Shows
PetworkingAddressing Veterinary Burnout and Economic Euthanasia: Roo's Growth and the Launch of the Petworking Angel FundIn 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...2025-07-1040 minPetworkingEarly Detection, Better Protection: Nu.Q Aims to Save Dog’s Lives With Accessible Cancer ScreeningIn 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...2025-07-1056 minPetworkingExpanding Access to Care: Vetster Sees the Tipping Point for Televet Adoption on the Horizon🐾 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...2025-07-101h 04PetworkingPetworking at Global Pet Expo 2025: Nulo's Packaging RefreshIn 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...2025-05-1202 minPetworking🐾 Natural Balance's Three-Pillar Approach | Petworking at Global Pet 2025In this Petworking interview from Global Pet 2025, Peter Kenseth speaks with Lara Bernhardt of Ethos Pet Brands about Natural Balance's new three-pillar product categorization, and how its legacy of limited ingredient diets is evolving to address the increasing challenge of pet food allergies.The interview explores Natural Balance's new three-pillar product categorization (Nourish, Target, Avoid) and how it reflects the pet food industry's growing focus on microbiome health and functional nutrition. As a brand historically known for limited ingredient diets, Natural Balance has expanded its offerings of novel proteins like venison, bison, and duck as alternatives to chicken — now re...2025-05-1208 minPetworkingChewy's Connect with a Vet Reaches Milestone of One Million Telehealth ConsultationsIn this episode of Petworking, host Peter Kenseth sits down with Dr. Christina "Chrissy" Fernandez to discuss a remarkable milestone: Chewy's Connect with a Vet service has reached one million telehealth consultations since launching in October 2020.Dr. Chrissy shares insights about the program's evolution, from its pandemic origins to becoming an essential resource for pet parents nationwide. Peter recounts his own experiences using televet services with his dog Peony - from emergency situations like when she ate a screw or chicken wings, to simpler matters like finding alternatives to the cone of shame.2025-05-0852 minPetworkingPetworking at Global Pet 2025: Himalayan Pet SupplyJoin Peter Kenseth from Petworking as he chats with Nate Kredich, President of Himalayan Pet Supply, at Global Pet Expo 2025. Learn how Himalayan Pet Supply created the original yak chew nearly two decades ago, providing economic opportunities for Nepalese farmers who faced the challenge of limited infrastructure for milk distribution. Rather than letting this valuable resource go to waste, Himalayan's founder developed a process to transform yak and cow milk into long-lasting dog chews - creating an entirely new market for these rural farmers.In this interview, Nate reveals:- The fascinating origin story behind their iconic yak cheese...2025-04-2905 minPetworkingHill's 2025 World of the Cat Report with Dr. Lisa RestineJoin Peter Kenseth of Petworking as he discusses the groundbreaking 2025 Hill's World of the Cat Report with Dr. Lisa Restine, Manager of Veterinary Communications (Feline) at Hill's Pet Nutrition. Discover shocking statistics about feline veterinary care—did you know 60% of cats have NEVER seen a vet? Learn about exciting new FDA-approved treatments for anxiety and FIP, advancements in feline medicine, and how the veterinary profession is adapting to meet the unique needs of cats. From breakthrough diagnostics to specialized cat-only practices, find out why 2025 might finally be the long-promised "Year of the Cat." Perfect for cat parents, veterinary professionals, an...2025-04-2954 minPetworkingPetworking at WVC 2025: RooJoin Petworking's Peter Kenseth as he catches up with Danny Leffel, CEO of Roo, at WVC 2025. In this interview, Danny shares exciting updates on:🩺 Expansion into full-time placements with their "try before you buy" approach🚀 New market launches, including Ohio💻 How Roo Code became the #1 app on OpenRouter's leaderboard👩⚕️ Equal shift fulfillment between veterinarians and vet techs🔄 Plans for enhancing their technician platformLearn how Roo is addressing veterinary burnout by providing unprecedented flexibility for professionals while helping clinics find the perfect staff matches in an industry facing serious shortages.2025-04-1706 minPetworkingPetworking at Global Pet Expo 2025: DISCOVERING KAROO WILD: The Most Novel Protein in Pet TreatsJoin Petworking's Peter Kenseth as he interviews Joshua Patterson of Montego Pet Nutrition about their exciting U.S. debut with Karoo [kuh-ROO] Wild treats. Discover how these treats feature African antelope - potentially the most novel protein available in today's pet market!Learn about this ethical, sustainable protein source that's wild-caught by professional hunting teams with veterinarians present. The Karoo treats not only provide a unique, lean protein option perfect for pets with allergies but also help revitalize South Africa's economy by creating quality jobs with hand-processed (not mechanically deboned) meat.Filmed at Global Pet Expo 2025, this interview highlights...2025-04-1506 minPetworkingRevisiting Leap Years: What Two Years Has Taught Us About Pet Longevity🐕 PETWORKING 2-YEAR ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL: Leap Years Returns!Join host Peter Kenseth as he reunites with Dr. Ginny Renko from Leap Years, now joined by anti-aging specialist Dr. Heather Oxford, to explore fascinating developments in pet longevity science! Two years after our inaugural episode, discover how NAD+ supplementation is transforming the lives of senior dogs, with remarkable stories of 17-year-old pups building muscle and regaining their vitality.Learn about the published clinical trial results, hear real veterinary experiences, and understand the science behind this innovative approach to pet aging. Whether your furry friend is just entering middle age or enjoying the...2025-04-111h 02Petworking🔍 Value-Innovation at Global Pet Expo 2025: Full Moon's Game-Changing Air-Dried Pet FoodIn this episode of Petworking, host Peter Kenseth interviews Aeliya Mohsin, Senior Director of Marketing at Full Moon (Perdue Farms). Their conversation is emblematic of one of the biggest trends at Global Pet Expo 2025 - brands finding innovative ways to deliver premium nutrition at accessible price points. Full Moon's Pure Protein air-dried recipe brings premium nutrition to mass retail at HALF the price of leading air-dried brands! Find out how their vertical integration with Perdue Farms makes this possible while maintaining human-grade quality. Learn about: Their revolutionary pricing strategy (50% less than competitors!) How they're...2025-04-0905 minPetworkingPetworking at Global Pet Expo 2025: Tiki Cat Innovation SpotlightJoin Peter Kenseth of Petworking as he interviews Brad Bytof, Strategic Account Manager at Tiki Cat (Whitebridge Pet Brands) at Global Pet Expo 2025.Despite mixed signals about "The Year of the Cat," Tiki Cat continues to dominate the specialty pet channel with exciting new launches! Discover their innovative "Tiki Cat Solutions" line with mix-and-match functional options, new goat's milk replacer in convenient packaging, and extensions to their premium "After Dark" range.Brad shares insights on navigating their recent acquisition by General Mills, how business remains "as usual," and what we might expect at Super Zoo...2025-04-0907 minPetworkingGut Health to Holistic Wellness: Dr. Catherine Ruggiero on the MicrobiomeJoin Peter Kenseth as he sits down with Dr. Catherine Ruggiero, Senior Manager of Scientific Communications at Hill's Pet Nutrition and one of just 89 board-certified veterinary nutritionists in the country. Discover how the microbiome is revolutionizing pet nutrition and why not all fiber is created equal!In this episode:- The science behind prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics- How Hill's ActivBiome+ technology targets specific health needs through specialized fiber blends- Why 70% of your pet's immune system lives in their gut- Hill's collaboration with Harvard's TH Chan School of Public Health- The surprising connection between pet and human microbiome researchLearn how...2025-04-0333 minPetworkingPetworking at Global Pet Expo 2025: Woof's Innovative Pet Enrichment EcosystemJoin Petworking host Peter Kenseth as he sits down with Charlie Meneghin, Director of Sales at Woof, to explore their expanding product ecosystem at Global Pet Expo 2025.Woof burst onto the pet scene in 2024 with their innovative Pupsicle and Bite n' Brush products, quickly becoming one of the hottest brands in the pet enrichment category. In this interview, Charlie reveals Woof's latest innovation - a lick mat with a built-in mixing bowl, and a proprietary Treat Mix that allows pet parents to create gelatinized treats at room temperature without refrigeration.What You'll Learn:- How Woof is applying the "...2025-04-0204 minPetworkingPetworking at WVC 2025: Freshpet - Educating Veterinarians on Fresh Pet FoodIn this interview from WVC 2025, Peter Kenseth speaks with Bud Hanson from Freshpet about their approach to veterinary education. As the pioneer in refrigerated fresh pet food, Freshpet focuses on helping veterinarians understand that their products are fully cooked, not raw, addressing safety concerns around Avian flu and other pathogens.Bud explains that Freshpet is now fed in approximately 13 million households, meaning roughly 1 in 5 canine patients that veterinarians see are already eating their products. The company emphasizes the nutritional benefits of their gently cooked approach, including higher amino acid availability compared to both kibble and raw diets.2025-04-0213 minPetworkingPetworking at Global Pet Expo 2025: Fera Pets Inc.