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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
Tuesday Apr 23, 2024
Tuesday Apr 23, 2024
Chris and Kristen are joined by Dana Brooks from the Pet Food Institute to talk about the regulatory side of pet food and treats and what the organization is doing to support pet food safety and nutrition. Then, we hear from Jim Lamancusa with the Pet Sustainability Coalition to learn how the organization is working to bring sustainability to the forefront of the pet industry.
Episode Description
Special Guests:
- Dana Brooks, President & CEO of the Pet Food Institute
- Jim Lamancusa, Executive Director of the Pet Sustainability Coalition
Pet Product Recommendations:
- https://pioneerpet.com/product/3009-big-max-premium-stainless-steel-drinking-fountain-128/Pioneer Pet Big Max Premium Stainless Steel Drinking Fountain
Q&A Topics:
- Effective enrichment toys and activities for dogs (Submitted by Carla from Reno, NV)
- Engaging toys for cats (Submitted by Michelle from Atlanta, GA)
Related Links:
- Pet Sustainability Coalition
Social Channels:
- Follow the Pet Food Institute on Facebook, X & LinkedIn
- Follow the Pet Sustainability Coalition on Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn
- Follow Pets Add Life on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok & X
Submit a question to the podcast
Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV
Tuesday Apr 16, 2024
Tuesday Apr 16, 2024
This week, Chris and Kristen learn the origin story of how Brian and Magnus of @MagnusTheTherapyDog came to be. Brian talks about their journey of becoming a therapy animal team and shares steps for our listeners who may be interested in doing the same. Then, hear from companion animal nutritionist Dr. James Templeman, PhD, of Primal Pet Foods to hear how the brand is working to make human grade raw diets more accessible to pet parents.
Special Guests:
- Brian Benson & Magnus of @MagnusTheTherapyDog
- Dr. James Templeman, PhD, Director of Nutrition and Formulation at Primal Pet Foods
Pet Product Recommendations:
- Yeti Puff and Play Dog Toy Interactive Nuggets Treats Dispenser Puzzle
Q&A Topics:
- Pets with itchy ears (Submitted by Nina from Memphis, TN)
- Where to seek help for beta fish care (Submitted by Raj from Sacramento, CA)
Related Links:
Social Channels:
- Follow Magnus the Therapy Dog on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X, LinkedIn & YouTube
- Follow Primal Pet Foods on Instagram, Facebook & TikTok
- Follow Pets Add Life on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok & X
Submit a question to the podcast
Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV
Tuesday Apr 09, 2024
Tuesday Apr 09, 2024
This week, Chris and Kristen talk with Melinda Thomas of Pets in the Classroom, a program dedicated to improving and expanding the classroom experience for students. Melinda shares the incredible benefits this program has on students and how teachers can apply for grants to obtain a class pet, as well as other resources for teachers. Then, hear from Beth Miller from Wagtown, an organization working to foster more pet-friendly communities.
Special Guests:
- Melinda Thomas, Executive Director of Pets in the Classroom
- Beth Miller, Founder, President & CEO of Wagtown, Inc.
Pet Product Recommendations:
Q&A Topics:
- When to check in with your vet (Submitted by Brian from Orlando, FL)
- New pet health innovations (Submitted by Tamra from Savannah, GA)
Related Links:
- Wagtown
Social Channels:
- Follow Pets in the Classroom on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok & X
- Follow Wagtown on Instagram & Facebook
- Follow Pets Add Life on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok & X
Submit a question to the podcast
Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV
Tuesday Apr 02, 2024
Tuesday Apr 02, 2024
Chris and Kristen explore the world of pet tech innovation with Ben Seidman, Founder of Mella Pet Care. Their Mella Home Thermometer – the first accurate underarm pet thermometer – recently closed the brand a deal with Mark Cuban on Shark Tank. Hear from Ben as he tells the story behind producing the Mella Home Thermometer and additional product offerings in their pet health ecosystem. Next, we talk with Gwyn Donahue of Pet Partners and 22-year therapy animal handler Adriana and her dog Darla. Pet Partners is the leading national non-profit organization registering therapy animal teams with over 8,000 volunteers across the U.S. and 12 countries. Learn about the important work of therapy animal teams and how to get involved with the organization.
Special Guests:
- Ben Seidman, Founder & Chief Operating Officer at Mella Pet Care
- Gwyn Donahue (Chief Marketing Officer) and Adriana & Darla (Volunteer Therapy Animal Team) with Pet Partners
Pet Product Recommendations:
- Essentials First Aid Kit by Healer’s Pet Care
Q&A Topics:
- Cat toy recommendations for non-playful cats to promote exercise (Submitted by Matt from New York, NY)
- New product trends pet parents can expect this year (Submitted by Lorenzo from San Francisco, CA)
Related Links:
Social Channels:
- Follow Mella Pet Care on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X & LinkedIn
- Follow Pet Partners on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok & LinkedIn
- Follow Pets Add Life on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok & X
Submit a question to the podcast
Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV
Tuesday Mar 26, 2024
Tuesday Mar 26, 2024
This week, Chris and Kristen host the brands behind their award-winning best new products in 2024! Meet the “Best in Show” winners from Global Pet Expo with products across 13 categories. Get the inside scoop on the latest pet products and the world of pet product innovation!
Featured Products:
- Aquatic: Anubias on Lava by Pisces USA
- Bird: Happy Beaks Corky Crunchers & Humanized Bird by A&E Cage Company
- Cat: GivePet Cat Treats
- Dog Food/Treats: Allprovide Pet Foods
- Dog Products: Happy Dingos Slow Feeder Bowl
- Farm & Feed: Coop Combo Hemp Fiber Nesting Mats & Bedding by All Walks
- Natural: BetterBone
- Pet Sustainability: Organic Cotton Dog Beds, Blankets & Crate Covers by Molly Mutt
- Pet Tech Innovation: The Uproot Clean 7-in-1 Pet Grooming Kit
- Point of Purchase: Cricket Keeper by Spectrum Brands / Global Pet Care
- Reptile: Exo Terra BioActive Terrarium by Hagen Group
- Small Animal: The Roam by Happy Habitats
- The Modern Pet: Hoggin’ Dogs Prime Rib & Pumpkin Flavors by Puppy Cake
Follow Pets Add Life on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok & X
Submit a question to the podcast
Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV
Thursday Mar 21, 2024
Thursday Mar 21, 2024
Join us for another special edition of the Pets Add Life Podcast live from Global Pet Expo! This week, Chris and Kristen sit down with veterinary and animal health experts to discuss innovations in veterinary medicine to improve access to care for our pets. We discuss the rising costs of vet care, concerns about the shortage of veterinary professionals, and new products and services in the field to help mitigate these issues for pet parents. This episode is a must-listen for pet parents interested in the future of pet tech and pet care.
Special Guests:
- Greg Geckles, Vice President of Market Insights at Independence Pet Holdings
- Dr. Jeff Werber, Chief Veterinary Officer at AirVet Telemedicine
Pet Product Recommendations:
Related Links:
- AirVet
Social Channels:
- Follow AirVet on Instagram, Facebook, X & LinkedIn
- Follow Pets Add Life on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok & X
Submit a question to the podcast
Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV
Wednesday Mar 20, 2024
Wednesday Mar 20, 2024
Join us for a special edition of the Pets Add Life Podcast live from Global Pet Expo! Hosted by Kristen Levine and Dr. Courtney Campbell, veterinary surgeon and media personality live from the trade show floor, we’re unpacking all the excitement and innovation at the premier pet industry event showcasing the latest pet products and brands. Dive in with us as we explore groundbreaking products, talk with industry pioneers and share heartwarming moments from the show.
Hosts:
- Kristen Levine, Pet Living Expert
- Dr. Courtney Campbell, Veterinary Surgeon & Media Personality
Special Guests:
- Mary Helen Horn (President & Executive Director) & Jessica Krueger (Senior Marketing Manager) of ZIWI
- Xiomara Gonzales (Animal/Pet and Human Interest Feature Correspondent) with Univision Communications Inc.
Discount Code:
Get 20% off a one-time purchase at us.ziwipets.com with code PALPOD20
Related Links:
- ZIWI
Social Channels:
- Follow Dr. Courtney Campbell on Instagram, Facebook, X & LinkedIn
- Follow Xiomara Gonzales on LinkedIn
- Follow Global Pet Expo on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X & LinkedIn
- Follow Pets Add Life on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok & X
Submit a question to the podcast
Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV
Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
Tune in to this week’s episode with special guests Jeremy Baker, Chief Growth Officer at the American Pet Products Association (APPA) and Mike Bober, President & CEO of Pet Advocacy Network, for an insider perspective on the pet industry. Learn from APPA about the evolution of the pet products industry and the rising trends in product development. Then, learn about the world of pet advocacy and how the Pet Advocacy Network supports the needs of pets, owners and the businesses that support them.
Special Guests:
- Jeremy Baker, Chief Growth Officer at the American Pet Products Association (APPA)
- Mike Bober, President & CEO of Pet Advocacy Network
Pet Product Recommendations:
- ActivPhy Hip & Joint Mobility Collar
Q&A Topics:
- Considerations people should make when considering a reptile for a pet (Submitted by Jonah from Minneapolis, MN)
- What to expect as a first-time volunteer at an animal shelter (Submitted by Sophia from Charleston, SC)
Related Links:
- American Pet Products Association (APPA)
Social Channels:
- Follow APPA on Instagram, Facebook, X & LinkedIn
- Follow Pet Advocacy Network on Facebook, X & LinkedIn
- Follow Pets Add Life on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok & X
Submit a question to the podcast
Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV
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.