Petworking

The profound emotional and psychological impact of pet ownership often serves as a catalyst for the inception of numerous pet brands. This deep, emotive connection with their pet(s) fosters a unique empathy and understanding of the intricate needs of animals, driving individuals to venture into creating solutions that address health, nutrition, comfort, and emotional well-being of pets globally. I can speak firsthand to the impact that pet ownership can have on a professional career. From the moment I adopted Peony in 2017, it changed my life, and my entire perspective on consulting in the petcare and animal health verticals. From that point on, I had a unique empathy for the love that all pet owners share for their pets, and it brought an added sense of purpose to my work, which ultimately led to the launch of Petworking. On this week's episode of Petworking, we had the chance to chat with Julie Chen MS, RD of A Better Treat, and she shared a similar tale of her cousin, Boris Chung, the founder of A Better Treat. Adopting his first dog, Emmy, transformed Boris Chung's outlook on pets, and inspired the birth of "A Better Treat." The brand sources premium wild-caught, organic ingredients to ensure holistic nutrition for pets, matching the quality we'd personally choose for ourselves. Julie noted, when creating A Better Treat, she and Boris "wanted be able to source the way that we personally like to shop for ourselves and give pet parents an opportunity to be able to source that way when they buy our products." Julie and I discussed the challenges of establishing sourcing relationships as a young company, and the other myriad challenges of launching a pet food brand, such as navigating market entry, being bootstrapped, faced hurdles like minimum order quantities and budget constraints. We also had a fairly in-depth discussion about nutrition, as Julie holds a master's degree in nutrition and is also a registered dietician. Despite her educational background, Julie explained that she and Boris consulted with a PhD in animal nutrition to formulate their pet food, ensuring it met the best practices and guidelines based on recent studies. She stressed the importance of relying on expert advice rather than following trends or misinformation prevalent in the area of pet nutrition, and highlighted the DCM study from ~5 years ago as a key example of this. The study became a critical point of discussion due to its findings on the potential link between certain grain-free diets and DCM in dogs. Finally, Julie and I discussed the benefits of a freeze-dried diet for pets, which I had previously discussed with Dr. James Templeman of Primal Pet Foods. However, while Primal advocates for the adoption of all minimally processed diets, A Better Treat advocates strongly for freeze-dried pet food, driven by several compelling benefits that align with the brand's commitment to optimal pet health and convenience for pet owners. Julie outlined several reasons for the brand's commitment to freeze-dried. In addition to its meat-based, single-ingredient treats, and its freeze-dried inclusions in its kibble, A Better Treat recently launched a freeze-dried pumpkin treat. A great Halloween treat for your dog or cat, the freeze-dried pumpkin treats also provide a mess-free, convenient alternative that retains all the health benefits of canned pumpkin puree. Pumpkin is a great natural remedy for digestive issues your pet may experience, and also doubles as a great training treat, due to the low-calorie content (0.2 calories each).

Preventative diagnostics is a critically important component of veterinary care. In the U.S., only 40-50% of pet owners take their pets to the vet once a year. While the costs of vet visits continue to increase, the cost of not taking your pet to the vet regularly can far outweigh the cost of a vet visit. With the cost of a simple vet visit now approaching $100 in some areas, and the costs of any tests and treatments further adding to the total cost of the bill, many pet parents take the approach of not bringing their pet to the vet unless they see overt signs that their pet is struggling. However, dogs and cats are very good at masking issues that they might be having and not outwardly showing any signs of pain, and without regular checkups, issues that could have been easily managed if they were caught early can quickly turn into much more catastrophic health events. On the latest episode of Petworking, I was joined by Dr. Ben Hantler, DVM, MBA, and Senior Product Manager at Heska, and my colleague, Jessica Stewart, Senior Manager at Maia Strategy Group. Prior to joining Maia, Jessica was a Diagnostic Support Consultant at IDEXX. In the course of our conversation, Ben noted that 20-30% of serious cases could have been mitigated or prevented with regular veterinary visits. While pet insurance is undoubtedly a key driver in getting pet parents to visit the vet more frequently, Ben, Jess, and I kept our conversation focused on diagnostics. We touched on the variety of tests available, from organ function assessments and blood counts, to infectious disease screenings like heartworm testing. The necessity of these getting these tests on an annual basis cannot be understated, when it comes to catching potential health issues early. When we adopted Peony, we were told she was heartworm-negative. However, a month after we got her, I brought her to the vet, because she seemed to be experiencing pain in her hind legs, and our trainer suspected she might have pulled a muscle. Wanting to eliminate tick-borne illnesses as a potential cause of her symptoms, our vet ran a SNAP test. While it was negative for Lyme, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma, it did show that she was positive for heartworm. Had we not gotten Peony tested, it's very likely that we would have caught the infection too late to treat her. The American Heartworm Society notes that even the most sensitive heartworm test can fail to detect the presence of antigen when levels of circulating antigen are low due to the presence of immature worms. Our vet told us that this was likely how we were told Peony was heartworm-negative when we adopted her. Unfortunately, if left untreated, heartworm can cause severe organ damage, heart failure, and respiratory issues, and can have fatal consequences. Even catching it early, it was a several-month process to treat Peony, during which we had to restrict her activity to two 5-minute walks per day. In addition to catching potentially fatal diseases like heartworm, regular diagnostic testing can provide pet owners with a baseline that they can refer to as their pet ages. Having year-over-year data on biomarkers like blood levels, kidney function, etc. can alert your vet to changes that may indicate potential health issues in your pet, even in the absence of symptoms. As part of this discussion, Ben, Jess and I delved into the potential use of biometric data from pet trackers, and the need to expand preventative diagnostic testing to a direct-to-consumer model. There is significant potential to enhance the quality of care through the provision of consumer-collected data to veterinarians, but a limiting factor that needs to be addressed is ensuring consistent quality in at-home sample collection. Ultimately, this is a field at the cusp of significant evolution, promising a future where preventative care, supported by technological advancements, could drastically improve the lives of pets and pet owners alike.

