111. Pet Industry Trends, Behavior Science & The Real Cost of Pet Care

In this insightful and lively episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine explore the evolving pet industry, rising costs of pet care, and major breakthroughs in animal behavior science. From behind-the-scenes innovation at Global Pet Expo to expert insights on training, anxiety, and veterinary care, this episode helps pet parents better understand both the emotional and financial sides of pet ownership. Story Time features: Chris shares highlights from Global Pet Expo’s new content studio initiative, where brands and influencers created high-impact media on-site — showcasing how the pet industry is evolving its storytelling and marketing strategies. Kristen explores a surprising economic trend: in cities like San Francisco, dog daycare can now cost more than childcare — reflecting the growing prioritization of pets as family members and the increasing financial commitment of pet ownership. Special Guests: Dr. Katherine Houpt, Veterinary Behaviorist & Professor Emeritus, Cornell University Dr. Dana Varble, Chief Veterinary Officer, North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) Pet Product Recommendations: Give Pet Birthday Treats (Freeze-Dried Beef Liver) – https://www.givepet.com Wondercide Flea & Tick Yard Spray – https://www.wondercide.com Q&A Topics: How can I tell the difference between a true pet emergency and something that can wait until my regular vet opens? (Submitted by Natalie from Columbus, OH) How should I approach decisions about pet vaccinations when there’s so much conflicting information online? (Submitted by David from Tampa, FL) Related Links: American College of Veterinary Behaviorists: https://www.dacvb.org North American Veterinary Community (NAVC): https://navc.com Fear Free Certified Practices: https://fearfreepets.com American Pet Products Association (APPA): https://www.americanpetproducts.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