The Pets Mag Podcast

In the latest episode of The Pets Mag Podcast, Marie Carter-Robb speaks to renowned US psychologist and author DR DALE ATKINS about what children can gain when they step away from screens and reconnect with animals and the natural world.

Her new children’s book, Dear Deer, grew out of a remarkable real-life encounter with a trapped fawn. Dale talks about the experience that inspired the story, the importance of unstructured time in nature, what animals can teach children about patience, empathy and connection, and why she believes we are losing something important when childhood becomes dominated by screens.

A longtime advocate for the human-animal bond, Dale also reflects on her work with therapy dog Samson and the extraordinary connections she witnessed between animals and people.

“Nature is the greatest teacher and the greatest healer.”

In the latest episode of The Pets Mag Podcast, we meetMARISA HEATH, director of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare (APGAW). She is the driving force behind the ⁠Innate Health Assessment⁠, or IHA: a free, ten-point visual checklist that allows anyone, from breeders to prospective puppy buyers, to assess within minutes whether a dog’s body shape may compromise its health and welfare. Heath discusses the thinking behind the IHA, the challenge of breeding healthier dogs and the state of animal welfarein Britain today.

Former Royal Marine Commando and Nowzad founder Pen Farthing joins The Pets Mag Podcast to discuss the extraordinary bond between people and animals during times of war, crisis and displacement.

From rescuing a fighting dog in Afghanistan in 2007 to leading emergency evacuations from war-torn Ukraine today, Pen shares the remarkable story behind Nowzad and explains why responsible pet ownership should never end when circumstances become difficult.

In this powerful and moving conversation, we explore the human-animal bond, the ethics of pet abandonment, Operation Kramatorsk in Ukraine, and the reality of rescuing animals from some of the world's most dangerous places.

Compassionate, candid and often surprisingly humorous, this is a fascinating insight into the work of a man who has spent nearly two decades proving that animals are not collateral damage - they are family.

Listen now and discover why Pen Farthing refuses to leave animals behind.

Find out more about Nowzad and support Operation Kramatorsk: https://www.nowzad.com

In this episode of the Pets Magazine Podcast, we speak to actor and animal welfare advocate Peter Egan (Downton Abbey, Ever Decreasing Circles) about his work with Safe Haven for Donkeys and the charity’s powerful new short film, Beyond.

Filmed in Egypt’s brick kilns, Beyond documents a rare and measurable improvement in donkey welfare after three years of veterinary care, education, and collaboration with kiln owners. The episode explores how practical solutions, including a live pilot replacing donkey labour with tractors, are creating lasting change on the ground.

This final instalment in the trilogy shifts the narrative from suffering to progress – offering a hopeful, evidence-led look at how animal welfare can improve in challenging environments.

We also touch on Peter’s wider animal welfare work, recently recognised with the Jane Goodall Hope Award, named in honour of the late environmental activist Dame Jane Goodall.

Watch, listen and discover how advocacy, innovation and persistence are helping to transform lives – for animals and the people who depend on them.

In Episode 13 of The Pets Mag Podcast, Marie Carter-Robb speaks to award-winning trainer and Kennel Club A-Panel judge Ben Randall. With more than 150,000 dogs passing through his care over 17 years – and clients ranging from families to David Beckham and Gordon Ramsay – Ben explains why barking is a symptom, not the problem, and how owners can build calm, confident partnerships with their dogs through clarity, consistency and connection.

Topics include:

– Why bribery-based training fails

– The foundations every dog needs

– Fixing barking and overexcitement

– What to look for in a good trainer

Listen now: petsmag.co.uk/podcast

In the latest episode of The Pets Mag Podcast, broadcaster and journalist Carole Malone shares the story of Murphy – the wilful, soulful Tibetan Terrier who’s been by her side for six years.

What began as a spark of love at first sight became a deep and joyful partnership – one that would even inspire a life-changing decision.

With warmth, humour and honesty, Carole reflects on the quiet power our dogs have to walk beside us through heartache, keep us moving, and remind us what really matters.

Follow Carole on Instagram @thecarolemalone.

An interview with Daniel Brockman, Professor of Small Animal Surgery and the Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Royal Veterinary College. 

In this powerful episode of The Pets Mag Podcast, Marie Carter-Robb speaks with one of the world’s leading veterinary surgeons about a quiet revolution taking place inside one of Britain’s most advanced operating theatres.

Mitral valve disease affects the vast majority of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels by the age of eight. Until recently, the condition was considered untreatable by surgery.

But now, thanks to a groundbreaking programme at the Royal Veterinary College, dogs with early-stage heart failure are being given a second chance at life through mitral valve repair – an intricate, open-heart procedure available at just three centres in the English-speaking world.

Professor Brockman walks us through the science, the stories, and the soul of this extraordinary work – from surgical risk and emotional toll to the ethics, cost, and long-term hope for dogs and their families.

To learn more about MVD, early warning signs, and surgery eligibility, listen to the full interview – or visit:

www.petsmag.co.uk/podcast

More information about mitral valve repair surgery:

www.rvc.ac.uk

One dog. One day. One last chance at hope.

At Stem Cell Vet, each patient gets a full day of focused care – no rush, no conveyor belt. These are the dogs who’ve tried everything: physio, surgery, pain meds. Still struggling. Still hurting.

Enter Dr Stewart Halperin – the UK’s leading pioneer in regenerative veterinary medicine. Using stem cells, platelet-rich plasma, and joint fluid therapy, he offers something rare: a second chance.

Not just pain relief – repair. Not just treatment – transformation.

What do a romantic castle, a motorway escape, and a dog named Tum Tum have in common? They all feature in our fabulous new Pets Mag Podcast episode with none other than Lady Colin Campbell – Royal biographer, broadcaster, and devoted Cavalier companion.

Lady C opens up about life with her beloved Mickey and Aurora (two irresistible Cavaliers with very big personalities), her past pups (including a dog who foiled a kidnapping), and why she believes in love that never ends… even after life.

This month on the Pets Mag Podcast, we’re welcoming someone many of you will recognise from your telly – Daniel Lustig-Webb, known for his sharp wit and fabulous hair on Channel 4’s Gogglebox. But today, it’s not the sofa that’s centre stage – it’s the soft paws and wagging tails of his two miniature poodles, Betsey and Babs.

In our latest My Pet feature, Daniel opens up about life with his playful pair – from daily routines and funny moments to the unique bond that’s made them more than just pets. With 121,000 Instagram followers eagerly keeping up with their adventures, Betsey and Babs are stars in their own right – and they’ve been right by Daniel’s side through thick and thin.

So pop the kettle on, give your dog a cuddle, and join us for a heartwarming chat about love, loyalty, and the little rituals that make life with dogs so special.