130. Smarter Dogs, Spay & Neuter Solutions & Understanding Animal Intelligence

In this fascinating episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine explore smarter, healthier ways to care for pets while taking a deeper look at how animals think, communicate, and connect. From expanding access to affordable spay and neuter services to discovering the extraordinary ways dogs experience the world, this episode combines practical animal welfare solutions with fascinating insights into animal intelligence and behavior. Story Time features: Chris shares a story about the continued animal rescue and recovery efforts following devastating earthquakes, highlighting veterinarians, volunteers, and search-and-rescue dogs working to locate, treat, and reunite animals with their families. Kristen introduces Dobby, an unusual black rescue kitten whose rare genetic traits include four ear flaps, a curled tail, and an underbite. After his story went viral, the once difficult-to-place kitten became an adoption sensation. Special Guests: Brianna Lovell Myers, Executive Director, United Spay Alliance Jennifer S. Holland, Science & Nature Writer, Former National Geographic Senior Staff Writer & New York Times Bestselling Author of *Unlikely Friendships* and *Dog Smart* Pet Product Recommendations: Suitical Recovery Suit for Dogs – https://www.suitical.com/products/recovery-suit-dog TiCK MiTT – https://tickmitt.com Q&A Topics: My dog follows me everywhere—even into the bathroom—and always wants to be in the same room. Is that simply affection, or can being overly attached be a sign of anxiety? (Submitted by Jessica from Austin, TX) Why does my cat suddenly get a burst of energy at night and start racing around the house? Why do cats get the “zoomies,” and should owners do anything to help them burn off that energy? (Submitted by Michael from Chicago, IL) Related Links: United Spay Alliance: https://www.unitedspayalliance.org United Spay Alliance Spay/Neuter Referral Directory: https://www.unitedspayalliance.org/state-local/program-locator-map/ United Spay Alliance Online Conference: https://www.unitedspayalliance.org/online-conference/ Jennifer S. Holland Official Website: https://www.jenniferhollandwriter.com *Dog Smart: Life-Changing Lessons in Canine Intelligence*: https://www.jenniferhollandwriter.com/dog-smart *Unlikely Friendships*: https://www.jenniferhollandwriter.com/unlikely-friendships Kitty Cat Haven & Rescue:https://www.kittycathavenrescue.org/https://kittykathavenrescue.org/ American Pet Products Association (APPA): https://www.americanpetproducts.org DOGTV Unleashed FAST Channel: https://www.dogtv.com/unleashed Pets Add Life: https://www.petsaddlife.org Social Channels: United Spay Alliance (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/unitedspayalliance United Spay Alliance (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/UnitedSpayAlliance Jennifer S. Holland (Facebook – Unlikely Friendships): https://www.facebook.com/UnlikelyFriendships DOGTV (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/dogtv Pets Add Life (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlife Pets Add Life (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLife Pets Add Life (TikTok): https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlife Pets Add Life (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@petsaddlife Subscribe & Listen: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts! Submit a question to the podcast: https://www.petsaddlife.org/podcast Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV