Pets Add Life

About Pets Add Life

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

Publisher

petsaddlife

Category

kids & family

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

5 Mar 2024

Latest episode

13 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

140 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   13 Oct 2026

   138. Second Chances, Healing After Pet Loss & Finding the Perfect Family Pet

   In this episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine celebrate the extraordinary bonds between people and animals, from shelter dogs getting another chance at happiness to the healing power of love and community after losing a beloved pet. Plus, they share an incredible reunion story, explore the growing influence of celebrity pets, and recommend two innovative products for dogs and cats. Story Time features: Kristen shares the remarkable story of Floor, a Chihuahua who disappeared from her owner’s car in Illinois and was reunited with her family 12 years later. Thanks to a microchip and the dedication of a volunteer group called Microchip Hunters, Floor finally made her way home. The story is a powerful reminder of why every pet should be microchipped—and why keeping registration information updated is so important. Chris highlights the newest four-legged celebrity making headlines: Wendy, the Samoyed shared by Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. Wendy recently appeared alongside Travis in a Tommy Hilfiger advertising campaign, joining a growing list of celebrity pets stepping into the spotlight. Special Guests: Jess Borda, Longtime Volunteer, Dog Trainer & Animal Advocate at Austin Pets Alive! Jess Borda shares her experiences helping shelter dogs who need extra time, training and support before finding their forever homes. She discusses why some wonderful dogs remain in shelters longer than others, how behavioral training and foster programs can transform their lives, and the importance of supporting adopters even after they bring a pet home. Jess also introduces listeners to Austin Pets Alive!’s compassionate Phospice program, which helps terminally ill dogs spend their remaining time in loving foster homes rather than shelters. Through stories of remarkable dogs and dedicated volunteers, she reminds us that every animal deserves comfort, dignity and a chance to experience love. Matthew Sigman, Award-Winning Writer & Author of Because of a Dog: How an Enchanted Italian Village Mended a Broken Heart Matthew Sigman shares the deeply personal story behind his new memoir, inspired by the loss of his beloved dog, Augie, after 18 years together. Heartbroken and searching for a way forward, Matthew embarked on an unexpected journey from New York City to Quarna, a tiny mountain village in northern Italy. There, an unlikely friendship and the warmth of a welcoming community helped him rediscover connection, hope and a new perspective on life. Matthew reflects on the extraordinary ways dogs shape our lives, the challenges of navigating grief, and how the love of an animal can continue guiding us long after they are gone. Pet Product Recommendations: Handmade Fall Dog Sweaters from Lanusia Store on Etsy – https://www.etsy.com/search?q=Lanusia%20dog%20sweater Lady N Pheromone Tofu Cat Litter – https://ladynpet.com/us/product/pheromone-tofu-cat-litter/ Q&A Topics: My cat can be incredibly sweet, and then suddenly she'll swat, scratch or even bite me with what seems like no warning. Is she just a feisty cat, or could this behavior be her way of telling me she's stressed, overstimulated or uncomfortable? (Submitted by Jennifer from Boston, MA) We're thinking about adopting a dog, but we have two young kids, and this would be our first family dog. When we visit a shelter, what should we look for to find a dog whose personality and energy level will actually be a good fit for our family? (Submitted by Rachel from Denver, CO) Related Links: Austin Pets Alive! – https://www.austinpetsalive.org Austin Pets Alive! Foster Program – https://www.austinpetsalive.org/foster Austin Pets Alive! Volunteer Opportunities – https://www.austinpetsalive.org/volunteer Austin Pets Alive! Adoptable Dogs – https://www.austinpetsalive.org/adopt/dogs Matthew Sigman – https://www.matthewsigman.com Because of a Dog – Official Publisher Page – https://www.sourcebooks.com/because-of-a-dog.html Because of a Dog – Am

2. 

   6 Oct 2026

   137. The Future of Veterinary Care, AI & Turning Food Waste Into Better Pet Food

   In this episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine explore how innovation is changing the way we care for animals—from artificial intelligence in the veterinary exam room to sustainable new approaches to pet food. Plus, they look at a major commitment to animal welfare, practical ways to make veterinary visits less stressful, and products designed to support healthier, more enriched pets. Story Time features:Chris highlights Raising Cane’s 30th anniversary and the company’s commitment of $30 million over the next 10 years to animal welfare organizations supporting pets and the communities that love them. Kristen explores new research from North Carolina State University testing an AI-enabled digital stethoscope against veterinary students and experienced veterinary clinicians. The study offers an important reminder that while AI may become a valuable tool in veterinary medicine, technology needs to be properly validated for the species it is being used to evaluate—and experienced veterinary expertise remains essential. Special Guests:Dr. Natalie Marks, Veterinarian, CEO of Veterinary Angel Network for Entrepreneurs (VANE) & Chief Veterinary Officer of OpenVet Dr. Natalie Marks joins the show to discuss how veterinary medicine has evolved over the past two decades, including major advances in pain management, emotional health, Fear Free care and personalized preventive screening. She shares practical advice for reducing the stress of veterinary visits—especially for cats—and explores the opportunities and limitations of artificial intelligence in veterinary medicine, including why responsible AI requires reliable data, proper validation and continued human oversight. Eric Adams, Founder & CEO, Dog & Whistle Eric Adams shares how his background in culinary arts and restaurant management inspired him to tackle food waste in an entirely new way. Through Dog & Whistle, Eric gives nutritious ingredients that might otherwise go unused a second life in pet food and treats. He also discusses his work in the upcycled food movement and introduces DOGTV’s Can My Dog Eat This?, where he joins veterinarian Dr. Azza Diasti-Kennedy to answer one of the questions pet parents ask most: Can my dog safely eat this? Pet Product Recommendations:AnimalBiome S. boulardii + FOS Powder for Cats and Dogs – https://www.animalbiome.com/products/animalbiome-s-boulardii-fos-powder Beaktivity Sustainable Bird Toys – https://beaktivity.com Q&A Topics:My dog is wonderful at home, but the second someone rings the doorbell, he completely loses it—barking, jumping and running to the door. Is this excitement, fear or protective behavior? And how can I teach him to react more calmly when people come over? (Submitted by Megan from Minneapolis, MN) We have a small freshwater aquarium, and I’ve always wondered how you can actually tell if a fish is happy and healthy. Since fish can show discomfort differently than dogs or cats, what changes in swimming, eating, appearance or behavior should fish owners be watching for? (Submitted by Brian from San Diego, CA) Related Links:Dr. Natalie Marks / VANE – https://vane.vet OpenVet – https://www.openvet.ai Fear Free Happy Homes – https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com North Carolina State University – AI-Enabled Stethoscope Study – https://news.ncsu.edu/2026/08/ai-enabled-stethoscope-can-miss-the-beat-in-pets/ Dog & Whistle – https://dogandwhistle.com Can My Dog Eat This? on DOGTV – https://watch.dogtv.com/can-my-dog-eat-this Can My Dog Eat This? / Dog & Whistle – https://dogandwhistle.com/pages/can-my-dog-eat-this Upcycled Food Association – https://www.upcycledfood.org AnimalBiome – https://www.animalbiome.com Beaktivity – https://beaktivity.com Raising Cane’s – https://www.raisingcanes.com American Pet Products Association (APPA) – https://www.americanpetproducts.org DOGTV – https://www.dogtv.com Pets Add Life – https://www.petsaddlife.org Social Channel

3. 

   29 Sept 2026

   136. Bilingual Books, Pet Dental Health & Raising Responsible Pet Parents

   In this episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine explore responsible pet ownership, the special role animals can play in helping children learn, and one of the most overlooked areas of pet wellness: dental health. From a bilingual children’s book series inspired by a rescue dog to practical advice for keeping dogs’ and cats’ teeth healthy, this episode celebrates the many ways caring for animals can teach us about responsibility, kindness and connection. Story Time features:Kristen highlights the American Kennel Club’s Responsible Dog Owner Pet Promise, which encourages dog owners to make a lifelong commitment to responsible care, including proper nutrition, veterinary care, exercise, training, identification and consideration for their communities. Chris remembers Dolly Parton and highlights a lesser-known part of her extraordinary philanthropic legacy: her support for animals and wildlife conservation, including her longstanding relationship with the American Eagle Foundation and its work protecting bald eagles. Special Guests:Susan Rose, Tony Award-Winning Broadway Producer & Co-Author of the José and El Perro Series Silvia López, Children’s Book Author, Former Librarian & Co-Author of the José and El Perro Series Susan Rose and Silvia López introduce listeners to José and El Perro, their bilingual early-reader series about José and his adopted shelter dog, Feliz. They discuss how the books naturally introduce Spanish vocabulary to English-speaking children while exploring themes of pet adoption, friendship, family and kindness. They also share the inspiration behind their newest book, Happy Birthday, José and Feliz, and explain how storytelling can help children discover another language and culture without making learning feel like a lesson. Dr. Ruth MacPete, Veterinarian, Author & Pet Health Expert Dr. Ruth “The Pet Vet” MacPete joins the show to explain why dental health is an essential part of a pet’s overall wellness. She discusses warning signs such as bad breath, how to introduce tooth brushing, alternatives for pets that won’t tolerate a toothbrush, the role of dental chews and appropriate chewing, and why regular veterinary examinations remain an important part of maintaining a healthy mouth. Pet Product Recommendations:Nylabone Natural Alternatives Dog Chew Toys – https://www.nylabone.com/products/product-type/chew-toys/power-chew/antler-alternative-power-chew-dog-toy Frisco Lightweight Rainy Days Dog Raincoat – https://www.chewy.com/frisco-lightweight-rainy-days-dog/dp/146398 Q&A Topics:My neighbor’s dog barks constantly whenever he’s outside, sometimes for hours. Besides being frustrating for us, I’m starting to wonder if the dog is stressed or unhappy. What can nonstop barking tell us about a dog, and is there anything a neighbor can realistically do to help? (Submitted by Jason from Denver, CO) I hear so much about brushing dogs’ teeth but almost nothing about cats. My cat has never had her teeth brushed, and honestly, I can’t imagine her letting me do it. How important is dental care for cats, and what can I realistically do at home to keep her teeth and gums healthy? (Submitted by Rachel from San Francisco, CA) Related Links:AKC Responsible Dog Owner Pet Promise – https://www.akc.org/press-releases/put-your-paw-print-on-the-akc-responsible-dog-owner-pet-promise/ Susan Rose – https://www.susanroseauthor.com José and El Perro Series – https://www.susanroseauthor.com/books Happy Birthday, José and Feliz – https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/777745/happy-birthday-jose-and-feliz-by-susan-rose-and-silvia-lopez-illustrated-by-gloria-felix/ Dr. Ruth MacPete – https://www.drruthpetvet.com Nylabone – https://www.nylabone.com Nutri Dent Dental Chews – https://www.nylabone.com/products/brand/nutri-dent Veterinary Oral Health Council – https://vohc.org American Eagle Foundation – https://www.eagles.org Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – https://imag

Who has been a guest on Pets Add Life

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Dr Andy Roark
• Nancy Hassel
• Karl Riemensperger
• Danielle MacKinnon
• Sara Carson

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

43,186,227

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 69 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

53

Social presence

97

YouTube

93

Engagement

68

Contact Pets Add Life

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Pets Add Life