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Palpodcast2

The Pets Add Life Podcast

With Kristen Levine & Chris Bonifati

Presented by:
APPAandDOGTV
Chris Bonifati

Chris Bonifati

CEM

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.

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Kristen Levine

Kristen Levine

Pet Expert

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.

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Be sure to check out the Pets Add Life Podcast!

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, and Pocket Casts

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Episodes:

81. AI Savings, Sanctuary Heroes & Pet First Aid Power

As autumn leaves begin to fall, Kristen Levine welcomes guest co-host Walter Brown (a.k.a. Skinni Go Live) for a spirited episode filled with cozy vibes, cutting-edge pet tech, and two remarkable guests. The duo keeps the energy high with heart, humor, and heartfelt pet wisdom destined to inspire and delight!

Story Time Spark

  • Walter’s Wake-Up Call
    After pushing through body-wide inflammation, Walter reminds us that mental health matters just as much as physical. His story—a health scare that led him to the doctor—shines a light on the importance of listening to your body and seeking care early.

  • Kristen’s Smart Find: Pet Box App
    Kristen shares her discovery of Pet Box, an AI-powered cashback app for pet parents. Snap a photo of your receipt—the app scans it and rewards you 2–5% cashback on partner-brand pet purchases. Easy, tech-savvy, and budget-friendly.

Special Guests

  • Lee Asher
    Founder of The Asher House, a sprawling Oregon sanctuary providing a forever home to over 140 rescue animals across 240 acres. Once traveling the nation in an RV promoting shelter adoptions, he’s now a viral force for rescue awareness and compassionate care.

  • Arden Moore
    Known as America’s Pet Health & Safety Coach, Arden is the founder of Pet First Aid 4U and Director of Education for Pro Pet Hero. She offers veterinarian-approved first aid & CPR courses—online, live via Zoom, and in-person—with certification and real pet teaching partners like Kona (dog) and Casey (cat). 

Products of the Week

  • Final® Automatic Ball Launcher
    The ultimate throw-free fetch solution—just drop in the ball and watch it launch across the yard. Perfect for pups who never get enough or tiring arm days.

  • Sleepypod® Clickit Sport Harness
    Dual-function crash-tested harness for car safety and walks. This five-star-rated safety gear ($100 value) keeps your pup secure—whether belted in or on the move. (link)
  • Pet Bux App (Budget saver!)
    As introduced earlier—snap receipts, earn 2–5% cashback, use with everyday pet essentials—smart, simple, and seamless.

  • Portable Pet Oxygen Cage by Paw Print Oxygen
    A collapsible oxygen unit for emergencies—especially handy if your pet suffers injury, heatstroke, or breathing distress. Great for rescues and pet parents needing emergency readiness.(link)

Q&A Time

  1. Help a Fearful Rescue Dog (Michael from Miami)
    Krist en and Walter advise creating a safe zone, having guests drop treats (no eye contact, no reaching), and gently letting the dog observe from a distance. No forced interactions—slowly build positive associations and confidence.

  2. Home First Aid Steps? (Answered by Arden Moore)

  • Ensure everyone’s safe—remove other pets or children from the area.
  • Film a quick video and capture critical surroundings—it helps the vet prepare.
  • Check your pet’s gums: pink = good, bright red may signal overheating or toxicity; pale could mean shock or internal bleeding.
  • Call the vet ahead and stay calm—your pet needs your steady presence now. Freak out later, after delivery.

Related Links & Where to Find Guests

Social & Viewing Info

 

80. National Dog Day – Live from NYC!

In a special live episode on National Dog Day, Kristen Levine and Chris Bonifati celebrate the show’s 80th episode with high energy and a flurry of exciting announcements. They spotlight four talented guests, debut two new DOGTV shows, and unwrap an unbelievable 24‑hour sale bundle—plus unexpected live moments with fans and the DOGTV celebs. It’s a pawsome blend of community, celebration, and canine culture happening right in NYC’s buzzing heart.

Special Guests & New Shows:

  • Amber Aquart – Co‑host of The Dog Moms (season 2 launches today) and host of The Adoption Show on DOGTV.
  • Amanda Ree – Founder of Sama Dog Wellbeing, ordained animal chaplain, and host of Mindful Moments, a new DOGTV series healing the human‑animal bond through targeted mindfulness and touch. 
  • Matt Hobbs (“Puppy Songs”) – Award‑winning musician behind “Cheese Tax” and other viral pup‑centric originals living in Atlanta, now serenading the Pets Add Life audience live.
  • Carol Krakowski – Co‑founder of Boris & Horton, NYC’s first health‑code‑approved dog‑friendly café, sharing her community‑centered mission from the East Village.
  • Plus, live cameos from DOGTV’s Chief Dog Officer Willy and Chief Nap Officer Jax from Times Square’s live event.

