Pets Are Family

We've all walked out of a vet appointment feeling a little rushed, a little confused, or a little shocked by the bill. In this episode, Jessica and Tricia tackle the conversations nobody's really having — what makes a great vet visit, how to know when something is actually an emergency, and why open communication might be the most important thing you can do for your pet's health. (There's also a brief detour into dating apps. It makes sense in context. Kind of.)

Pets Are Family Podcast | Pet Care Tips, Animal Wellness & Real Talk for Pet Lovers
Hosted by Jessica Abernathy and Tricia Montgomery, Pets Are Family is the podcast for people who treat their animals like the family members they are. Each episode covers pet care advice, dog and cat wellness, responsible pet ownership, and honest conversations about what it really means to put your pets first.
In today's episode, we sit down with Kat, a veterinary professional at Veg ER, for an inside look at what it's really like to work at a veterinary emergency room. From the cases that keep staff on their toes to the compassion it takes to show up every shift, Kat pulls back the curtain on emergency vet care and what pet owners should know.
Whether you're a new pet parent trying to figure things out or a lifelong animal lover looking for practical guidance and community, you'll find something here that speaks to you.
Now streaming on YouTube and Red Coral Universe — subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to VEG ER and Its Vision
05:53 The Importance of Owner Involvement
12:01 Creating a Supportive Team Environment
17:56 Hiring for Compassion and Skill
24:03 Advice for Pet Parents on Emergencies



🐾 New episodes dropping regularly | Pet care | Dog tips | Cat care | Animal wellness | Veterinary emergency | Veg ER | Pet parenting | Responsible ownership

Support the show

Join Tricia and Jessica as they dive into the delightful world of pet care, sharing stories and tips on managing everything from slobbery kisses to stinky breath. Discover the adventures of "Dog Breath: The Horrible Trouble with Halitosis" and learn about the importance of dental health for your furry friends. Plus, get the scoop on Moose's March and how you can support pet wellness.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more heartwarming pet stories and tips!


00:00 Celebrating Our Pets' Quirks
02:59 The Importance of Dental Care for Dogs
06:05 Understanding Bad Breath in Pets
09:05 DIY Solutions for Freshening Breath
11:53 The Role of Veterinary Care
14:54 Community Engagement and Support

#PetCare #DogLovers #MoosesMarch #PetWellness

Support the show

In this episode of the Pets or Family podcast, Tricia Montgomery and Jessica Abernathy engage with Steve Kaufman, a veteran in animal welfare, discussing the evolution of the industry, the importance of community involvement, and the human-animal bond. They explore the challenges faced by animal shelters, including burnout among workers and the need for a shift in focus from merely saving animals to preserving families. Steve emphasizes the importance of research in shaping public policy and the future of animal welfare, advocating for a more professionalized approach to the industry. The conversation concludes with advice for the next generation of animal welfare leaders and the importance of promoting positivity in pet ownership.

Support the show

In this conversation, Mindy Dutka, founder of Dogs I Meet, shares her journey into dog photography, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and advocacy for animals. She discusses memorable experiences with dogs, the significance of visual storytelling, and the connections formed through her work. Mindy offers advice for aspiring photographers and reflects on her legacy of giving a voice to dogs through her lens.
Join Jessica Abernathy and Tricia Montgomery on Pets Are Family as they chat with Mindy Dutka, founder of Dogs I Meet. Mindy shares her unique perspective on pets through her lens, offering valuable insights into street photography and general photography tips. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in animal photography and learning how to photograph dogs.

Support the show

In this conversation, Adam Greenbaum shares the emotional journey of battling for his pet Baxter's life over six months. He discusses the extensive medical care Baxter received from various veterinary specialists and highlights the critical role of communication in veterinary care. Despite the efforts and assurances from the medical team, Baxter's sudden decline serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of clear communication in understanding a pet's health status.


Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Adam Greenbaum
00:15 The Journey of Love Baxter
01:11 Communication Gaps in Veterinary Care

Support the show

Welcome back to another fun episode with Tricia and Jessica! 🎉 Today, we dive into the hilarious world of “If Your Pets Could Text You”—what would they say first thing in the morning? From urgent bathroom requests to jealous drama and breakfast demands, we imagine the wild and funny messages our furry friends would send if they had thumbs and a phone.
Jessica shares her excitement (and a little stress!) about heading to Super Zoo in Vegas, reminisces about family stories, and talks about the joys and chaos of prepping for a big pet industry event. Tricia brings the laughs with tales of jealous pups, cuddly mornings, and the never-ending curiosity about what our pets are really thinking.

We also chat about:
The evolution of technology and how it might one day let us “read” our pets’ minds
The quirks and personalities of our dogs (and their hilarious nicknames)
The cicada “bug team” patrol in Illinois (yes, some dogs love eating bugs!)
What we’re looking forward to at Super Zoo, from new products to reconnecting with friends in the industry

We want to hear from you! If your pet could text you, what would their message be? Share your funniest, sweetest, or most dramatic imagined pet texts in the comments below!

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and join us next week for more laughs, stories, and pet talk. 🐾
#PetTalk #DogMom #SuperZoo #FunnyPets #Podcast #PetIndustry #DogLife

Support the show

In this conversation, Tricia Montgomery and Jessica Abernathy discuss their aspirations for 2026, focusing on the themes of manifestation and abundance. They share their personal goals, plans for new episodes, and the importance of community engagement. The discussion also highlights innovations in pet care and business coaching, emphasizing their commitment to helping others grow in the pet industry. The hosts express excitement for the upcoming year and the opportunities it brings.

Support the show

In this heartfelt and lively episode, Jessica Abernathy and Tricia Montgomery dive into the complex, often emotional topic of divorce and how it impacts our pets. From personal stories of shared custody and unforgettable pet-related negotiations, to navigating what happens when two- and four-legged family members all face big changes, Jessica and Tricia deliver insights grounded in both professional experience and everyday life.

The hosts openly discuss their own divorces and the challenges of ensuring pets land in the right hands, whether through legal battles, creative “sales” to friends, or family negotiations. They highlight how laws are evolving and how some states—like Illinois and several others—now consider the best interests of pets, not just treating them as property. The episode also explores legal and practical considerations for pet custody in dating relationships and the importance of documentation and planning, including the role of prenuptial agreements and animal trusts.

Jessica and Tricia address the emotional toll on pets as they adapt to new routines and environments, reminding listeners that our animals feel the stress of family transitions too. They share anecdotes—including memorable stories about cats, French Bulldogs, and the infamous “man card” scenario—and offer practical advice for navigating both planned and unplanned changes in our pets’ lives.

Other episode highlights include:

Why routines and stability matter so much during family changes

The surprising time people spend choosing appliances versus lifelong pets

The need for preparation before adopting pets—spontaneity isn’t always best

How to create plans for our pets in case of unexpected life changes

Upcoming special guests and bonus episodes, plus the launch of Moose’s March!

Tune in for real talk, laughter, and helpful tips on how to treat your pets like the family members they are. Subscribe so you won’t miss future episodes and special segments!

Support the show

Join Tricia and Jessica on the Pets Are Family podcast as they dive into a true story from Tricia’s home: her dog Frank’s unexpected encounter with a mysterious household substance. This episode combines real-life pet parenting challenges, honest conversations, and helpful tips for keeping your pets safe, all with the relatable humor and insights that regular listeners have come to love.

What You'll Love in This Episode:

Frank’s Unexpected Symptoms: Tricia and Jessica walk you through the first signs that something wasn’t quite right with their four-legged family member, from sudden, strange behaviors to the anxious moments that followed.

The Power of Honesty with Your Vet: Discover why telling your veterinarian the whole truth, no matter how silly or embarrassing, could mean the difference between confusion and a quick diagnosis.

How to Respond to Pet Intoxication: Learn the signs of pet intoxication and simple, actionable steps you can take right away to keep your fur babies safe.

Household Dangers for Dogs and Cats: From edibles to everyday items we all have at home, find out what to watch for and how to pet-proof your space for ultimate pet safety.

Laughter & Lessons: With plenty of laughs, a peek at Jessica’s famous dog wall, and touching personal anecdotes, you’ll feel right at home like you’re curled up on the couch with lifelong friends (and their pets!).

Whether you’re a new pet parent or a seasoned animal lover, this episode is packed with love, learning, and laughter to make your day brighter and your home safer.

Don’t Miss:
Frank’s hilarious (and a little scary!) journey from uncertainty to diagnosis.

Tips for building trust with your veterinarian.

Heartfelt moments and genuine advice from two passionate pet moms.

Bonus mentions of the legendary dog wall and a fan-favorite dog ball—bringing a family-friendly, joy-filled vibe from start to finish.

Pour yourself a warm drink, grab your pet, and press play on the podcast that feels like a big hug. Because here, pets aren’t just animals—they’re family.

#petsafety #doghealth #petsarefamily #petparents 

Show Notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YOs14UrcqzpUs-f7LgjzuIfBSR9PeRcHYFNWoZLlZR4/edit?usp=sharing

Support the show