I had the chance to meet Dr. James Templeman, Director of Nutrition at Primal Pet Foods at SuperZoo this summer, and we had a great chat about the nutritional benefits of raw, freeze-dried, and gently-cooked diets. Adding even a little bit of one of these food forms to your pet's kibble can go a long way towards improving their overall health. Since SuperZoo, I've made a conscious effort to increase the levels of freeze-dried food in my dog, Peony's diet, and the results have been amazing. Peony was already demonstrating higher energy levels since we put her on Leap Years® in April, but switching her canned topper to a freeze-dried gravy has her running to her bowl again every morning. While we didn't discuss Peony directly, in this episode, Dr. Templeman and I touched on the reasons more pet parents should consider including at least some minimally processed food in their pet's diet, and how pet parents can provide increased nutritional benefits to their pets, even on a budget. Minimally Processed vs. Processed Foods: The conversation began with a focus on the nutritional differences between minimally processed diets (like raw freeze-dried, fresh, refrigerated, and gently cooked foods) and more processed foods, such as kibble. The balance between cost, convenience, and nutrition is a challenge many pet parents face. Recent Research Breakthroughs: Dr. Templeman highlighted Primal's recent research assessing the digestibility of pet foods, going beyond just macronutrient levels. They employed a unique methodology from the University of Illinois called the Sectorized Rooster model to assess standardized amino acid digestibility in these diets. Benefits of Minimally Processed Foods: While Dr. Templeman, as a researcher, hesitated to discuss anecdotal benefits, he did mention potential positive changes pet owners might observe. These include improved gut function, higher quality stools, and an increased desire of pets to consume the diet. Economic Realities: Recognizing the economic constraints many pet parents face, the discussion acknowledged that not everyone can switch entirely to minimally processed foods due to their higher cost. However, even introducing a mix of these foods with kibble can offer some of the nutritional benefits. This episode provides some eye-opening insight about the importance of research-backed data in making informed decisions about pet diets. Enjoy!

In the latest episode of Petworking, Daisy Chavez, BS, CVT of Pet Insurance Review and I sat down to discuss the current state of the pet insurance industry, why adoption rates are so low, and the benefits that pet parents can expect from investing in pet insurance. Many pet parents overestimate the cost of pet insurance, don't think they'll need it, or have been misinformed about the benefits/effectiveness of pet insurance offerings. One would think that many of these misperceptions could be corrected by veterinarians, but Daisy and I explored the many reasons why this is not the case.

On the 9th episode of Petworking, we cover a topic that has the potential to drive profound reverberations across the pet food ecosystem, the human food ecosystem, and in the fight against climate change. Regenerative agriculture is a system of farming principles and practices that seeks to rehabilitate and enhance the entire ecosystem of the farm by placing a heavy premium on soil health. It is a method of farming that "regenerates" the soil, improving its nutrient content and increasing its carbon capture potential. I was fortunate enough to be joined by Tina Owens, Senior Fellow of Regenerative Agriculture at Green America to discuss regenerative agriculture, and why it is more than a sustainability buzzword. Take a listen to the episode to hear Tina and I discuss: Regenerative Agriculture and its Ties to Nutrient Density in Food The importance of soil health in determining the nutrient content of food Produce that is grown, and livestock that is raised, on regenerative soils, are 10-20 times more nutrient dense than their counterparts that are produced on "conventional" farmland The Positive Health Effects of Eating a Nutrient-Dense Diet for Both Humans and Animals Nutrient deficiencies in food can lead to health issues such as obesity, as the body craves more food to compensate for the lack of essential nutrients Nutrient density, not calories, is the driver of satiety. Studies have shown that consumers of nutrient-dense diets were able to eat fewer calories and still feel full Regenerative Agriculture's Potential to Contribute to Carbon Sequestration Livestock contributes approximately 14.5% of all human-induced GHG emissions "Conventional" agriculture degrades soil and eliminates methanotrophs that digest methane In the U.S., 30 million cattle are slaughtered on conventional farms each year, versus only 350,000 on grass-fed/regenerative farms The U.S. is the number-one country in terms of meat consumption in the world American dogs and cats are the 5th-largest consumers of meat in the world on a per-country-basis Roaming, grazing livestock on regenerative soils contribute to carbon sequestration Despite all of the benefits outlined above, very few companies are marketing regenerative agriculture to the consumer, and outlining the connection between regenerative agriculture, and increased nutrient density, better health outcomes, and carbon sequestration. Regenerative agriculture is still in its early stages. Several companies, like Cargill, Pepsi, and Nestle, have committed to implementing regenerative agriculture practices. Regenerative practices can be profitable for farmers and can contribute to the longevity of their farms. However, ultimately, it will require demonstrated demand from the consumer to ensure that regenerative agriculture is adopted on a large scale. Hopefully, after watching this episode, you'll find it in you to become an advocate for regenerative agriculture, for the good of human health, animal health, and the health of our planet.

Have you ever noticed how some families are just good at certain things? The Bush and Kennedy families were political dynamos. The Ripken and Griffey families were baseball savants. In pet food, it's the Scott family. Jim Scott Sr. bought Old Mother Hubbard in 1961, and instilled his passion for animal nutrition in his son, Jim Scott Jr. Jim Scott Jr. founded Wellness pet food in 1997, and is credited with helping drive the humanization of pet food, with his focus on natural ingredients. After both his sons experienced life-altering injuries in the early 2000s, Jim Scott Jr. sold Wellness and Old Mother Hubbard in 2008. However, as Jim Scott III recovered from his traumatic brain injury, and his brother, Andrew, recovered from his spinal cord injury, Jim Scott Jr. realized that he still had a passion for pet nutrition. Building on the growing trend of raw and freeze-dried diets, Scott set out to create a kibble that would offer pet parents the health benefits of raw/freeze-dried, but with convenience of kibble. The result was RAWZ, which the family describes as "the next best thing to feeding raw." Jim Scott III became involved in the business, and the family launched the brand at Global Pet in 2015. It uses no rendered meals, rendered fats, or commercial gums. And best of all, the Scotts saw this new brand not only as a means of improving pet nutrition, but as a way to give back. In honor of the immense support they received during their difficult times, they decided to pay it forward - RAWZ donates 100% of its profits to charity, focusing on service dogs, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury. Want to hear more? Join me on the latest episode of Petworking, as I sit down with Jim Scott III, and talk about his experience growing up in one of the "first families" of pet food, and RAWZ mission to improve pet nutrition and give back to the community. Catch the episode and share with those who believe in changing lives, one pet at a time.

One of the last things I do every night before I go to bed is brush Peony’s teeth. We’ve done this for almost 4 years now, and it’s very much a part of our routine. However, according to a survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) in 2020, 35% of dog owners reported that they do not provide any form of dental care for their dogs. When asked about their reasons for not providing dental care, 30% stated that they did not know how to care for their dog's teeth, 26% said that their dog would not tolerate it, and 21% stated that they did not have time. On this week's episode of Petworking, I am joined by Dr. Heidi Lobprise, a board-certified veterinary dental specialist, to discuss the importance of providing quality dental care for your pets, and some tips to keep their teeth clean. Dr. Lobprise is one of only ~200 board-certified veterinary dental specialists in the world, so we were really lucky to get her on the show. Dr. Lobprise and I discuss: - The importance of brushing your pet's teeth every day, and the health risks that can arise from poor dental hygiene - Why small dogs are more more at risk for periodontal disease - Pet insurance, and whether it will cover dental treatments - The many home dental care products that are available to pet parents, and tips on selecting the best one(s) for you and your pet - The importance of regular dental cleanings and check-ups for pets, even if they receive excellent home care Take a listen to this episode of Petworking to ensure that you're providing the best possible dental care for your pet. Ultimately, your pet’s overall health and happiness is tied to their dental health, so do your best to brush daily, and keep those teeth clean!

This week's episode focuses on a heartwarming story from one of my oldest and closest friends. I've known Andrew Stickney since I was 6 years old, in kindergarten. Andrew is a technology professional, and avid traveler and kitesurfer. Earlier this year, he returned from a kitesurfing trip to Colombia, and told me about how he had rescued a senior stray dog he encountered on the beach, named her "Roxy," and was working to bring her to the United States, so he could adopt her. Because I've known Andrew since kindergarten, I wasn't entirely surprised when he told me of his adventure and rescue mission, but I did think it was a story that is worth sharing with the Petworking audience (and the world). Andrew's experience is a microcosm of the work that animal rescues do on a large scale on a daily basis, but it provides a first-hand look into why that work is so vital to the millions of animals that wind up in animal shelters each year. It also highlights a cause that Andrew is extremely passionate about: senior dog adoptions. According to the ASPCA, approximately 3.3 million dogs enter U.S. shelters every year. Of those, about 670,000 are euthanized. Senior dogs (those over 7 years old) make up a significant portion of these euthanasia numbers. In fact, a study by the Humane Society of the United States found that senior dogs are euthanized at a rate of 2.5 times higher than younger dogs. For every dog that lives its entire life with the same family, and grows from a puppy to a senior in the comfort of the same home, surrounded by the same people, there are many senior dogs who grow old and live out their final years in shelters, because they were abandoned, because their family had to surrender or rehome them for whatever reason, or because they got lost and were found as a stray. Given dogs’ boundless capacity to love, and all that they do for us as humans, I think it’s the least we can do to try to make sure that as many senior dogs as possible are able to spend their golden years surrounded by love and care. This is what drove Andrew to rescue Roxy. He saw that all she wanted was love, and he felt a special connection to that. I think that is a story worth celebrating. Enjoy, and make sure to watch the video if you are able, as there are some great pictures and video of Roxy!

A little over a week ago, I wrote about my experience of losing Peony while mountain biking, only to find her after searching for about 2 hours. I was incredibly lucky – according to the American Humane Association, one-third of all dogs and cats in the United States are reported missing in their lifetimes, and more than 80% are never found. Almost 10 million dogs and cats are lost or stolen in the U.S. each year, meaning that each year, 8 million dogs and cats are separated from their families. This week's episode of #Petworking looks at the market for Pet GPS Trackers in the United States. I'm joined by Andrew Bleiman, EVP, North America at Tractive, one of the leading manufacturers of pet trackers. Given the large numbers of lost pets, you'd think demand for Pet GPS Trackers would be sky-high. However, I was shocked to learn from Andrew that market awareness for pet trackers in the United States is approximately 5% of pet-owning households. Awareness. Not adoption. Awareness. Andrew went on to note that of the households that are aware of pet GPS trackers, probably only 10-15% had ever owned a pet tracker. Further complicating the issue, is that of the 5% of households that claim awareness, many of them equate microchips with pet trackers. While microchips are a useful tool in returning lost pets to their owners, they are not capable of tracking your dog or cat in real time, in the way a GPS collar can. Based on my personal experience, I'm a huge proponent of pet trackers, and would love to see broader adoption to lower the number of lost dogs and cats. However, if you're on the fence, tune into this week's episode to learn about: - The size and growth potential of the U.S. Pet Tracker market - Why you should not use an Apple Air Tag as a pet tracking device - Additional capabilities offered by some pet trackers (e.g., sleep monitoring, step counting, scratching, etc.), and how that data can be used to drive tremendous advances in animal healthcare - Which pet trackers work with which cellular networks, and how you can see which tracker will give you the best coverage for where you live I will say from personal experience, the cost of a pet tracker and the annual subscription fees pale in comparison to the feeling that you might have lost a member of your family. So, I would hope that we can get these adoption levels up beyond the shockingly low figures that Andrew and I discussed. There's a lot of room for growth in this market, which means there are a lot of pets that can benefit from an added safety measure. Here's hoping that in the coming years, we see the number of lost pets on a marked decline, while the adoption of pet trackers continues to skyrocket.

Our latest episode of Petworking is all about televet services in the veterinary industry. With the rise of virtual consultations and telemedicine, televet services have become an increasingly popular component of the veterinary ecosystem. But how do these services maintain the legal and ethical framework of the Veterinary Client Patient Relationship (VCPR)? In this episode, we talk to Frank DeCecco, Founder of DVM6, who has developed an innovative televet model that contracts directly with veterinary clinics to provide relief services. Frank discusses how his model establishes VCPR and partners with the client's regular veterinarian to provide true telemedicine services, ensuring continuity in care and improving the health of the pets. Frank also shares his insights on how DVM6 offers vets and vet techs a means of returning to practice in a remote-friendly, less physically demanding, and flexible setting. With this approach, DVM6 aims to recapture some of the "brain drain" that the profession has experienced in recent years. Whether you're a veterinarian, a vet tech, or a pet owner, you won't want to miss this episode. Tune in now to learn more about the advantages and challenges of televet services and how DVM6 is piloting a new model of care in this field.

Veterinary burnout and staffing shortages are becoming increasingly urgent issues in the animal healthcare industry. We have a situation where many pet parents cannot access care for their animals, especially not in a timely fashion. At the same time, veterinarians and veterinary technicians are suffering compassion fatigue and burnout, given that they are frequently placed in situations where they know they could help an animal, but are unable to do so. These vets and vet techs joined the profession because they have a deep passion for animals, science, and are committed to providing quality care. However, whether it is the result of staffing shortages, or a client's financial situation, a majority of vets encounter cases where they feel they are unable to act in the animal's best interest. This unfortunately creates a situation where vets leave the profession, further compounding the staffing shortages that contributed to the problem in the first place. Veterinarians operating their own practices are faced with the pressures of running a business, in addition to the demands of practicing medicine. In her TEDx talk, Melanie Bowden noted: "Being a veterinarian takes a lot more than just my medical training, which is something no one told me in school. I'm expected to be a counselor, an educator, a financial adviser, a team leader. I am the face and reputation of our business." When you look at Dr. Bowden's statement, the importance of relief veterinary staffing models becomes crystal clear. When vets need time off, or additional support so that they can better handle the demands of running a practice, relief vets are necessary to fill the additional staffing demands. This doesn't address the root cause of the problem - the fact that by 2030, the U.S. will need almost 41,000 additional veterinarians and 133,000 vet techs to meet the animal healthcare needs of the population - but it helps to address the pressures that hospitals and vets are dealing with right now. Roo is an online platform that connects vets and vet techs with hospitals in need of relief shifts. The hospital creates a profile outlining its culture, expectations, and the type of shift available, such as general wellness or surgery. Vets and vet techs can access the platform to browse the relief shifts posted by hospitals. They can then request a shift if it seems suitable for them. The hospitals review the request and determine if the candidate is a good fit. If the match is successful, the hospital accepts the shift and the vet or vet tech can then work the assigned shift. During our conversation, Jeffrey Bishop-Hill, SVP of Marketplace at Roo, told me to think of it "like a dating profile, in a sense." In another sense, Roo could be likened to an Uber or a DoorDash, translating veterinary and vet tech work into the gig economy. However, Jeff noted that as opposed to other gig economy marketplaces, Roo prides itself on being a community builder for its users, hosting continuing education events, along with happy hours and meet-ups for its vets and vet techs. Ultimately, Roo is focused on empowering vets and vet technicians to be able to have a manageable work-life balance, which hopefully will create a shift where more vets and vet techs return to the profession, and there is an increase in the number of undergraduates deciding to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Roo accomplishes this by allowing vets to work on a contract model, determine their own hours, and incorporate the ability to travel and work remotely into a veterinary career. It also allows the vets and vet techs on the platform the ability to focus solely on medicine and animal care, which is why the majority of them joined the profession in the first place. By nurturing that passion and providing room for it to continue to grow and thrive, companies like Roo are hopefully the beginning of a solution to the staffing shortages and burnout that are plaguing the veterinary profession.

In the inaugural episode of Petworking, we discuss the application of cellular health technology and human longevity science in pets with Nick Sinclair (CEO) and Ginny Rentko (Chief Veterinary Medical Officer) of Animal Bioscience. Animal Bioscience has developed a new product called Leap Years, which is an NAD booster and senolytic compound that promises to significantly improve the quality of life for our senior dogs. We delve into the science behind NAD boosters and senolytics, and the benefits that Leap Years offers for senior dogs. We also discuss the results that members of Leap Years' compassionate use program have experienced, and the status of their ongoing clinical trial. Nick mentions that in the company's clinical trial and compassionate use program, they are "actually seeing them bouncing back to, 'a puppy-like state' where they've got a lot more vitality about them." I think that type of aging experience is what we all want for our senior dogs. Don't miss this fascinating conversation about rejuvenating and supporting the health and vitality of our senior furry companions!

Rising veterinary costs are forcing families into impossible choices—and it's not just hurting pets. Veterinarians face mounting moral distress when they know they could help an animal, but financial barriers prevent proper care. This crisis contributes to the veterinary profession's alarmingly high suicide rate.In this episode, I sit down with Heather Schmid Moore, CEO and founder of PetCentric Health, to explore an innovative solution: subscription-based veterinary care plans for independent practices.What We Discuss:Why 70% of families can't afford a $400 unexpected expense—and how that translates to delayed or avoided veterinary careThe problems with traditional a la carte veterinary pricing and why pet insurance alone isn't enoughHow PetCentric Health's subscription model works: combining preventive care with flexible spending for sick visits and minor issuesWhy subscription plans allow pet owners to access more care on day one than they've paid in—and how this benefits both families and veterinariansThe role of subscription plans alongside pet insurance, telehealth, and emergency assistance funds like the Petworking Angel FundReal data on how subscription models improve compliance, reduce veterinary stress, and catch health problems earlierKey Takeaways:The way we've paid for veterinary care for the past 50 years isn't working anymore. Pet owners want bundled, predictable pricing—not line-item bills that create sticker shock. Subscription care plans address the gap between routine wellness and major medical emergencies, covering the primary care needs that often get delayed or skipped entirely.For veterinarians, these plans reduce the pressure to discount services, improve cash flow, and allow them to focus on medicine rather than difficult financial conversations. For pet owners, monthly subscriptions eliminate the barrier of walking in the door, encouraging the regular visits that lead to early detection and better outcomes.About Our Guest:Heather Schmid Moore is the CEO and founder of PetCentric Health, which currently supports nearly 40 veterinary hospitals across 10 states. Her company helps independent practices build customized subscription care plans that work for their specific client base and clinical focus.Resources Mentioned:Pet Centric Health: petcentrichealth.comPetworking Angel Fund (November cocktail party launch - details coming soon)ASPCA Poison Control (included with Pet Centric subscriptions)About Petworking:Petworking explores innovations in pet health, nutrition, and care through conversations with industry leaders. Recent episodes have focused on improving access to veterinary care and preventing economic euthanasia—the heartbreaking reality of pets being euthanized or surrendered solely due to cost.Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction: Why access to care matters3:38 - The hidden crisis in veterinary medicine7:12 - Why the a la carte payment model is broken12:27 - How Pet Centric Health's subscription model works22:56 - Can you really use your subscription on day one?31:19 - Unlimited visits vs. flexible spending: what works?35:02 - Partnerships: insurance, telehealth, and poison control40:44 - Impact on economic euthanasia and veterinary burnout45:41 - Update on the Petworking Angel FundSubscribe to Petworking for more conversations about innovations in pet health and care.Questions? Comments? Share your thoughts below—especially if you're a veterinarian considering subscription models or a pet owner with experience using these plans.

Fresh from her first SuperZoo experience, Pet Connect Event Director Poppy Howard-Wall joins Peter to discuss the trends reshaping our industry. From the "Year of the Cat" finally materializing to the continued evolution away from traditional kibble, this conversation reveals what 20,000+ attendees and three Home Depots worth of exhibition space taught a strategic conference organizer.We dive deep into the strategic divergence between brands doubling down on independent pet retail versus those pivoting to direct-to-consumer models—exemplified by Stella & Chewy's surprising absence from SuperZoo's massive floor. Plus, discover how Pet Connect's December 2-4 Beverly Hills summit serves as a strategic bridge between major trade shows, featuring their new "Next 25" program identifying industry disruptors.Key topics covered:SuperZoo's scale vs. Pet Connect's strategic intimacyCat innovation white space opportunitiesThe freeze-dried inclusion trend in kibbleDistribution strategy tensions post-COVIDPet Connect's three-track programming for 2025Whether you're navigating industry relationships or seeking strategic connections beyond traditional trade show networking, this episode offers insider perspectives on where pet industry leaders are focusing their attention.Register for Pet Connect (Dec 2-4, Beverly Hills) at petconnectsummit.comUse code PETWORKING10 for 10% off registration

500,000 pets are euthanized annually in the US not because they're sick, but because families can't afford care. That number doesn't even include surrenders.In this episode, Peter welcomes back Nicole Patrick, founder and CEO of Rescue Spot, to introduce our 501c3 partner for the Petworking Angel Fund - The Rescue Spot Foundation. Together, they discuss the heartbreaking reality of economic euthanasia and how we're working to keep families together.🎯 KEY TOPICS:- Economic euthanasia crisis: 500,000+ pets affected annually- Why only 4% of pet owners have insurance- Veterinary costs rising 2-3x faster than inflation- How economic euthanasia contributes to vet burnout & suicide rates- The Rescue Spot Foundation partnership details- Solutions: pet insurance, CareCredit, All Pet Card options⛳ PETWORKING ANGEL FUND OPEN:📅 September 22, 2025📍 Vermont National Country Club (Jack Nicklaus designed)🍂 Peak fall foliage season in Vermont🎯 100% of proceeds support the Angel Fund💰 $250/person or $900/team registration🔗 REGISTER: bit.ly/AngelFundOpen💡 BOTTOM LINE: If you've ever faced an unexpected vet bill and had family help or good credit to get through it, this fund provides that same "angel hand" to families who need it most.🎪 WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE TOURNAMENT:- Adoptable pets on-site- Four-person scramble format (all skill levels welcome)- Lunch, dinner buffet & open bar included- Beautiful Vermont fall weekend getaway opportunityThis isn't about replacing responsible pet ownership or pet insurance - it's about creating a safety net for crisis situations. Because no family should have to choose between financial ruin and losing a beloved pet.👥 SPONSORS ALREADY COMMITTED:Roo, Volition Veterinary, Fera Pet Organics, Heritage Ford🏥 VET CLINICS & SHELTERS: Interested in partnering with the Angel Fund? Reach out - we want to be a resource for you.📢 SHARE THIS: Help spread awareness about economic euthanasia and solutions like pet insurance. Tag someone who needs to hear this message.🎙️ ABOUT PETWORKING:Your source for insights into pet care, animal health, and industry trends. Hosted by Peter Kenseth, VP & Partner at Maia Strategy Group.LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/PetworkingPKNewsletter: https://bit.ly/Petworking

🐱 Why are cats still a "medical black box" in 2025? In this groundbreaking episode, Petworking host and founder, Peter Kenseth, sits down with Dr. Elinor Karlsson (Broad Institute/UMass Medical School) and Dr. Jennifer Radosevich (@Hill's Pet Nutrition) to discuss Darwin's Cats—the first large-scale feline genomic study that's revolutionizing how we understand cat health.In this episode, they explore:Why 60% of cats have never been to a vet (and how that's created a knowledge crisis)The heartbreaking story that sparked a scientific revolutionHow collecting fur (not stressful cheek swabs!) is making cat DNA research possibleHill's development of cat-specific wearables that track jumping (not walking!)The open-source approach that could accelerate feline health breakthroughsWhat Darwin's Cats means for the future of personalized cat nutrition and medicineWith nearly 15,000 cats already enrolled, this initiative represents the most comprehensive effort to understand feline genetics ever undertaken. Learn how your cat can contribute to groundbreaking research that could transform veterinary medicine.🔬 Get Involved: Visit darwinsark.org to enroll your cat (survey is free, genetic testing is $150)📱 Connect with Petworking:LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/PetworkingPKNewsletter: https://bit.ly/Petworking#DarwinsCats #FelineHealth #CatGenetics #PetInnovation #VeterinaryMedicine #CatResearch #Petworking #YearOfTheCat #HillsPetNutrition #BroadInstitute

In this episode, we reconnect with Jeffrey Bishop-Hill, SVP of Marketplace at Roo, to discuss the company's remarkable growth and expansion across the veterinary relief marketplace. With 5,000 veterinarians working shifts through their platform last year, Roo is addressing critical staffing shortages while providing flexible work options that help combat veterinary burnout.We explore how the veterinary industry is evolving, including trends in practice consolidation, changing client behaviors, and the ongoing challenges of veterinary staffing. Jeff shares insights into how veterinarians are using relief platforms - from busy moms keeping their licenses active to full-time relief workers finding their perfect practice match.The conversation takes a deeper turn as we discuss one of veterinary medicine's most heartbreaking challenges: economic euthanasia. With 500,000 pets euthanized annually not because they're sick, but because families can't afford treatment, we explore how this crisis contributes to veterinary burnout and affects the entire pet care ecosystem.🚨 BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: Introducing the Petworking Angel Fund!We're launching a new initiative to prevent economic euthanasia by providing funding for treatable medical conditions when families can't afford care. The fund launches with our inaugural charity golf tournament - the Petworking Angel Fund Open on September 22nd, 2025, at Vermont National Country Club in Burlington, Vermont.Key Topics Covered:Roo's expansion to all major US markets by end of 2025How veterinary relief work is evolving beyond traditional modelsThe reality of economic euthanasia affecting 500,000 pets annuallyWhy only 4% pet insurance adoption creates healthcare access issuesHow veterinary burnout connects to impossible financial decisionsLaunching the Petworking Angel Fund to save livesAbout Our Guests:Jeffrey Bishop-Hill is SVP of Marketplace at Roo, the leading platform connecting veterinarians and veterinary technicians with hospitals needing relief staffing.Get Involved:🏌️ Register for the Angel Fund Open: bit.ly/angelfundopen💼 Explore sponsorship opportunities: https://maiastrategy.com/angel-fund-open/#📧 Contact us about Angel Fund partnershipsConnect with Roo:Website: roovet.comCareers: Visit roovet.com and scroll to careers sectionChapters:00:00 - Introduction & Roo's Growth03:41 - Geographic Expansion & New Markets08:19 - Veterinary Staffing Trends & Client Behavior11:35 - How Veterinarians Use Relief Platforms16:22 - Economic Trends in Veterinary Medicine21:29 - Pet Insurance & Preventive Care Crisis24:15 - Economic Euthanasia Statistics26:58 - ANNOUNCING: The Petworking Angel Fund29:22 - Angel Fund Open Golf Tournament Details32:46 - Why This Matters to the Industry36:01 - How to Get Involved#VeterinaryMedicine #PetCare #AnimalWelfare #VeterinaryBurnout #PetInsurance #EconomicEuthanasia #CharityGolfTournament #AngelFund #Roo #PetworkingSupport the Angel Fund and help us save lives - one swing at a time! ⛳🐾