Pet Product Recommendations:

  1. A 24‑hour “National Dog Day” bundle deal from Dog TV: 1‑year subscription, VIP gift pack (Buddy ID tag, virtual vet access, etc.), all for $24—available today only.

Related Links & Guest Profiles:

  • Sama Dog Wellbeing (Amanda Ree) – Holistic canine care rooted in Ayurveda, mindfulness, and spiritual healing: https://www.samadog.com Sama Dog Wellbeing+1

  • Boris & Horton – Dog-inclusive café and event hub in NYC’s East Village (location: 195 Avenue A at East 12th St). 
  • Puppy Songs (Matt Hobbs) – Viral, heart‑driven dog songs on Spotify/Apple Music and social platforms. 

Social & Viewing Info:

 

79. National Dog Day, Parade Joy & Music for Dogs

This National Dog Day episode, Kristen Levine teams up with her longtime friend and pet lifestyle pro Tori Mistick (from Wear Wag Repeat) to deliver a celebration of canine companionship and community. They share two heartwarming tales, two special guests, two pet product picks (one for dogs, one for cats!), and answer listener questions—because what better way to honor our best pals than with paws, parades, and peaceful tunes?

Special Guests:

  • Fern Watt – Author, video host, and founder of the nonprofit New York Dog Parade
  • Lisa Spector – Juilliard‑trained pianist, “Pet Calming Maestro,” and creator of music tailored to soothe dogs

Pet Product Recommendations:

Story Time Highlights:

  1. Tori’s fond memory of a Labor Day dog swim where she first glimpsed the pup she’d adopt—Bert—who at the time hilariously hated water, despite being a Labrador.
  2. A valuable reminder during Clear the Shelters month: the “3‑3‑3 Rule” for rescue pets—expect adjustment over the first 3 days, personality surfacing over 3 weeks, and true bonding beginning by 3 months.

Q&A Highlights:

  • For Labrador Energy: Tori’s advice for Carlos in Dallas—“tough love tidy time,” short fetch sessions with a calm-down wind-down (“sit and watch the world with your dog”), and adding calming music at home to help your Lab settle.
  • Considering a Bird?: Tips from avian vet Dr. Theresa Lightfoot: start with easier birds like parakeets or cockatiels, avoid high‑maintenance parrots or macaws at first, offer spacious cages, varied perches, and daily out‑of‑cage interaction.

Related Links & How to Follow:

Tori Mistick / Wear Wag Repeat

Fern Watt / New York Dog Parade

Lisa Spector / Canine Classical Music for Dogs

Social & Viewing Info:

 

78. Vet-Tech Comedy, Animal Trainers & DEI in Vet Med

This week, guest co‑host Walter Brown—better known as “Skinni Go Live,” a licensed veterinary technologist and the hilariously insightful content creator—joins Kristen Levine to deliver laughs and real‑talk from the veterinary world. First, they sit down with celebrity dog trainer Nicole Ellis, founder of Tails with Nicole and author of Working Like a Dog, to explore the journey from exotic animal training to teaching rescue pets tricks with heart. Then, Dr. Nicole Bruno shares how she founded Blend Vet, a groundbreaking diversity, equity, and inclusion certification and youth‑pathway program in veterinary medicine. Plus: cool pet product picks from both hosts and two cheers–worthy listener questions answered.

Special Guests:

Pet Product Recommendations:

Q&A Topics:

  • A common training dilemma: “Basic obedience vs. behavior modifications—what’s the best place to begin?”
  • Vet-tech confessionals: “What’s one of the most unusual exotics you’ve treated—and what did it teach you?”

Related Links:

Social Channels & Guest Handles:

 

77. Senior Dog Grooming, Pet Health Tech & Tiny Heroes

This week, Kristen welcomes guest host Alex Sessa of Peach on a Leash for a summer-themed episode full of inspiring stories and expert insight. First, they speak with Angela Densmore, senior dog groomer and founder of Gray Whiskers (online presence only via Instagram). Then, they sit down with Guilherme Coelho, Founder & CEO of Maven Pet to explore how AI and wearable tech are transforming veterinary care by detecting health signals before problems escalate. Plus, they celebrate heroic pets, new DOGTV moments, and share insightful Q&A with listeners.

Special Guests:

Pet Product Recommendations:

Social Channels:

 

Watch or Listen Every Tuesday:

Presented by:
American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV

 

76. Coral Reefs, Cloning Cats & Clear the Shelters

This week on Pets Add Life, Kristen Levine and Chris Bonifati dive into a jam-packed summer episode filled with science, sustainability, and shelter adoptions. First up, Science Magazine editor and author David Grimm joins the show to discuss how pets became family, the science of cat behavior, and why your dog is legally more like a couch than a kid. Then, Tina Lundquist Faust of Houston PetSet shares real stories from the front lines of Houston’s stray dog crisis, and how legislation, adoption centers, and documentaries are helping create a movement. Plus, learn how Sheba cat food is rebuilding coral reefs in Hawaii, what’s happening during August’s Clear the Shelters month, and why pup-friendly dental chews and cat hydration supplements are game-changers.

