94. The True Cost of Pet Parenthood, Enrichment for Every Pet & Natural Healing

In this insightful December episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine discuss the realities of pet parenthood, the science of enrichment, and natural veterinary care. From budgeting for a new puppy to learning how 15 minutes of focused attention can transform your pet’s well-being, this episode is full of practical wisdom for pet lovers everywhere.

Story Time features: Kristen shares insights from Rover’s 2025 report on The True Cost of Dog Parenthood, revealing that the lifetime cost of owning a dog can range from $16,000 to $52,000. She reminds listeners to plan ahead before surprising loved ones with a puppy this holiday season and to consider fostering or volunteering as an alternative.

Chris takes a lighter approach with a story from Thailand, where pets compete in fun events like “cat eating contests” and photo competitions — all part of a growing $1.8 billion pet industry that celebrates joy, creativity, and laughter.

Special Guests: Alex Johnson, Senior Designer & Pet Enrichment Specialist, Nestlé Purina PetCare

Dr. Andrew Jones, Veterinarian, Author & Founder of Veterinary Secrets

Pet Product Recommendations: Bergan Rolling Pet Carrier by Coastal Pet Products – https://www.coastalpet.com

Merry & Bright Holiday Pet Collection (PetSmart) – https://www.petsmart.com

Q&A Topics: Why do some dogs seem to recognize their owner’s car or footsteps from far away? (Submitted by Devin from Tampa, FL)

Why do cats stare at walls or “see” invisible things — are they detecting something we can’t? (Submitted by Owen from Portland, OR)

Related Links: Purina “Happy” Program (My Purina App): https://www.purina.com

Veterinary Secrets (Dr. Andrew Jones): https://www.youtube.com/@VeterinarySecrets

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