall, and the elephants had a blast! (Watch the video here: https://www.nbc.com/houston-elephants-snow)

The Rise of Pet Supplements – More pet parents are turning to supplements to prevent costly vet bills. We break down why this trend is booming and how the right supplements can benefit your pet.

Chris Reports from Westminster – Chris visits the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and interviews two top veterinarians:

Topics Covered:

Watch the Westminster segment: https://www.westminsterkennelclub.org

Kristen at VMX – Kristen attends VMX Veterinary Expo in Florida, where she interviews Dr Tiffany Tupler from Chewy about pet behavior and telehealth.

Topics Covered:

Connect with a Vet for FREE on Chewy: https://www.chewy.com/connect-with-a-vet

My Petite Puppy Dog Chair – A luxurious wheeled chair that lets your small dog sit next to you anywhere! Perfect for work-from-home pet parents. $299 at My Petite Puppy: https://www.mypetitepuppy.com

WinPet Outdoor Cat Enclosure – A pre-built catio that brings the outdoors in for your cat without DIY hassle! $399 at WinPet: https://www.winpet.com/catio

Megan from Seattle: “What’s the funniest or most unexpected thing your pets have ever done?”

Submit Your Question for Next Week: https://www.petsaddlife.org/podcast

Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – https://www.westminsterkennelclub.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlife

New Episodes Every Tuesday! Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

A cozy winter episode with expert pet photographer Darlene Woodward and Wufers’ Skylar Crook!

As Valentine's Day approaches, we’re bringing love and creativity to the pet world! Join hosts Kristen Levine and Chris Bonifati as they dive into the world of winter pet photography and gourmet dog treats in this heartwarming episode.

Renowned pet photographer and positive dog trainer Darlene Woodward shares her inspiring journey from training her rescued Husky, Kota, to becoming a sought-after pet photographer. Specializing in stunning winter portraits, Darlene offers expert photography tips and advice for making every shot special—even with reactive pets.

Topics Covered with Darlene:

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Skylar Crook, Director of Marketing at Wufers, joins us to discuss the art of dog treats! Wufers specializes in hand-decorated, human-grade treats that make every celebration memorable. From birthdays to Valentine's Day, Skylar shares how these beautiful cookies bring joy to both dogs and their humans.

Topics Covered with Skylar:

Find Wufers treats at:

Skylar’s Pick: Wufers Valentine’s Day Dog Cookie Box

From Sarah in Austin, TX:

 From Michael in Portland, OR:

From Lisa in Denver, CO:

Dog Adoption Success Program (for new pet parents!):

📍 Urban Coyotes & Evolutionary Research:

📍 The Puppy Bowl – Adoption Awareness Event:

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In this episode of the Pets Add Life podcast, hosts Kristen Levine and Chris Bonifati bring you an in-depth look at two of the most exciting developments in the pet world.

First, Dr. Don Sturz, President of the Westminster Kennel Club, joins the show to give an exclusive preview of the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, happening this week. As one of the most prestigious dog shows in the world returns to New York City, Dr. Sturz shares:

Next, Dr. Emily Hubbard, Chief Medical Officer at Veterinary Innovative Partners (VIP), discusses her work in transforming veterinary care. VIP is a growing network of nearly 70 veterinarian-owned-and-operated hospitals across 12 states. Dr. Hubbard explains:

This episode is packed with insights for pet owners, dog lovers, and anyone interested in the future of veterinary medicine.

This episode offers a unique look at one of the biggest events in the dog world, along with an important discussion on the future of veterinary medicine. Subscribe and tune in every Tuesday for more insights and stories from the pet industry.

Dr. Courtney Campbell, DVM, DACVS-SA

Grisha Stewart

This episode celebrates the powerful emotional bonds we share with pets and equips listeners with science-backed training techniques and cutting-edge medical advice. Whether you’re managing your pet’s health, navigating training challenges, or just learning how to love your furry friends better, this episode has something for everyone.

Tune in and share the joy of pet parenthood! 🐾

Join Kristen Levine and Chris Bonifati in an engaging episode of Pets Add Life as they explore groundbreaking insights into dog behavior and history. With expert guests Annie Grossman and Chris Pearson, this episode offers inspiring conversations about modern training techniques and the evolving relationship between humans and dogs.

Guest 1: Annie Grossman

Guest 2: Chris Pearson

PawPort Smart Door

My Cat Wall Cubbies

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