Special Guests:

Pet Product Recommendations:

Q&A Topics:

  • Sophia from Chicago, IL: “I want to switch my dog to a healthier food and avoid obesity—what should I ask my vet?”
  • Olivia from Phoenix, AZ: “My cat has been vomiting occasionally and has diarrhea. Should I wait it out or go to the vet?”

Related Links:

Social Media & Submissions:

Watch or Listen Every Tuesday:

Presented by:
American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV

75. Dog-Friendly Pools, Office Pets & Global Pet Wisdom

It’s the dog days of summer on Pets Add Life, and hosts Kristen Levine and Chris Bonifati are cooling things down with stories, science, and two powerhouse guests. First, Anna Webb—a UK-based canine behaviorist, nutritionist, and podcaster—joins to share her integrative approach to pet longevity, raw feeding, and what Brits are getting wrong about their anxious dogs. Then, Beth Bellanti of Tito’s Vodka reveals the heart behind their beloved Vodka for Dog People program, which has supported over 2,300 animal welfare orgs, rehomed 165+ distillery dogs, and helped make office dogs cool again. Plus, find out how to rent a private pool just for your dog, what APPA’s latest data says about cat people, and whether your senior pet needs new supplements or a joint-saving life jacket.

Special Guests:

Pet Product Recommendations:

Q&A Topics:

  • Maria from Denver, CO: “My senior dog is stiff and struggles with stairs—are supplements or vet visits necessary?”
  • David from Houston, TX: “Is a raw food diet safe for my dog, and how can I switch safely?”

Related Links:

Social Media & Submissions:

Watch or Listen Every Tuesday:

Presented by:
American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV

74. Raw Food, Rescue Dogs & Bodega Cats

In this episode of Pets Add Life, Kristen Levine and Chris Bonifati dive into everything from raw pet food myths to heroic shelter dogs and streetwise New York felines. First, Brian McDonnell of Oma’s Pride shares how his fourth-generation company is redefining pet nutrition with raw food, modern marketing, and authentic personalities. Then, best-selling author and canine search-and-rescue expert Susannah Charleson recounts her extraordinary career flying planes, finding missing persons with dogs, and helping rescues discover new purpose as service animals. Plus, the duo reveals how color-changing pee pads and AI collars are revolutionizing pet health—and NYC considers finally legalizing bodega cats!

Special Guests:

Pet Product Recommendations:

Q&A Topics:

  • Emma from Dallas, TX: “My cat has earwax buildup and scratches a lot. When should I take her to the vet?”
  • Jake from Orlando, FL: “My dog pulls like crazy on walks. What tools and tips can help?”

Related Links:

Social Media & Submissions:

Watch or Listen Every Tuesday:

Presented by:
American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV

 

73. Dogs with Super Noses, Pet Industry Insights & Sailing Cats

 

In this globe-trotting and data-packed episode of Pets Add Life, hosts Kristen Levine and Chris Bonifati bring you stories of science, inspiration, and adventure. First up: Roy Ben-Tzvi, founder of The Wolf newsletter, shares his journey from startup founder to pet industry analyst and dives into trends like smart collars, pet supplements, and what makes pet businesses succeed. Then, children’s author and former biologist Stephanie Gibeault teaches us how dogs experience the world—and why butt sniffing is more polite than it seems. Plus, meet a cat who sailed the Pacific, and learn why dogs can smell your stress (and possibly your math anxiety).

Special Guests:

Pet Product Recommendations:

Q&A Topics:

  • Sarah from Phoenix, AZ: “Is my dog overweight? What signs should I look for?”
  • Mark from Denver, CO: “How can I tell if a trainer truly uses positive reinforcement?”

Related Links:

Social Media & Submissions:

Watch or Listen Every Tuesday:

Presented by:
American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV

72. The Cone of Shame, Pet Pros & Pets with Paws

In this dynamic episode of Pets Add Life, hosts Kristen Levine and Chris Bonifati spotlight trailblazers in veterinary care and the pet business world. First up is beloved veterinarian Dr. Andy Roark, creator of the “Cone of Shame” podcast and founder of the Uncharted Veterinary Conference. Dr. Roark discusses how humor, empathy, and education fuel his mission to support vets and pet parents alike. Then, Nancy Hassel, founder of American Pet Professionals and host of “Digging Into the Pet Industry,” shares tips for aspiring entrepreneurs, networking insights, and why now is a golden age for the pet biz. Plus, we learn how to tell if your dog is left- or right-pawed, discuss pet allergies, and offer practical pet dental advice from Dr. Roark himself.

Special Guests:

Social Media & Submissions:

Watch or Listen Every Tuesday:

Presented by:
American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV

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Be sure to check out the Pets Add Life Podcast!

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, and Pocket Casts

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