Pets Add Life

petsaddlife
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Pets & Animals
  • Updated weekly

Welcome to the Pets Add Life Podcast dedicated to pet parents and enthusiasts looking to learn more about the world of pets and pet ownership! Each week, your hosts, Certified Cat Dad Chris Bonifati and Pet Living Expert Kristen Levine, explore the many ways Pets Add Life – diving into the latest trends in pet care, sharing heartwarming stories of animal companionship, and more – with special guests that include pet industry experts and passionate pet owners. Each episode features two pet stories, two special guests, two product recommendations and two questions from the audience. Tune in to the Pets Add Life Podcast on Tuesdays for new episodes! Presented by: American Pet Products Association & DOGTV

  1. 11 hr ago

    124. Fourth of July Pet Safety, Understanding Dog Behavior & Caring for Giant Breeds

    In this special Fourth of July episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine share practical tips to help dogs and cats stay safe during fireworks while exploring the science behind canine behavior and the unique needs of giant breed dogs. Featuring two experts in animal behavior and pet wellness, this episode is packed with advice to help pet parents better understand, protect, and care for their furry family members. Story Time features: Chris shares essential Fourth of July safety tips for cat owners, including why microchipping, updated ID tags, keeping cats indoors, and maintaining recent photos are critical during one of the busiest times of year for lost pets. Kristen discusses how to prepare dogs for fireworks by providing exercise, enrichment activities, a quiet safe space, calming background audio, and—when appropriate—working with a veterinarian on anxiety management strategies. Special Guests: Kim Brophey, Applied Ethologist, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, Founder of Family Dog Mediation & Author of Meet Your Dog Sarah McLean, Co-Founder, Big Damn Dog Company & Winner of the 2025 Pet Innovation Lab Competition Pet Product Recommendations: Atomic Bubbles Puppy Love Calming Bubbles & Kitty Love Calming Bubbles – https://atomicbubbles.com Pet Honesty Dual Texture Calming Chews – https://www.pethonesty.com Q&A Topics: With so many GPS trackers, health monitors, and smart pet devices on the market, which pet technologies genuinely improve a dog's quality of life—especially for senior pets? (Submitted by Rachel from Austin, TX) With so many supplements available for pets, how can owners tell which products are truly beneficial and which are mostly marketing hype? (Submitted by Michael from Denver, CO) Related Links: Family Dog Mediation: https://www.familydogmediation.com Big Damn Dog Company: https://thebigdamndogco.com/ Pet Anxiety Awareness Month: https://www.petanxietyawareness.com National Animal Supplement Council (NASC): https://www.nasc.cc American Pet Products Association (APPA): https://www.americanpetproducts.org DOGTV: https://www.dogtv.com Pets Add Life: https://www.petsaddlife.org Social Channels: Kim Brophey (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/familydogmediation Big Damn Dog Company (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/bigdamndogco DOGTV (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/dogtv Pets Add Life (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlife 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 Subscribe & Listen: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts! Submit a question to the podcast: https://www.petsaddlife.org/podcast Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV

    48 min

  2. 30 Jun

    123. Pet Anxiety Awareness, Cat Cafés & Choosing Safe Pet Supplements

    In this episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine celebrate the 10th anniversary of Pet Anxiety Awareness Month while continuing their Global Pet Expo 2026 coverage. Kristen shares the personal story that inspired a decade-long mission to help pets struggling with anxiety, while Chris highlights some of the most innovative products recognized at Global Pet Expo. The episode also explores the growing popularity of cat cafés, responsible pet adoption, and how pet parents can confidently evaluate supplements and wellness products for their pets. Story Time features: Kristen shares the story of her beloved dog Buck, whose severe separation anxiety ultimately inspired the creation of Pet Anxiety Awareness Month. She discusses how veterinary behaviorists, behavior modification, environmental changes, and medication helped transform Buck’s quality of life. Chris spotlights Global Pet Expo’s Best in Show Award winners and explains how pet parents can explore the newest and most innovative pet products recognized by retailers, media, and industry experts. Special Guests: Sandra Cagan, Co-Founder, Orlando Cat Café Bill Bookout, President, National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) Todd Harrison, Attorney, Venable LLP & Animal Health Regulatory Expert Pet Product Recommendations: Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Interactive Dog Puzzle Toys – https://outwardhound.com NATURVET SUPPLEMENT 4 IN 1 VITAMIN FOR DOGS –  https://naturvet.com/   Q&A Topics: A cat suddenly refusing to use a self-cleaning litter box despite a clean bill of health. Chris discusses proper maintenance, hygiene, and why litter box cleanliness remains critical even with automated systems. (Submitted by a Global Pet Expo attendee) What beginners should understand about horse behavior and care. Kristen explains the importance of recognizing horses as prey animals and building trust through calm, predictable interactions. (Submitted by Olivia from Lexington, KY) Related Links: Pet Anxiety Awareness Month: https://www.petanxietyawareness.com Orlando Cat Café: https://www.orlandocatcafe.com Orlando Cat Café Franchising: https://www.orlandocatcafefranchise.com National Animal Supplement Council (NASC): https://www.nasc.cc Global Pet Expo Best in Show Awards: https://globalpetexpo.org Global Pet Expo: https://www.globalpetexpo.org American Pet Products Association (APPA): https://www.americanpetproducts.org DOGTV: https://www.dogtv.com Pets Add Life: https://www.petsaddlife.org Social Channels: Orlando Cat Café (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/orlandocatcafe National Animal Supplement Council (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/NASCQualitySeal DOGTV (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/dogtv Pets Add Life (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlife 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 Subscribe & Listen: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts! Submit a question to the podcast: https://www.petsaddlife.org/podcast Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV

    48 min

  3. 23 Jun

    122. Sustainability, Storytelling & The Future of Pet Innovation

    In this episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine continue their coverage from Global Pet Expo 2026. They explore new research on dog ownership trends, fascinating discoveries about ancient canine evolution, and conversations with two industry leaders helping shape the future of pet products. From sustainability and responsible sourcing to the power of authentic storytelling and video marketing, this episode offers valuable insights for pet parents, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals alike. Story Time features: Chris shares findings from APPA’s latest State of the Industry Report, revealing that 53% of U.S. households now own a dog—an increase representing approximately 4 million additional dog-owning homes since 2024. Kristen highlights new research showing that dogs displayed remarkable diversity in size and skull shape more than 11,000 years ago, challenging the long-held belief that most breed diversity originated only in recent centuries through selective breeding. Special Guests: Jim Lamancusa, Executive Director, Pet Sustainability Coalition Greg Rollett, Marketing Strategist, Head of Video at The Grommet & Startup Pavilion Host, Global Pet Expo Pet Product Recommendations: World’s Best Cat Litter Health Check-In – https://www.worldsbestcatlitter.com JoJo Modern Pets Natural Dog Chews & Toys – https://jojomodernpets.com Q&A Topics: Best ways to keep a dog mentally stimulated, including puzzle toys, snuffle mats, enrichment games, and DIY feeding activities. (Submitted by Kevin from Boston, MA) How to balance being a loving pet parent without becoming a pushover, while using positive reinforcement to encourage better behavior. (Submitted by a Global Pet Expo attendee) Related Links: Pet Sustainability Coalition: https://www.petsustainability.org The Grommet: https://www.thegrommet.com Global Pet Expo: https://www.globalpetexpo.org American Pet Products Association (APPA): https://www.americanpetproducts.org DOGTV: https://www.dogtv.com Pets Add Life: https://www.petsaddlife.org Social Channels: Pet Sustainability Coalition (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/company/pet-industry-sustainability-coalition/ The Grommet (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/thegrommet DOGTV (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/dogtv Pets Add Life (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlife 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 Subscribe & Listen: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts! Submit a question to the podcast: https://www.petsaddlife.org/podcast Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV

    48 min

  4. 16 Jun

    121. Pet Industry Growth, Global Trade Shows & Protecting Pet Choice

    In this informative episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine explore the continued growth of the pet industry, the value pets bring to our lives, and the policies and trade events shaping the future of pet ownership. From APPA’s latest industry data to global pet trends and responsible pet advocacy, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the forces driving the pet world forward. Story Time features: Chris shares highlights from APPA’s latest State of the Industry Report, revealing that U.S. pet industry spending reached approximately $158 billion in 2025 and is projected to continue growing as pet ownership expands across generations. Kristen discusses new research from the University of Kent suggesting that the positive impact pets have on human well-being may be worth the equivalent of tens of thousands of dollars annually in life satisfaction and emotional benefits. Special Guests: Sandy Moore, CEO, Pet Advocacy Network Rowena Arzt, Head of Exhibitions, Interzoo Pet Product Recommendations: Delectables Cat Treats & Toppers – https://www.hartz.com/our-brands/delectables Pet-Ag Dynovite Supplements – https://www.petag.com Q&A Topics: My dog is friendly with people but not great with other dogs. Is it too late to socialize an adult dog, and how should I approach it? (Submitted by Amanda from Miami, FL) I’m new to owning fish. What are the most important things people often get wrong when setting up and maintaining a home aquarium? (Submitted by Daniel from Tampa, FL) Related Links: Pet Advocacy Network: https://petadvocacy.org Interzoo: https://www.interzoo.com American Pet Products Association (APPA): https://www.americanpetproducts.org Global Pet Expo: https://globalpetexpo.org DOGTV Unleashed FAST Channel: https://www.dogtv.com/unleashed Pets Add Life: https://www.petsaddlife.org Social Channels: Pets Add Life (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlife 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 Subscribe & Listen: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts! Submit a question to the podcast: https://www.petsaddlife.org/podcast Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV

    48 min

  5. 9 Jun

    120. Pet Anxiety Awareness Month: Understanding Fear, Stress & Anxiety in Pets

    In this special live episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine kick off the 10th annual Pet Anxiety Awareness Month. Joined by two leading experts in animal behavior and veterinary medicine, the conversation explores the causes of fear, stress, and anxiety in pets, how these conditions affect physical and emotional well-being, and what pet parents can do to help their dogs and cats live more confident, comfortable lives. Story Time features: Chris shares the heartwarming story of a woman who adopted a cat to help with her own mental health, only to discover that her new feline companion struggled with anxiety too. Together, they helped each other heal, highlighting the powerful bond between pets and people. Kristen reflects on the inspiration behind Pet Anxiety Awareness Month, sharing the story of her beloved dog Buck and how his battle with separation anxiety led her to create a nationwide awareness campaign dedicated to helping pet parents recognize and treat anxiety-related conditions. Special Guests: Debbie Martin, Licensed Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Technician Specialist (Behavior), Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner & Elite Fear Free Certified® Professional Dr. Kiona Williams, Veterinarian, Chewy Vet Care & Fear Free Certified Professional Pet Product Recommendations: Calmer Canine – https://assisi.zomedica.com/products/calmer-canine/ Chuckit! Launchers & Fetch Toys – https://www.chuckit-toys.com DOGTV – https://www.dogtv.com Reconcile – https://www.reconcile.com SecureDog & SecureCat Pheromone Products www.securebysigns.com/us/products/securedog Fresh Patch – https://www.freshpatch.com Ease Pet Vet – https://easepetvet.com Atomic Bubbles – https://atomicbubbles.com Q&A Topics: My dog seems perfectly happy when we're together, but the moment I leave the house he starts barking, whining, and sometimes destroys things. How can I tell if this is true separation anxiety, and what are the best steps to help him feel more comfortable being alone? (Submitted by Jessica from Charlotte, NC) My cat has been licking himself so much that he's starting to lose hair. We've ruled out skin issues and fleas. Could this be anxiety, and what can I do to help? (Submitted by Lizzy via YouTube Live) Related Links: Pet Anxiety Awareness Month: https://petanxietyawareness.com Fear Free Pets: https://fearfreepets.com Chewy Vet Care: https://www.chewy.com/b/vet-care-17377 DOGTV Understanding Pet Anxiety Special: https://www.dogtv.com Ease Pet Vet: https://easepetvet.com American Pet Products Association (APPA): https://www.americanpetproducts.org Pets Add Life: https://www.petsaddlife.org Social Channels: Pets Add Life (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlife 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 Subscribe & Listen: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts! Submit a question to the podcast: https://www.petsaddlife.org/podcast Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV

    48 min

  6. 2 Jun

    119. Dr. Pol, Ziggy the Corgi & How Pets Keep Changing Lives

    In this lively episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, recorded live from Global Pet Expo, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine explore heroic animal rescue, growing Gen X pet ownership trends, practical veterinary wisdom, and the joyful world of corgi racing. From pets rescued by drones in Ukraine to Dr. Jan Pol’s decades of real-world veterinary experience and Ziggy the Corgi’s rise in sports entertainment, this episode celebrates the many ways pets bring purpose, connection, and joy into our lives. Story Time features: Kristen shares the incredible story of Ukrainian soldiers who used a military drone to rescue a stranded dog and cat from the front lines, helping bring the animals to safety during an active war zone. Chris highlights new APPA research showing that Gen X pet owners are driving significant growth across multiple pet categories, including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and freshwater fish. Special Guests: Dr. Jan Pol, Veterinarian & Star of The Incredible Dr. Pol Jess Ramberg, Creator of Ziggy the Corgi & Founder of Little Stumps Racing Pet Product Recommendations: Playology Scented Dog Toys – https://playologypets.com The Lazy Dog Cookie Co. Pup-PIE® & Birthday Treats – https://lazydogcookies.com Q&A Topics: There’s so much conflicting information online about dog food. How can pet parents tell if their dog is actually thriving on a certain diet? (Submitted by Andrew from Phoenix, AZ) My cat hides every time someone new comes into the house. Is there a safe way to help shy cats become more social and confident around people? (Submitted by Emily from Portland, OR) Related Links: The Incredible Dr. Pol: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/tv/shows/the-incredible-dr-pol Dr. Pol Clinical Nutrition: https://thedrpol.com/dr-pol-launches-non-prescription-clinical-nutrition-dog-food-line-available-exclusively-at-walmart/ Dr. Pol at Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/brand/drpol/10026293 Ziggy the Corgi: https://www.instagram.com/ziggy_thecorgi Little Stumps Racing: https://littlestumpsracing.com Little Stumps Racing (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/littlestumpsracing 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 (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlife 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 Subscribe & Listen: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts! Submit a question to the podcast: https://www.petsaddlife.org/podcast Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV

    48 min

  7. 26 May

    118. Insect Protein, Cat Evolution & The Future of Pet Wellness

    In this fascinating episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine explore the future of pet nutrition, the science of evolution, and innovative approaches to preventative pet health. From sustainable insect-based proteins to feline evolution and longevity medicine, this episode highlights how science and technology continue shaping the future of pet care. Story Time features: Kristen shares the story of a former software engineer who helped transform his dog’s health through insect-based nutrition, leading to the creation of a new pet food ingredient company focused on buffalo mealworm protein as a sustainable and highly palatable dietary supplement. Chris explores the growing challenge facing the pet food industry: balancing environmentally sustainable ingredients with increasing consumer demand for premium, human-grade pet nutrition. Special Guests: Dr. Jonathan Losos, Evolutionary Biologist & Author of The Cat’s Meow Dr. Henry Yoo, Veterinarian & Executive Consultant, Infinity Medical Consulting Pet Product Recommendations: Oneisall Smart Automatic Feeder for Two Cats – https://oneisall.com Barkly Retractable Dog Leash with Personal Safety Alarm – https://mybarkly.com/ Q&A Topics: My dog seems incredibly smart and learns words quickly. How do scientists actually measure canine intelligence? (Submitted by Mark from Columbus, OH) My son recently got a betta fish. What size tank and type of environment does a betta fish really need to stay healthy and happy? (Submitted by Laura from San Diego, CA) Related Links: The Cat’s Meow by Dr. Jonathan Losos: https://global.oup.com Planet Paws: https://www.planetpawsmedia.com Infinity Medical Consulting: https://www.infinitymedicalconsulting.com 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 (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlife 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 Subscribe & Listen: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts! Submit a question to the podcast: https://www.petsaddlife.org/podcast Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV

    48 min

  8. 19 May

    117. AI Pet Recovery, Cancer Prevention & The Science of Longevity

    In this fascinating episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine explore cutting-edge innovations in pet health, longevity, and recovery technology. From AI-powered lost pet reunification systems to breakthrough research on cancer prevention and aging, this episode delivers practical insight into how science and technology are helping pets live longer, healthier lives. Story Time features: Kristen shares how AI-powered image recognition is helping reunite lost pets with their families through Petco Love Lost, a growing database that analyzes hundreds of visual data points to match missing pets with shelter and neighborhood sightings. Chris highlights a fascinating look into the lives of ultra-wealthy dog owners, exploring luxury grooming, longevity therapies, premium nutrition, and the growing trend of treating pets as full-fledged family members. Special Guests: Rodney Habib, Pet Health Educator, Author & Founder of Planet Paws Dr. Kevin Toman, Veterinarian & Longevity Medicine Specialist Pet Product Recommendations: Lootpaw GPS & Behavioral Tracker – https://www.lootpawpets.com/ Petco Love Lost AI Pet Recovery Service – https://petcolove.org/lost Q&A Topics: I recently adopted a shy young cat who hides when visitors come over. What are safe and gentle ways to help her become more comfortable socializing? (Submitted by Melissa from Portland, OR) We lost our last dog to cancer and just adopted a new puppy. Are there things we can do early in life to reduce the risk of cancer? (Submitted by Daniel from Tampa, FL) Related Links: Planet Paws: https://planetpaws.ca/ Dr. Karen Becker: https://healthypets.mercola.com Helping Pets Live Longer: https://helpingpetslivelonger.com Petco Love Lost: https://petcolove.org/lost 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 (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlife 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 Subscribe & Listen: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts! Submit a question to the podcast: https://www.petsaddlife.org/podcast Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV

    48 min
See All (100)

About

Welcome to the Pets Add Life Podcast dedicated to pet parents and enthusiasts looking to learn more about the world of pets and pet ownership! Each week, your hosts, Certified Cat Dad Chris Bonifati and Pet Living Expert Kristen Levine, explore the many ways Pets Add Life – diving into the latest trends in pet care, sharing heartwarming stories of animal companionship, and more – with special guests that include pet industry experts and passionate pet owners. Each episode features two pet stories, two special guests, two product recommendations and two questions from the audience. Tune in to the Pets Add Life Podcast on Tuesdays for new episodes! Presented by: American Pet Products Association & DOGTV

Information

  • Creator
    petsaddlife
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Pets Add Life