Paws & Relax

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Pets Add Life Podcast

The Pets Add Life Podcast

With Kristen Levine & Chris Bonifati

Presented by:
APPA and DOGTV
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.

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.

Be sure to check out the Pets Add Life Podcast!

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

Episodes:

Episode 9: The Inside Scoop on Pet Food Regulatory & Pet Sustainability Organizations

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.

Special Guests:
- Dana Brooks, President & CEO of the Pet Food Institute
- Jim Lamancusa, Executive Director of the Pet Sustainability Coalition

Pet Product Recommendations:
- De’ Vora Scratch Square
- 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 Food Institute
- Pet Sustainability Coalition
- Pets Add Life

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

Episode 8: Becoming a Therapy Animal Team with @MagnusTheTherapyDog & Transforming Raw Diets for Pets

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
- Bird Buddy

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:
- Magnus the Therapy Dog
- Primal Pet Foods
- Pets Add Life

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

Episode 7: Transforming the Classroom with Pets & Fostering Pet Friendly Communities

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:
- SiliDog Pet ID Tags
- Dezi & Roo Cat Toys

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:
- Pets in the Classroom
- Wagtown
- Pets Add Life

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

Episode 6: Innovating in the Pet Industry and Exploring the World of Pet Therapy Animals

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:
- Brutus Bone Broth
- 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:
- Mella Pet Care
- Pet Partners
- Pets Add Life

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

Episode 5: Best New Pet Products for 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

Episode 4: Live from Global Pet Expo! (special ep #2)

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:
- Swell Gelato for Dogs
- Poop Fighter Cat Litter

Related Links:
- Independence Pet Holdings
- AirVet
- Pets Add Life

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

Episode 3: Live from Global Pet Expo with ZIWI Pet Food & Pet Correspondent Xiomara Gonzales

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
- Global Pet Expo
- Pets Add Life

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

Episode 2: The Business of Pets: What to Expect from the Pet Industry & Pet Advocacy

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:
- PAWZ Dog Boots
- 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)
- Pet Advocacy Network

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

Episode 1: How Do Pets Add Life? The Science Behind the Human Animal Bond & Pet Ownership

Get to know your podcast hosts, Certified Cat Dad Chris Bonifati and Pet Living Expert Kristen Levine, as they share their backgrounds in the pet industry on our very first episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast! Then, tune in with Kristen as she sits down with special guests Steve Feldman, President of the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), and Kerry O’Hara, Chief Insights Officer at the American Pet Products Association (APPA). Learn about the incredible science-based research HABRI develops on the health benefits of companion animals and the latest pet ownership trends from APPA.

Special Guests:
- Steve Feldman, President of the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI)
- Kerry O’Hara, Chief Insights Officer at the American Pet Products Association (APPA)

Pet Product Recommendations:
- HandOn Gloves
- Natural Dog Company

Q&A Topics:
- Helping pets adjust to owners newly working from home (Submitted by Elena from Austin, TX)
- Considerations pet owners should make when introducing a second dog into their home (Submitted by Marcus from San Diego, CA)

Related Links:
- Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI)
- American Pet Products Association (APPA)

Social Channels:
- Follow HABRI on Instagram, Facebook, X & LinkedIn
- Follow APPA 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

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