🐱 YEAR OF THE CAT? Fera Pets' New Feline Supplements | Global Pet Expo 2025Join Petworking's Peter Kenseth as he catches up with Dr. Michelle Dulake, veterinarian and founder of Fera Pet Organics, at Global Pet Expo 2025. Dr. Dulake reveals Fera's exciting new microbiome-focused cat supplements launching soon, including a mountain lion-derived probiotic blend for feline wellness, targeted kidney support, and an immune formula with lysine.Also featured: Fera's innovative dental supplement that works from the inside out using clinically-studied postbiotics rather than mechanical cleaning. Learn how the pet industry is emb...2025-04-0105 minPetworkingPetworking at Global Pet Expo 2025: Portland Pet Food CompanyIn this interview from Global Pet Expo 2025, Peter Kenseth sits down with Peter Christiani, EVP at Portland Pet Food Company, to discuss innovations in shelf-stable fresh pet food.As pioneers in this growing category, Portland Pet Food shares insights on how retailers are now creating dedicated shelf space for premium pouch products. Christiani demonstrates their human-grade meals that can be microwaved to enhance aroma - perfect for picky eaters and senior dogs.The company unveils two new products: a multi-pack option supporting rotational feeding, and a new USA-sourced lamb formula. These shelf-stable options bridge the...2025-03-2804 minPetworkingWhat to Expect at Global Pet Expo 2025In this special Global Pet Expo 2025 preview episode of Petworking, host Peter Kenseth interviews leading pet industry executives including Greg Kean (Wellness), Patrick McGee (Get Joy), Courtney Louch (Primal), and Dr. Greg Aldrich (Nulo). These experts share their predictions for emerging trends that will dominate the show floor, including "Humanization 2.0" in fresh and minimally processed foods, the rising importance of cat-specific innovation, multi-component products that combine different processing methods, holistic approaches to pet longevity, and packaging innovations that enhance consumer communication. They also discuss how brands are navigating avian flu concerns and the return to value-consciousness in a challenging...2025-03-251h 21PetworkingThe Kitty Keurig: BistroCat’s Impact on Feline Feeding and Health MonitoringIn this episode of Petworking, host Peter Kenseth sits down with Cecilia, founder and CEO of BistroCat, to explore how this innovative "Kitty Keurig" is revolutionizing cat care. Launching in November 2025, BistroCat isn't just an automated wet food feeder - it's a comprehensive health monitoring platform that could change how we understand feline health.Discover how BistroCat tracks eating behaviors to detect health issues before they become severe, why the company delayed their launch to incorporate customer feedback, and the surprising data insights that have major pet food brands eager to partner with them. Plus, learn about...2025-03-2447 minPetworkingPetworking at WVC 2025: Loyal for Dogs🐕 BREAKING: First-Ever Dog Aging Drug Gets FDA Approval! 🐕In this episode of Petworking, Peter Kenseth interviews Dr. Brennen McKenzie from Loyal For Dogs at WVC 2025 about their groundbreaking news - FDA approval for "reasonable expectation of efficacy" for the world's first aging drug for dogs!Dr. McKenzie explains how Loyal's drug targets metabolic decline in older dogs (10+ years and over 14 pounds) and could hit the market by late 2025 or early 2026. This could be the first-ever aging drug approved in ANY species!⏰ TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Introduction and breaking news0:30 - Three components of approval process1:05 - How the drug targets metabolic decline1...2025-03-1903 minPetworkingPetworking at WVC 2025: CASCO Pet WELLKennelsIn this exclusive Petworking interview from WVC 2025, I had a chance to chat with Kevin DeWalt, President of @CASCO Pet, to explore one of the most exciting innovations transforming veterinary care!One of the biggest themes I noticed at this year's conference was the complete reimagining of traditional veterinary spaces - moving away from clinical, institutional environments toward designs that prioritize comfort and aesthetics for both pets and their parents.CASCO's WELLKennels perfectly embody this shift. These revolutionary kennels replace cold stainless steel cages with thoughtfully designed units featuring:- Sound-dampening materials that reduce stress for all animals in...2025-03-1910 minPetworkingPetworking at WVC 2025: Kong's Clinic KitsIf you're a pet parent, you've doubtlessly had at least one stressful experience bringing your pet to the vet. However, we can all agree that regular vet visits are critical to maintaining your pet's health. So, what's the solution?One of the biggest themes I observed at WVC2025 was the reimagining of veterinary clinics and care models to create spaces that more comfortable for both pets and their parents. This transformation extends beyond architecture and interior design. Did you know KONG is now helping transform the veterinary experience? I had a chance to talk to Dr. Danielle Graziano, Head...2025-03-1905 minPetworkingPetworking at WVC 2025: Chewy Health's Veterinary ClinicsContinuing Petworking's examination of the reimagining of traditional veterinary clinics to create spaces that are not just functional, but comfortable for both pets and their parents, I'm excited to share my interview with Dr. Heather Zaretsky from #WVC2025.Chewy is rapidly emerging as a major player in veterinary care, having already opened 8 clinics (most recently in Austin and Alpharetta), and has plans for continued expansion. During our talk Dr. Heather and I explored Chewy's approach to veterinary care which includes:🛋️ Comfortable clinical environments with couches instead of sterile exam rooms📱 Ipads and exam room screens that show patient information, history...2025-03-1908 minPetworkingUpdate on Rescue Spot: Building the eBay of Pet Adoption by Connecting Shelters and AdoptersRescue Spot founder Nicole Patrick returns to Petworking to share exciting updates about her pet adoption platform. In this in-depth conversation, Nicole reveals how Rescue Spot is transforming the animal welfare landscape by: Launching a major platform upgrade that will integrate data from thousands of shelters Creating the first dedicated fostering website in the industry Implementing AI to provide personalized pet care recommendations Maintaining a free service for shelters while monetizing through strategic partnershipsWe explore how Rescue Spot's universal application system is solving the "clogged pipeline" between pets and adopters, why there's no actual shortage of...2025-02-2546 minPetworkingThe Purr-fect Platform: Inside Meowtel's Cat-First Approach to Pet SittingIn this episode of Petworking, host Peter Kenseth sits down with Sonya Petcavich, founder and CEO of Meowtel, the leading cat-specific pet sitting marketplace. After experiencing firsthand the challenges of finding quality cat care while traveling for her corporate job, Sonya launched Meowtel in 2015. Learn how Meowtel's rigorous 6-step vetting process that accepts only 4% of sitter applicants has helped to build a thriving marketplace with over 2,200 vetted sitters and 95,000+ completed bookings. Discussion also includes Meowtel's innovative commission structure, and how the company achieved this with less than $1M in funding, and and why Sonya believes staying focused exclusively on...2025-02-1344 minPetworkingEarly Detection, Better Protection: PRONOVA and At-Home Pet Health MonitoringIn this episode of Petworking, host Peter Kenseth sits down with Jaime Paris, founder and CEO of proNova, to discuss their groundbreaking at-home pet diagnostic device launching in 2025. Using just a saliva sample, PRONOVA's technology monitors six key health biomarkers in dogs, including inflammation, diabetes, stress, and organ function. Paris shares how the technology helped detect a serious health issue in his own dog before symptoms appeared, and discusses how PRONOVA could make regular health monitoring more accessible to pet parents. Learn how this innovation could transform preventative pet healthcare by helping catch potential issues early, while establishing personalized...2025-01-2353 minPetworkingModernizing Veterinary Care: How Modern Animal is Transforming Veterinary Medicine for Practitioners and Patients
In this episode of Petworking, host Peter Kenseth sits down with Christie Long, Chief Medical Officer of Modern Animal, for an in-depth look at how technology and innovative design are transforming veterinary care. A former software engineer turned veterinarian, Christie shares how Modern Animal is tackling industry-wide challenges through their membership model, proprietary practice management system, and focus on work-life balance for veterinary professionals.
From their unique app-based communication platform to their 24/7 virtual care team, to the aesthetics of their clinics, Modern Animal is reimagining the traditional veterinary practice. Christie discusses the company's rapid growth to 26 locations...2025-01-1550 minPetworkingGut Health to Longevity: Get Joy's Take on Fresh and Freeze-Dried Dog FoodIn this episode of Petworking, host Peter Kenseth talks with Patrick McGee, Director of Sales at Get Joy, about innovations in freeze-dried pet food. Founded by former Facebook executive Tom Erics, Get Joy brings tech industry thinking to pet nutrition through unique formulations featuring pre-, pro-, and postbiotics for gut health and longevity.
Key discussion points:
Company's tech-driven approach, including feeding calculators
Importance of post-COVID retail education
Future growth potential in freeze-dried category
Consumer education challenges around new feeding formats
Growing focus on pet longevity and health span
Integration of wellness technology like Whistle partnership
2024-12-2353 minPetworkingFrom Restaurants to Canines: Caroline Artiss, The Holistic Dog ChefThis episode of Petworking features Caroline Artiss, founder of Holistic Dog Chef, who made a career pivot to pet nutrition after an award-winning, 25-year career in the culinary industry.
In this conversation, Artiss discussed her journey from award-winning restaurant chef (The Gorgeous Kitchen was voted #1 Airport Restaurant in the World) and TV personality (BBC's America's Chef Race, "Simply Caroline") to personal dog chef. After COVID-19 impacted her culinary businesses, including The Great American Fries Co. in Santa Monica, she found her way to pet nutrition through a fresh dog food company in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Working with veterinary...2024-11-2747 minPetworkingDigital Marketing Strategies for Pet Brands: From D2C to Social Media SuccessDigital marketing expert Mark Bevington joins host Peter Kenseth to discuss strategies for pet brands to thrive online. From website optimization to direct-to-consumer sales, they explore how both emerging and established pet companies can build stronger digital presences. The conversation covers successful approaches to SEO, social media engagement, and the growing trend of personalized pet products. Mark shares insights from his agency Ninedot's work with pet industry clients and discusses the exciting opportunities ahead for indie brands in the digital space.
2024-11-2139 minPetworkingSustainability in Pet Food: A Systems Approach to Environmental ImpactDid you know that US pets would be the world's 5th largest meat-consuming country if counted separately? In this episode, Darren Vanstone, Managing Director of Ocatra, breaks down the complex world of sustainability in pet food.
We explore:
Why 65% of consumers don't trust pet food sustainability claims
How companies like Earth Animal are leading positive change
The shift toward outcome-based sustainability certification
Why proactive industry leadership beats reactive regulation
Real solutions for building consumer trust
Plus, we discuss a fascinating case study from Brazil where one major retailer is revolutionizing ethical pet adoption.
...2024-11-081h 03PetworkingDon't Train Your Dog: A New Approach to Dog Parenting
In this episode of Petworking, host Peter Kenseth speaks with Angie Winters, author of "Don't Train Your Dog," about her revolutionary approach to dog behavior. With 28 years of experience rehabilitating "unfixable" dogs, Winters introduces her philosophy of "dog parenting" - moving beyond traditional training to create lasting behavioral changes through authoritative parenting techniques. Learn how this approach could transform pet adoption success rates and why treats alone aren't enough. Whether you're struggling with a fearful dog or just want to build a better relationship with your pet, this episode offers practical insights for every dog parent.2024-10-2444 min
Marketing TailsLeveraging Strategic Insights and Market Intelligence for Purpose-Driven InnovationPeter Kenseth is the Vice President and Managing Partner at Maia Strategy, a consulting firm leveraging market intelligence and in-depth customized research and analysis to help companies enter new markets, outflank the competition, and win new customers. Since joining the firm in 2013, Peter has helped businesses develop winning strategies by uncovering hard-to-get facts in global markets. With a passion for the pet care and animal health industry, he brings his insights to listeners as the host of the Petworking podcast. In this episode… The pet industry is vast and evolving, presenting both familiar challenges and un...2024-10-2246 minPetworkingConnecting the Ecosystem: Looking Ahead to Pet Connect USA 2024
Peter Kenseth talks with Poppy Howard-Wall about Pet Connect USA 2024, a unique networking event for pet industry leaders. Learn about the conference's focus on innovation, partnerships, and addressing industry challenges. Discover why this intimate gathering of 500 C-suite executives is a must-attend for anyone in the pet care space.
2024-10-1640 minPetworkingBeyond the Price Tag: How Pet Insurance Reshapes Veterinary MedicineIn this eye-opening episode of Petworking, host Peter Kenseth sits down with Dr. Jennifer Sperry, a licensed veterinarian and medical director at Independence Pet Group, to explore the often-overlooked impact of pet insurance on veterinary burnout. Dr. Sperry shares powerful insights from her experience in both general practice and emergency clinics, revealing how increased pet insurance adoption can dramatically improve the working lives of veterinarians. The conversation delves into how pet insurance not only protects pet owners financially but also enables veterinarians to provide optimal care without the stress of financial constraints. From reducing decision fatigue to enhancing client...2024-10-0959 minPetworkingWhat to Expect at SuperZoo 2024SuperZoo is just around the corner, and I'm excited. In the latest episode of Petworking, I sat down with three industry leaders to discuss upcoming trends and innovations in pet nutrition ahead of this major event, and what we can hope and expect to see on the show floor in Las Vegas this week. My guests were Dr. Greg Aldrich, COO of Nulo Pet Food, Greg Kean VP of Global Innovation and Nutrition at Wellness Pet Company, and Dr. James Templeman, Director of Nutrition at Primal Pet Foods.
Key discussion points included:
Alternative processing methods...2024-08-131h 09Petworking2024 State of Shelter Pet Adoption ReportAn insightful discussion with Dr. Karen Shenoy, Chief Veterinary Officer at Hill's Pet Nutrition, and Stephanie Filer, Executive Director of Shelter Animals Count, exploring the findings of the 2024 State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report, uncovering crucial insights into the current state of animal shelters and adoption trends.
2024-08-0657 minPetworkingFrom Vet Clinics to Living Rooms: Mella Pet Care’s Approach to At-Home DiagnosticsEpisode 31 of Petworking features Daniella Morgan-Pascualvaca from Mella Pet Care, and discusses the company's innovative approach to at-home pet diagnostics, along with its experience in the venture capital ecosystem, where it was selected to participate in the Leap Venture Studio, and received an investment from Mark Cuban on Shark Tank.
Here are the key takeaways from the episode:
Mella is bringing vet-grade diagnostics into pet parents' homes, addressing the gap in preventative care.
Its devices (thermometers and scales) help establish baseline health data, crucial for early detection of issues.
Stress-free home measurements provide more accurate data...2024-07-2550 minPetworkingBridging the Coverage Gap: Odie's Solution for Pets Affected by Insurance CancellationsNationwide recently announced that it will cancel pet insurance coverage for about 100,000 pets, citing rising veterinary costs and profitability concerns.
While the company stated that the cancellations were not based on specific pet characteristics like age, breed, or claim history, the sad reality of the situation is that many older pets will be affected by this decision. This is a crucial point because:
These pets are often the most in need of insurance coverage due to higher healthcare needs
They may face significant difficulties finding alternative coverage because almost all pet insurance carriers exclude pre-existing conditions
This...2024-07-0535 minPetworkingWearable Tech Meets Veterinary Care: Maven's AI-Driven Pet Health Monitoring SolutionIf you're a pet parent, you've likely experienced the anxiety of wondering if your furry companion is in pain or discomfort. However, for many pet parents, the cost of veterinary care, and the inability to know whether a pet is truly experiencing health issues, results in a decision to postpone a visit to the vet, which ultimately results in poor health outcomes for the pet.
As a pet parent, I've experienced firsthand the critical importance of early detection. My journey with Peony has been a testament to this:
Shortly after adopting her in 2017, Peony pulled...2024-06-2748 minPetworkingMaking Pet Insurance Work for More Pet Owners: Odie's Approach to Coverage, Distribution, and Value Creation
This podcast episode features Peter Kenseth, Vice President & Partner at Maia Strategy Group, interviewing Miles Thorson, founder and CEO of Odie Pet Insurance.
Key points discussed:
Pet insurance adoption is still low in the US (~4% for dogs), so there is a huge potential market. Most carriers are not competing for share yet, but trying to grow the overall market.
Odie Pet Insurance is taking a novel approach by focusing on distribution through employee benefits and white labeling, rather than selling directly to consumers. This helps lower customer acquisition costs.
They are offering more flexible coverage...2024-06-1247 minPetworkingGoing Above and Beyond: Wellness' Rigorous Approach to Pet Food TestingIn this episode of Petworking, host Peter Kenseth interviews Greg Kean, Global VP of Innovation & Nutrition at Wellness Pet Company. They discuss Wellness's extensive testing protocols for its pet food products, which go above and beyond the industry standard.
Key points from the discussion:
Wellness is investing 3-4 million dollars to put their entire product portfolio through AAFCO feeding trials, even though this is not required if diets meet AAFCO nutrient profiles.
This testing helps build confidence with veterinarians recommending Wellness products, as vets don't always receive extensive nutrition training.
Before even doing AAFCO trials, Wellness...2024-06-041h 11PetworkingAdvancing Sustainable Packaging in the Pet Food IndustryIt might come as a surprise to learn that the pet food industry is a significant contributor to the global waste stream, accounting for 3% of all flexible packaging (about 300 million pounds annually). Currently, 99% of the 300 million pounds of plastic waste produced by the pet food industry each year wind up in landfills. Put another way, pet food packaging is adding 297 million pounds of plastic waste to our landfills each year.
When trying to reduce a number from 99%, it might seem like a pretty easy task. However, there are a few key challenges that make transitioning to sustainable...2024-05-2144 minPetworkingNulo's Dr. Greg Aldrich on Minimally Processed Pet Foods and the Journey to the "Perfect Pet Food"Dr. Greg Aldrich, Chief Operating Officer at Nulo Pet Food, recently joined Petworking host Peter Kenseth to discuss Nulo's latest innovations in minimally processed pet foods and the brand's philosophy on optimal pet nutrition.
Aldrich, who previously worked as an associate professor at Kansas State University studying pet nutrition, joined Nulo about 15 months ago after consulting with the company for over a decade. He has been working closely with Nulo founder Michael Landa on developing foods that align with an active lifestyle for both pets and their owners.
A...2024-05-0254 minPetworkingHave You Heard of Miscanthus? M-Fiber and Sustainability
Happy Earth Day!
Miscanthus is a perennial grass, and represents a highly sustainable and effective fiber source. In addition to serving as a source of dietary fiber, it also enhances the structural integrity of pet foods during manufacturing processes, contributing to better kibble cohesion and moisture retention.
Miscanthus is primarily cultivated in southwest Missouri and stands out due to its substantial growth, reaching heights of 10 to 12 feet during the summer months. This perennial grass is established once and yields harvests annually for up to 30 years, requiring minimal maintenance. It does not require annual tilling, extensive nutrient inputs, or the...2024-04-2245 minPetworkingNothing Matters More Than More Time: Continuing the Discussion of Aging Therapies w/ Loyal for Dogs
Loyal for Dogs (Loyal / Cellular Longevity) is redefining the paradigm of aging in dogs.
NAD+ supplements currently on the market claim to "slow the effects of aging," and to "support health as [dogs] age," but they do not promise to extend lifespan. Nor are they FDA-approved.
Loyal emphasizes that aging is the primary modifiable risk factor for most degenerative and chronic diseases in dogs. Their mission? To target the aging process itself, opening doors to healthier, longer lives for dogs.
At WVC 2024, I had the chance to chat with Dr. Brennen McKenzie, Loyal's Head of Veterinary Education, and he...2024-04-1537 minPetworkingInsights from WVC 2024
The veterinary field is on the cusp of a revolutionary transformation, driven by technological advancements, a deeper understanding of pet nutrition, and an evolving approach to pet care that prioritizes convenience and efficiency. This shift was vividly illustrated at the recent Western Vet Conference in Las Vegas, where my colleague, Jessica Stewart and I explored into the trends shaping the future of animal health and veterinary medicine. We recently recorded an episode of Petworking to recap these insights, offering a glimpse into what lies ahead for veterinary professionals and pet owners alike.2024-03-1944 minPetworkingConference Preview: Points of Interest for WVC 2024A look at topics that I'm excited to explore at WVC 2024:
- The Creation of the Pet Care/Animal Health Ecosystem
- Wearables
- At-Home Diagnostics
- Pet Insurance
- DNA/Genomics/Precision Medicine and Precision Nutrition
- Sustainability
2024-02-1612 minPetworkingInvoxia: Smart Collar, Preventative MedicineResearch from Demandsage 2.0 indicates that on a worldwide basis, 23% of men and 21.8% of women own a smartwatch. In the U.S., that number is even smaller, as 12.2% of Americans are reported to use a smartwatch or a fitness tracker.
However, when we get to the pet space, that number drops even further. Market awareness for pet trackers in the United States is approximately 5% of pet-owning households, with the number of households that actually have purchased and use a pet tracker being much smaller than that, potentially as few as 1 million.
However, while the market is small now, the low...2024-01-1248 minPetworkingRescue Spot: Simplifying Pet AdoptionsIf you've experienced the joy of adopting a pet, you know that the wonderful feeling of welcoming a new family member to your home is often preceded by involves numerous challenges that can be both cumbersome and emotionally draining. Prospective pet owners frequently encounter a convoluted and extended application process, necessitating comprehensive questionnaires about their living conditions, lifestyle, and prior experiences with pets. This detailed scrutiny, while crucial for ensuring a suitable match between the pet and its future home, can be overwhelming.
These experiences can deter first-time pet adopters from considering adoption as a viable means of getting...2023-12-221h 02PetworkingEnhancing Health: Exploring Pet Supplements with Zesty PawsOn the latest episode of Petworking, I was fortunate enough to be joined by 🐾Yvethe Tyszka, Vice President of Marketing, and Bob Kalill, Vice President of Research and Product Development at Zesty Paws (part of H&H Group). Zesty Paws is the top pet supplement brand in the U.S., as verified by Euromonitor.
Yvethe, Bob and I discussed the rapid growth of the pet supplements market, and the current trends in the category. Whereas supplements used to be something that pet parents would only give to their dog or cat if recommended by a veterinarian, it has...2023-12-1351 minPetworkingThe Veterinary Non-CompeteIn the previous episode of Petworking, Daryl Hatton and I delved into the difficult topic of financial euthanasia and its role in the increasing compassion fatigue among veterinarians. We highlighted the alarming mental health crisis in the veterinary field, underscored by a high suicide rate and the startling statistic from Royal Canin that 70% of veterinarians have known a colleague or peer who died by suicide. Mars Petcare's projection of a 41,000 veterinarian shortage in the U.S. by 2030 due to burnout and exit from the profession paints a grim picture.
This week, we shift focus to another significant...2023-12-111h 04PetworkingCrowd Funding for Veterinary Care and Animal AdoptionsThis week on Petworking, I sat down with Daryl Hatton, CEO of ConnectionPoint, to discuss some crucial and timely issues, related to the need for crowdfunding solutions in veterinary care. ConnectionPoint's Petfundr brand is specifically designed for pet-related projects and needs. It operates similarly to other crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or GoFundMe but is focused exclusively on pets and animals.
Considering the financial challenges many pet owners face, the concept of Petfundr as a specialized crowdfunding platform for pet-related needs is innovative and addresses a significant gap in pet care funding. Here are some key takeaways and...2023-11-171h 00
The Scene Vault PodcastEpisode 271 -- Robbie Reiser on Winston Cup Success With Matt KensethIn the third and final installment of our interview, Robbie Reiser talks about making it to the top of the mountain with Matt Kenseth in winning their first race together at NASCAR’s highest level and then the sport’s biggest prize itself … the Winston Cup. Robbie also takes us through his decision to step down as Matt’s crew chief, his turbulent years as the general manager at Roush Fenway Racing, and what he’s doing now in retirement. We then tackle the June 1, 2000 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Ma...2023-11-151h 31PetworkingThe Human Animal Bond, and The Power of Visual Storytelling in Pet CareThe Human-Animal Bond. We've all seen it, even if we haven't realized it yet. Look around you, and in the course of a given day, I would bet that it's impossible not to see evidence of it somewhere. It's there in the gentle nudge of a dog waiting patiently for its owner outside a store, in the contented purr of a cat curled up on a sunny windowsill, and in the quiet companionship of a horse and rider silhouetted against the setting sun. It's power is felt in the shared happiness both that both dogs and pet owners derive...2023-11-0954 minPetworkingPumpkin Magic: Further Discussions About Freeze-Dried with A Better TreatThe 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...2023-10-2741 minPetworkingBeyond Symptoms: Preventative Diagnostics in Veterinary CarePreventative 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...2023-10-1850 minPetworkingRaw, Freeze-Dried, Gently-Cooked: What Should You Add to Your Kibble?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 ...2023-10-1239 minPetworkingPet Insurance: Why Doesn't Your Pet Have It?
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...2023-09-2038 minPetworkingSuperZoo 2023: Conversations from the ConferenceSuperZoo has become an annual August tradition for me. Despite the fact that it tends to coincide with my birthday, I love the networking and trendspotting, the chance to see new product launches, to meet new people, and reconnect with old friends. And as each year passes, the number of people I'm reconnecting with at SuperZoo continues to grow.
This year was special for me, as it represented the first time I'd attended SuperZoo since launching Petworking in April. I have to say, I was humbled by the positive response I received from nearly everyone at the sh...2023-08-3019 minPetworkingImpact Unleashed: Conversations from the ConferenceA recap of conversations from the Pet Sustainability Coalition's Impact Unleashed conference.
We chatted with Corey Dobbs of Canidae, Jessica Krueger and Karlyn Kubin of Ziwi, Hannah Hughes of Fera Pet Organics, Meredith Small of KONG, and Amber Simpson of Petcurean about their thoughts on the conference, and the sustainability initiatives they are employing at their companies.
2023-08-1413 minPetworkingRegenerative Agriculture: Not Just a Sustainability BuzzwordOn 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 Fe...2023-08-0157 minPetworkingRAWZ: 3 Generations of Pet Food Innovation and a Charitable MissionHave 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...2023-08-0139 minPetworkingFresh, Frozen, Refrigerated: Views on the Newest Craze in Pet FoodIn the latest episode of Petworking, we had the pleasure of hosting Matthew Sherman, SVP of Marketing at PetPlate, for a deep dive into the rapidly growing fresh/frozen refrigerated pet food market.
In a market that has been long been dominated by Freshpet in the grocery space, and DTC players such as The Farmer's Dog, Nom Nom, JustFoodForDogs, and Ollie , an increasing number of traditional manufacturers are moving into the fresh refrigerated space, and giving pet parents the option of buying fresh refrigerated foods at their local pet food store.
PetPlate exhibited at Global Pet Expo for the...2023-06-2044 minPetworkingIntroducing JessWe introduce listeners to Jessica Stewart, a Senior Manager at Maia Strategy Group, and a former Diagnostic Support Consultant at IDEXX. Jess will be supporting Petworking with her expertise in Animal Health Diagnostics.
We discuss recent developments in cancer diagnostics, focusing on Oncotect, a Raleight-based start-up that has launched a urine test that can assess a dog's risk for cancer.
From there, we talk about the overall cancer diagnostics landscape, the emergence of DTC diagnostics in Animal Health, and plans for future episodes with Heska and AnimalBiome.
2023-06-0217 minPetworkingPawsitively Radiant: Unleashing the Secrets to Dazzling Dental HealthOne 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...2023-05-3129 minPetworkingSkoped Micro: Telecytology & Patient EducationThis week on Petworking, we chat with Dr. Cade Wilson, DVM, a leading veterinarian with an award-winning practice in South Central Oklahoma. Dr. Wilson is also the founder of a company called Skoped Micro, which gives veterinary practices an affordable telecytology option, by attaching a smartphone to the clinic's microscope via a specialized phone case and eyepiece adapter.
Dr. Wilson positions Skoped Micro as a cost-effective solution for practices that can't afford more expensive solutions. It can be used to take images and videos from the microscope, and send them to pathology groups for...2023-05-2350 minPetworkingRoxy, Rescues, & Senior Dog AdoptionsThis 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...2023-05-1225 minPetworkingPeace of Mind and Pet Safety: Discussing the U.S. Pet GPS Tracker Market with Andrew Bleiman of TractiveA 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 t...2023-05-0540 minPetworkingDVM6: Watching Vets' Backs and Bridging the Gap in Veterinary Care Through TelemedicineOur 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...2023-04-2854 minPetworkingRoo's Marketplace Platform: Improving Work-Life Balance for VetsVeterinary 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...2023-04-2129 min
PetworkingLeap Years: A Game Changer in Senior Dog Care and WellnessIn 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...2023-04-1235 min