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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
Episodes

4 days ago
4 days ago
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.
Pet Product Recommendations:
Bark Bowls – Portable, travel-ready dog meals that combine dry kibble and wet toppers in a compostable container.
https://www.barkbowls.com
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.
https://www.khpet.com/products/small-animal-heated-pad
Audience Q&A:
Rachel from Austin, TX:
"My dog barks excessively whenever someone walks past our house. We’ve tried distractions and treats, but nothing seems to work. How can we teach him to be calmer without punishing him?"
Mike from Denver, CO:
"I’m considering getting a dog, but I’m torn between adopting from a shelter and buying from a breeder. In general, do adopted dogs have more health or behavior challenges compared to dogs from reputable breeders?"
Emily from Chicago, IL:
"My 4-year-old wants a pet, and we’re thinking about starting with fish. What’s the best beginner-friendly fish for young kids, and what should we know before setting up a tank?"
Related Links & Resources:
Project K-9 Hero
https://projectk9hero.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectk9hero
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectk9hero
Steve Dale – Pet Advocate & Behavior Consultant
https://www.stevedalepetworld.com
Fear Free Happy Homes: https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com
EveryCat Health Foundation: https://everycat.org
Follow Pets Add Life
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlife
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLife
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PetsAddLife
Subscribe & Listen Every Tuesday!
Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube
Submit your questions: https://www.petsaddlife.org/podcast
Presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV.

Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
56. Live from WVC – Fear-Free Vet Care & the Future of Pet Wellness
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
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.
Pet Product Recommendations:
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.
Shop Here: https://www.nylabone.com
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.
Learn More: https://www.airvet.com
Audience Q&A:
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?"
Related Links & Resources:
Fear Free – Stress-Free Vet Visits & Training
Learn More: https://www.fearfreepets.com
Petfolk – Modern Veterinary Care
Find a Clinic Near You: https://www.petfolk.com
Dr. Marty Becker – America’s Veterinarian
Official Website: https://www.drmartybecker.com
Airvet – Veterinary Telemedicine for Pet Owners
Sign Up Here: https://www.airvet.com
Follow Pets Add Life & Our Guests:
Follow Dr. Marty Becker & Fear Free
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmartybecker
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drmartybecker
Website: https://www.fearfreepets.com
Follow Dr. Audrey Wystrach & Petfolk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petfolkvet
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petfolkvet
Website: https://www.petfolk.com
Follow Dr. Jeff Werber & Airvet
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/werbs_dvm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJeffWerber
Website: https://www.airvet.com
Follow Pets Add Life for More Pet Content
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlife
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLife
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PetsAddLife
Subscribe & Listen to New Episodes Every Tuesday!
Apple Podcasts, Spotify & YouTube
Presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV.

Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
55.Humor, Music & the Heart of the Pet Community
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
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!
Pet Product Recommendations:
Chillin’ Chicken Treats – For Love of Pets – A healthy, calming dog treat marinated in chamomile broth for a natural stress-relief effect.
Shop Here: https://forloveofpets.com
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.
Shop Here: https://superfeedy.com
Audience Q&A:
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?"
Related Links & Resources:
Woofstock Charleston – Dog-Friendly Music Festival
Get Tickets Here: https://woofstock.live
Lowcountry Dog Magazine – Adoption Events & Pet News
Read Here: https://www.lowcountrydog.com
Follow Walter "Skinni Go Live" Brown for Vet Humor & Education
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skinnigolive
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkinniGoLive
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skinnigolive
Follow Pets Add Life & Our Guests:
Follow Brian Foster & Lowcountry Dog Magazine
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lowcountrydog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lowcountrydog
Website: https://www.lowcountrydog.com
Follow Pets Add Life for More Pet Content
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlife
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLife
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PetsAddLife
Subscribe & Listen to New Episodes Every Tuesday!
Apple Podcasts, Spotify & YouTube
Presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV.
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Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
54. Mastering Dog Training & Unlocking Gut Health for Pets
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
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!
Pet Product Recommendations:
Little Gulp Ultimate Doggy Water Bottle – A filtered, travel-friendly water bottle for dogs, designed to keep water fresh and prevent backwash contamination.
Shop Here: https://www.littlechunkpets.com/products/little-gulp-dog-water-bottle
Katie’s Bumpers Fireballs – A super durable, floating dog toy made from recycled firehose material, designed for tugging, chewing, and enrichment.
Shop Here: https://katiesbumpers.com/collections/firehose-dog-toys/products/fireball
Audience Q&A:
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?"
Related Links & Resources:
Dr. Ian Dunbar’s Books & Training Resources
Learn More: https://www.dunbaracademy.com
AnimalBiome – Gut Health Testing for Pets
Visit Here: https://www.animalbiome.com
SIRIUS Puppy Training – Off-Leash Socialization & Training
Sign Up: https://www.siriuspup.com
Dunbar Academy – Dog Training Videos & Online Courses
Explore Here: https://www.dunbaracademy.com
Follow Pets Add Life & Our Guests:
Follow Dr. Ian Dunbar & Dunbar Academy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dunbaracademy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DunbarAcademy
Website: https://www.dunbaracademy.com
Follow Dr. Holly Ganz & AnimalBiome
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animalbiome
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnimalBiome
Website: https://www.animalbiome.com
Follow Pets Add Life for More Pet Content
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlife
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLife
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PetsAddLife
Subscribe & Listen to New Episodes Every Tuesday!
Apple Podcasts, Spotify & YouTube
Presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV

Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
53. Dog Influencers, Social Media Trends & Holistic Cat Care
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
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.
Pet Product Recommendations:
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.
Shop Here: https://groundsandhoundscoffee.com
Catit Self-Grooming Wall Brush – A budget-friendly $5 cat grooming tool that attaches to walls, letting cats scratch and groom themselves effortlessly.
Shop Here: https://www.catit.com/shop/self-groomer-with-catnip
Audience Q&A:
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?"
Related Links & Resources:
Wear Wag Repeat – Dog Blog & Pet Business Resources
Visit Here: https://wearwagrepeat.com
Wear Wag Repeat Podcast – Interviews for Dog Lovers & Pet Entrepreneurs
Listen Here: https://wearwagrepeat.com/podcast
Cat Wisdom 101 – Feline Enrichment & Holistic Behavior Tips
Visit Here: https://catwisdom101.com
Black Cat Awareness Month – Advocacy & Adoption Support
Learn More: https://catwisdom101.com/black-cat-awareness-month
Follow Pets Add Life & Our Guests:
Follow Tori Mistick & Wear Wag Repeat
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearwagrepeat
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearwagrepeat
Website: https://wearwagrepeat.com
Follow Layla Morgan Wilde & Cat Wisdom 101
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catwisdom101
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatWisdom101
Website: https://catwisdom101.com
Follow Pets Add Life for More Pet Content
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlife
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLife
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PetsAddLife
Subscribe & Listen to New Episodes Every Tuesday!
Apple Podcasts, Spotify & YouTube
Presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV.

Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
52. Westminster Dogs & Vet Expo Insights
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
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.
Stories of the Week:
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.
Exclusive Interviews from Westminster Dog Show
Chris Reports from Westminster – Chris visits the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and interviews two top veterinarians:
- Dr. Jai Diggs, the first-ever resident vet of Westminster Kennel Club
- Dr. Callie Harris, Senior Vet Communications Manager at Purina
Topics Covered:
- What a Westminster vet does behind the scenes
- How pet parents can improve their dog’s nutrition for longevity
- The importance of mentorship in the veterinary field
- Avian Flu concerns: What pet parents need to know
Watch the Westminster segment: https://www.westminsterkennelclub.org
Inside VMX: The World’s Largest Vet Expo
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:
- How Chewy’s Connect with a Vet offers FREE pet health guidance
- The biggest mistakes pet parents make with anxious pets
- How to recognize early signs of fear and anxiety in dogs
- How behavior training can strengthen the human-animal bond
Connect with a Vet for FREE on Chewy: https://www.chewy.com/connect-with-a-vet
Products of the Week:
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
Audience Questions:
Megan from Seattle: “What’s the funniest or most unexpected thing your pets have ever done?”
Kristen’s Answer: Her tiny dog Tulip once chased a mama bear with cubs—thankfully, everyone was safe!
Chris’s Answer: He tried putting his cat Tiger on a leash for an outdoor adventure, but she just turned around and walked back inside.
Submit Your Question for Next Week: https://www.petsaddlife.org/podcast
Follow Our Guests & Resources:
Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – https://www.westminsterkennelclub.org
Chewy’s Connect with a Vet – https://www.chewy.com/connect-with-a-vet
VMX Veterinary Expo – https://navc.com/vmx
Follow Pets Add Life & Stay Connected:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlife
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLife
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PetsAddLife
New Episodes Every Tuesday! Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
51. Picture-Perfect Pets & Valentine's Day Treats
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
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.
Guests:
Darlene Woodward – Capturing Pets in the Magic of Winter
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:
- How her dog Kota inspired her career shift from flight attendant to pet photographer.
- The beauty of winter photography and how snow creates a magical backdrop.
- Tips for pet parents who want to take professional-looking pet photos at home.
- How to photograph reactive or anxious pets without stress.
- The importance of capturing memories with our pets before it's too late.
Follow Darlene’s work at:
Pant The Town Photography "pant the town photography
Skylar Crook – Gourmet Dog Treats for Special Occasions
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:
- How Wufers started and what makes their treats special.
- The importance of high-quality, human-grade ingredients in dog treats.
- How Wufers creates beautiful, bakery-style cookies that are as fun for pet parents as they are for dogs.
- The rising trend of celebrating special occasions with pets.
- Wufers' Valentine’s Day treat box—perfect for spoiling your pup this February.
Find Wufers treats at:
Wufers Official Website
Wufers on Amazon
Products of the Week:
Oral Health Test for Dogs
Washable Reusable Gel Lint Roller
Skylar’s Pick: Wufers Valentine’s Day Dog Cookie Box
Treat your pup to a hand-decorated, gourmet cookie box this Valentine’s Day! Featuring adorable heart-shaped designs and made with locally sourced ingredients, this treat box makes for paw-some Instagram-worthy moments.
Get it on Wufers: Wufers Valentine’s Box
Audience Questions:
From Sarah in Austin, TX:
"If there’s an emergency, how do I know whether I should rush my pet to a clinic or if it can wait? I often worry about overreacting or, worse, not acting quickly enough."
From Michael in Portland, OR:
"My dog seems to have constant ear trouble—shaking his head and scratching. Could it be an infection? What’s the best way to handle this, and how can I prevent it in the future?"
From Lisa in Denver, CO:
"Are there any supplements I should be giving my pet, like vitamins or joint support? How do I know which ones are actually beneficial?"
Links & Resources:
Dog Adoption Success Program (for new pet parents!):
https://www.doglifetraining.com/adoption-success-program
📍 Urban Coyotes & Evolutionary Research:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/coyote-genes-may-show-urban-evolution-at-work
📍 The Puppy Bowl – Adoption Awareness Event:
https://www.discovery.com/shows/puppy-bowl
📍 Follow Our Guests:
- Darlene Woodward Photography:
https://www.instagram.com/paintthetownphotography/ - Wufers Dog Treats (Official Website):
https://www.wufers.com/ - Wufers Dog Treats (Amazon Store):
https://www.amazon.com/Wufers
Follow Us & Stay Connected:
Follow Pets Add Life on Social Media:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlife
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLife
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlife
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PetsAddLife
🎙 Subscribe & Listen:
New episodes every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube!
Submit Your Questions for the Show:
https://www.petsaddlife.org/podcast

Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
50. Inside the Westminster Dog Show & Revolutionizing Veterinary Care
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
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:
- What makes this year's Westminster Dog Show special and why its return to Madison Square Garden is significant
- The behind-the-scenes process of running an event of this scale
- How Westminster champions philanthropy and animal welfare, including their work with the Purple Leash Initiative
- His personal journey in the dog show world and how his love for dogs has shaped his life
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:
- The biggest challenges facing veterinarians today and how VIP is tackling them
- Why mental health and work-life balance are crucial for veterinarians and how that benefits pets and their owners
- VIP’s approach to mentorship, training, and hospital expansion to improve veterinary care
- How pet owners can support their veterinarians and build better relationships with them
This episode is packed with insights for pet owners, dog lovers, and anyone interested in the future of veterinary medicine.
Products of the Week
- Hertzko Self-Cleaning Pet Brush
- Ideal for dogs and cats
- Retractable bristles make cleaning easy
- Reduces shedding and keeps pet coats healthy
- TropiClean Fresh Breath Oral Care Gel for Cats
- Natural formula that fights plaque and tartar buildup
- Simple gel application for easy use
- Helps maintain fresh breath and better oral health for cats
Listener Questions
- Jenna from Portland, Oregon
"I'm thinking about getting a bunny as a pet for the first time. What are some key things I should know before bringing one home, and how can I create a safe and happy environment for them?" - Mark from Austin, Texas
"My dog Max is constantly scratching and biting at his skin. It seems like he is super itchy all the time. What could be causing this, and how can I help him feel more comfortable?" - Lisa from Denver, Colorado
"I have a young, high-energy golden retriever and I want to make sure he is getting enough exercise. How much activity should I aim for each day to keep him healthy and happy?"
Follow and Connect
- Follow Pets Add Life on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X & YouTube
- Follow DOGTV on Instagram, Facebook & X
Related Links and Resources
- Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show: westminsterkennelclub.org
- Veterinary Innovative Partners (VIP): vip-vet.com
- Purple Leash Initiative – Supporting Domestic Abuse Survivors and Their Pets: Purple Leash Project
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.

Meet the hosts
Chris Bonifati, CEM, boasts an extensive career within the Pet Industry, notably serving as a key Trade Show organizer for APPA/Global Pet Expo. Renowned for his adeptness in data-driven decision-making, Chris leverages his skills to craft compelling narratives that resonate with his audience, ensuring optimal experiences at events. Beyond his pivotal role in shaping the success of Global Pet Expo, Chris indulges his passions, whether immersed in the pages of comic books, embarking on thrilling adventures in the realm of Dungeons & Dragons, or enjoying a round of golf on the course.
Kristen Levine is a nationally acclaimed pet expert, influencer, and author with over 30 years of experience working with pets. Through her Pet Living blog and over 1,000 media appearances, Kristen has helped millions of pet parents solve problems and provide the best care for their dogs and cats. Her current furry "pal" is Tulip, her adopted min-pin, chihuahua mix.