100. Celebrating 100 Episodes: Pets, People & the Power of the Human–Animal Bond

In this milestone 100th episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine celebrate everything that has made the show what it is today — the pets, the people, the stories, and the powerful bond that connects them all. Recorded as the team heads into VMX, this special episode reflects on how far the podcast has come and where it’s headed next. Story Time features: Kristen shares a fun and timely story about the newly revealed U.S. Soccer mascot for the 2026 World Cup — a dog — symbolizing loyalty, courage, and the growing cultural connection between sports, pets, and people. Chris highlights key insights from the latest APPA Bird, Small Animal & Horse Ownership Report, including rising Gen Z interest in birds and small pets, shifting ownership trends, and what they reveal about the future of pet care. Special Guests: Jolie Dudley, Co-Founder of Must Love Dogs and Comedy Dr. Deborah Mandell, Professor of Emergency & Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania Ryan Veterinary Hospital Pet Product Recommendations: Uproot Clean Pet Hair Removal Tools – https://uprootclean.com/ Diggs Groov Treat & Lick Dispenser – https://amzn.to/48EdmKG Special Segment: To mark the 100th episode, Chris and Kristen share 100 Ways Pets Add Life — a rapid-fire, heartfelt celebration of how animals enrich our homes, routines, relationships, and emotional well-being every single day. Q&A Topics: Why would a healthy cat suddenly stop using the litter box, and how can pet parents fix it? (Submitted by Trent from Denver, CO) With so many vaccines, parasite preventatives, and tests available, what does my pet really need each year — and what’s optional? (Submitted by Kim from Orlando, FL) Related Links: American Pet Products Association (APPA): https://www.americanpetproducts.org Must Love Dogs and Comedy: https://mustlovedogsandcomedy.org American Red Cross Pet First Aid App: https://www.redcross.org DOGTV Unleashed FAST Channel: https://www.dogtv.com/unleashed Pets Add Life: https://www.petsaddlife.org Social Channels: Pets Add Life (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlife Pets Add Life (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLife Pets Add Life (TikTok): https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlife Pets Add Life (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@petsaddlife Subscribe & Listen: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts! Submit a question to the podcast: https://www.petsaddlife.org/podcast Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV