In this episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine celebrate the 10th anniversary of Pet Anxiety Awareness Month while continuing their Global Pet Expo 2026 coverage. Kristen shares the personal story that inspired a decade-long mission to help pets struggling with anxiety, while Chris highlights some of the most innovative products recognized at Global Pet Expo. The episode also explores the growing popularity of cat cafés, responsible pet adoption, and how pet parents can confidently evaluate supplements and wellness products for their pets.
Story Time features:
Kristen shares the story of her beloved dog Buck, whose severe separation anxiety ultimately inspired the creation of Pet Anxiety Awareness Month. She discusses how veterinary behaviorists, behavior modification, environmental changes, and medication helped transform Buck’s quality of life.
Chris spotlights Global Pet Expo’s Best in Show Award winners and explains how pet parents can explore the newest and most innovative pet products recognized by retailers, media, and industry experts.
Special Guests:
Sandra Cagan, Co-Founder, Orlando Cat Café
Bill Bookout, President, National Animal Supplement Council (NASC)
Todd Harrison, Attorney, Venable LLP & Animal Health Regulatory Expert
Pet Product Recommendations:
Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Interactive Dog Puzzle Toys – https://outwardhound.com
NATURVET SUPPLEMENT 4 IN 1 VITAMIN FOR DOGS –
https://naturvet.com/
Q&A Topics:
A cat suddenly refusing to use a self-cleaning litter box despite a clean bill of health. Chris discusses proper maintenance, hygiene, and why litter box cleanliness remains critical even with automated systems. (Submitted by a Global Pet Expo attendee)
What beginners should understand about horse behavior and care. Kristen explains the importance of recognizing horses as prey animals and building trust through calm, predictable interactions. (Submitted by Olivia from Lexington, KY)
Related Links:
Pet Anxiety Awareness Month: https://www.petanxietyawareness.com
Orlando Cat Café: https://www.orlandocatcafe.com
Orlando Cat Café Franchising: https://www.orlandocatcafefranchise.com
National Animal Supplement Council (NASC): https://www.nasc.cc
Global Pet Expo Best in Show Awards: https://globalpetexpo.org
Global Pet Expo: https://www.globalpetexpo.org
American Pet Products Association (APPA): https://www.americanpetproducts.org
DOGTV: https://www.dogtv.com
Pets Add Life: https://www.petsaddlife.org
Social Channels:
Orlando Cat Café (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/orlandocatcafe
National Animal Supplement Council (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/NASCQualitySeal
DOGTV (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/dogtv
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