In this heartfelt episode of Petworking, host Peter Kenseth interviews Dr. Tom Butera, CEO of Volition Veterinary, about their groundbreaking Nu.Q Cancer screening technology. Peter shares his personal experience with his dog Peony's melanoma diagnosis and how early detection saved her life.Dr. Butera, with his impressive background spanning academia, clinical practice, and corporate veterinary medicine, explains how Nu.Q is transforming early cancer detection in pets. This simple blood test can identify cancer biomarkers before symptoms appear, potentially saving millions of canine lives.With approximately 6 million dogs diagnosed with cancer annually in the US alone, this technology represents a paradigm shift in veterinary medicine - moving from treating symptomatic animals to early detection when immune systems are still strong.Learn about:How the Nu.Q test works and which cancers it detects bestWhen your dog should be screened (hint: all senior dogs, and predisposed breeds much earlier)The potential revolution in cancer treatment protocolsHow early detection can dramatically improve survival rates and quality of lifeThis episode offers invaluable information for every dog parent who wants to maximize their time with their beloved companion. Don't miss this important conversation about protecting your pet through early cancer detection!

🐾 In this episode of Petworking, Peter sits down with Mark Bordo, CEO of Vetster, one of the leading telehealth platforms transforming veterinary care. With 40-50% of dogs not visiting the vet annually and 60% of cats having NEVER been to a veterinarian, the access crisis is real—but telemedicine might be the solution we've been waiting for.What You'll Learn:Why the veterinarian shortage crisis is creating opportunities for televet innovationHow VCPR regulations work and why they matter for pet parentsThe role of wearables and at-home diagnostics in virtual veterinary careWhy Mark believes we're 2-5 years away from mainstream televet adoptionKey Takeaways:✅ Telemedicine serves 20+ animal species, not just dogs and cats✅ Virtual care can catch issues early, preventing expensive emergency visits✅ Flexible scheduling helps veterinarians avoid burnout while expanding access✅ Technology integration (wearables, diagnostics) is making virtual exams more comprehensiveWhether you're a pet parent looking for more accessible care options or a veterinary professional exploring career flexibility, this conversation reveals how telemedicine is reshaping the future of animal healthcare.🎧 Subscribe to Petworking for more insights into the innovations transforming the pet industry!

In this Petworking interview short, host Peter Kenseth catches up with Dr. Greg Aldrich of Nulo Pet Food at Global Pet Expo 2025 to see their innovative packaging redesign firsthand.Following their pre-show conversation about the challenges of retail merchandising, this was an exciting chance examine Nulo's comprehensive packaging refresh for their Freestyle line - a project that touched 70-80 different SKUs. Dr. Aldrich walked us through their smart design improvements including flat-bottom construction, interrupted gussets for better shelf stability, and the impressive "apex closure" Velcro seal that makes resealing pet food bags significantly easier.We also got a look at Nulo's newest products: a small breed beef and sweet potato recipe and their new adult lamb formula. This brief segment perfectly illustrates how packaging innovation can enhance consumer experience in meaningful ways beyond the product itself.As Dr. Aldrich notes, pet food manufacturers have just 5-6 seconds to communicate their value proposition to shoppers amid the visual noise of retail environments. Watch to see how Nulo is meeting this challenge!