65. Fighting Pet Cancer, Saving Shelter Pets & Smart Toothbrushes for Dogs

This week on the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Kristen Levine and Chris Bonifati tackle two powerful topics: pet cancer awareness and national animal shelter strategies. Dr. Victoria Carmella of the Animal Cancer Foundation joins the show to discuss her groundbreaking work in comparative oncology, pet nutrition, and preventive health. Then, Christa Chadwick, Vice President of Shelter Services at the ASPCA, sheds light on their nationwide relocation efforts, shelter medicine outreach, and kitten nurseries that are transforming outcomes for thousands of pets each year.

Plus, Chris and Kristen share updates on parasite prevention trends and the incredible story of a kangaroo loose on an Alabama highway—and yes, it’s 100% real.

Special Guests:

• Christa Chadwick, CAWA, Vice President of Shelter Services, ASPCA
• Dr. Victoria Carmella, Veterinarian and Board Member, Animal Cancer Foundation

Pet Product Recommendations:

• BiteBlock Finger Toothbrush System by Paw Ready: https://pawready.com/products/biteblock-dog-toothbrush
• Earth Rated Pet Grooming Wipes: https://www.earthrated.com/products/pet-grooming-wipes/

Q&A Topics:

• “Why does my dog eat grass? Is it something I should be concerned about?” (Submitted by Emily from Denver, CO)
• “How often should I bathe my dog to keep their coat healthy without overdoing it?” (Submitted by Samantha from Hoboken, NJ)
• Bonus Voicemail: “How to reduce separation anxiety in my young Queensland Heeler?” (Voicemail submitted by Shelly from Oregon)

Related Links:

• ASPCA: https://www.aspca.org
• ASPCA Pro (for shelter professionals): https://www.aspcapro.org
• Animal Cancer Foundation: https://www.acfoundation.org
• Canine Cancer Genome Project: https://www.acfoundation.org/what-we-do/comparative-oncology/genome-project/
• Rescue Effect Campaign by ASPCA: https://www.aspca.org/rescueeffect

Social Channels:

• Follow ASPCA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aspca
• Follow Animal Cancer Foundation on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animalcancerfoundation
• Follow Pets Add Life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlife
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLife
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlife
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PetsAddLife
• X (formerly Twitter): https://www.twitter.com/petsaddlife

Subscribe & Listen: New episodes every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Submit Your Questions to the Podcast: https://www.petsaddlife.org/podcast

Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV