
The Family Pet Podcast
FamilyPetHealth.com
The Family Pet is a podcast for curious pet parents. We believe that the more you know about pet healthcare, the better pet parent you can be. Advancements in the veterinary industry have provided pet parents with more care options than ever before, but all these choices can leave pet parents with feelings of confusion and uncertainty when it comes to making decisions in the veterinary office. The Family Pet hosts and guests bring their years of veterinary experience and expertise to the microphone to share useful information which will help you have a better understanding of the veterinary care options available. We will empower you with the knowledge to make educated decisions regarding your pet’s healthcare needs, and help you be the human that your pet already thinks you are!
All episodes
Best episodes
Seasons
Top 10 The Family Pet Podcast Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Family Pet Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Family Pet Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Family Pet Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Ep. 2 - Let's Talk About Pet Insurance
The Family Pet Podcast
03/17/22 • 25 min
There are more than 135 million dogs and cats in the United States and their owners spent more than $100 billion on petcare in 2020. While only a fraction of that spending was on pet insurance, the number of covered pets has been rising by more than 20% a year for the past five years. In 2020, more than 3 million pets were insured and owners paid more than $2 billion in premiums.
In this episode, Stephen and Michael discuss pet insurance and what pet owners should keep in mind when considering purchasing pet insurance.
Here are links to information we talked about today:
- Our blog post about Pet Insurance
- These are three pet insurance companies we recommend at Family Pet Health
- North American Pet Health Insurance Association State of the Industry 2021 report

Ep. 33 - How would your pet look with a mullet?
The Family Pet Podcast
10/20/22 • 32 min
Lots of pet owners take their furry friends to the groomer. But what exactly goes on behind the scenes at the groomer’s? And how does one become a groomer? Michelle Mastrodonato, a Fear Free Certified Groomer, joins the podcast today to talk about her path to becoming a groomer.
Here are links to information we talked about today:
- Learn more about Michelle and her business at Fluff-N-Buzz Pet Grooming
- Follow Fluff-N-Buzz on Facebook
Got a question for Michael and Stephen? Run across something interesting you want to share with the show? Do you have a topic idea for a future episode? Send it to us at [email protected].
![The Family Pet Podcast - Ep. 32 - [REPLAY] Pizza is the best](https://storage.buzzsprout.com/zyu6rlgpd9bkpivb5z5yybij29x8?.avif)
Ep. 32 - [REPLAY] Pizza is the best
The Family Pet Podcast
10/13/22 • 21 min
In preparation of Vet Tech Appreciation Week next week, we couldn’t think of a better tribute to all of the professionals in the veterinary industry than to replay one of our favorite episodes of the past year. In Episode 5, we laughed; we cried; we celebrated “the best good boy there ever was - Shiner - a rescued blue weimaraner” and how he inspired a national effort to recognize the work of dedicated, caring and amazing veterinary professionals. Be forewarned, you will definitely want to have tissues readily available.
Here are links to information we talked about today:
- Read about Shiner’s story on their original GoFundMe page
- Nominate a veterinary professional for a “Pizza Salute”
- Check out previous winners on the “Shiner’s Pizza Salute” Facebook page
- “The scourge of suicide in veterinary medicine” from dvm360
- Not One More Vet is an organization created to support and encourage veterinary professionals who are struggling or considering suicide
If you or someone you know may be contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. In emergencies, call 911, or seek care from a local hospital or mental health provider.
Got a question for Michael and Stephen? Run across something interesting you want to share with the show? Do you have a topic idea for a future episode? Send it to us at [email protected].

Ep. 26 - Feline Enrichment
The Family Pet Podcast
09/01/22 • 27 min
An unfortunate myth about pet ownership is that the cats don’t require any attention from their owners and can simply be left to fend for themselves all day, every day. This episode is focused on correcting that false assumption.
Dr. Samantha Nieves joins us to talk about cat enrichment, why it is important and how listeners can create their own enrichment opportunities. She also shares with listeners about the numerous tricks she has taught her own cat Kota. And we learn a little something about SPAM as a random aside.
Here are links to information we talked about today:
- Ohio State University put together these fantastic Guidelines for Cat Owners
- Environmental Needs Guidelines from the American Association of Feline Practitioners
- Design your own Food Puzzle For Cats
- You know you want to learn more about the SPAM Museum in Austin, Minnesota
Got a question for Michael and Stephen? Run across something interesting you want to share with the show? Do you have a topic idea for a future episode? Send it to us at [email protected].

Ep 99 What do aging cats really want - Amy Shojai CABC
The Family Pet Podcast
04/25/24 • 30 min
In this episode of the Family Pet Podcast, the hosts interview Amy Shojai, a certified animal behavior consultant, about aging in cats. They discuss the physical and behavioral changes that cats experience as they get older, such as muscle wasting, hearing loss, and picky eating. Amy provides tips on how to keep senior cats active and engaged, including using food puzzle toys, providing vertical spaces, and playing with them. She also emphasizes the importance of understanding a cat's love language and meeting their needs on their terms.
https://shop.shojai.com/
https://shojai.com/
Keywords
aging in cats, physical changes, behavioral changes, muscle wasting, hearing loss, picky eating, keeping cats active, food puzzle toys, vertical spaces, playing with cats, cat love language
00:00 Introduction and Credentials
00:57 The Influence of Dr. David Harris
02:12 Specialization in Aging Pets
05:06 Behavioral and Physical Changes in Aging Cats
09:22 Encouraging Exercise in Older Cats
14:00 Feeding and Nutrition for Aging Cats
20:32 Showing Love to Senior Cats
22:36 Feline Love Languages
26:54 Top Considerations for Owners of Aging Cats
27:31 Book Recommendation and Closing

Ep. 80 Exploring the Veterinary Spectrum of Care with Dr. Michelle Evason
The Family Pet Podcast
12/01/23 • 22 min
Episode Title: Exploring the Veterinary Spectrum of Care with Dr. Michelle Evason
Introduction:
In this week's episode of The Family Pet Podcast, we have the pleasure of hosting Dr. Michelle Evason, who delves into the fascinating concept of the veterinary "spectrum of care." Join us as we explore the diverse facets of veterinary medicine and gain insights into providing comprehensive care for our beloved pets.
Key Points:
- Defining the Veterinary Spectrum of Care:
- Dr. Evason provides a comprehensive overview of what the "spectrum of care" entails in veterinary medicine.
- The Continuum of Services:
- Explore the different levels of care within the veterinary spectrum, from preventive measures to advanced medical treatments.
- Preventive Care and Wellness:
- Dr. Evason emphasizes the importance of preventive care in maintaining the well-being of pets and discusses common practices in this category.
- Medical Interventions and Specialized Treatments:
- Learn about the various medical interventions available within the spectrum of care, including specialized treatments for specific health conditions.
- Collaboration in Veterinary Medicine:
- Dr. Evason highlights the collaborative nature of the veterinary spectrum, involving pet owners, general practitioners, and specialists.
Conclusion:
This episode offers a deep dive into the expansive world of the veterinary "spectrum of care." Dr. Michelle Evason's expertise sheds light on the comprehensive approach to keeping our pets healthy and happy. Tune in to gain a better understanding of the various aspects of veterinary medicine.
Thank you for joining us on The Family Pet Podcast! Don't forget to follow, and if you found this episode insightful, share it with fellow pet enthusiasts. Stay tuned for more engaging discussions on the care and well-being of our furry family members!
Got a question for Michael and Stephen? Run across something interesting you want to share with the show? Do you have a topic idea for a future episode? Send it to us at [email protected]

Ep. 78 - Health Certificates / Certificates of Veterinary Inspection for International Travel - Dr. Nelva Bryant
The Family Pet Podcast
11/16/23 • 24 min
Ep. 78 - Health Certificates/Certificates of Veterinary Inspection for International Travel - Show Notes
Moving to another country is a major transition in life. Including your pet in such a move presents its own set of challenges. Fulfilling the requirements for pet travel often requires multiple documents, including a country-specific international health certificate that is completed by a USDA approved veterinarian.
Dr. Nelva Bryant serves Delta Air Lines as the industry’s first in-house veterinarian. Her role with Delta involves reviewing and revising policies related to the transportation of live animals. She is also the founder of When Pets Fly, a company leading the way to educate pet parents, veterinarians and the airline industry in best travel practices. She is the perfect guest to walk our listeners through the process of flying with our pets.
Here are links to information we talked about today:
Pet Travel Guidance for Pets Traveling to Another Country from the United States from the United States Department of Agriculture
- Learn more about Dr. Bryant including her appearances on other podcasts and media interviews on LinkedIn
- You can learn all about the When Pets Fly at their website
- Follow When Pets Fly on Facebook and Instagram
Got a question for Michael and Stephen? Run across something interesting you want to share with the show? Do you have a topic idea for a future episode? Send it to us at [email protected]

Ep 77 Flying with your pets - Dr. Nelva Bryant
The Family Pet Podcast
11/09/23 • 27 min
Ep. 77 - Flying with Pets - Show Notes
Millions of Americans will be flying this holiday season to visit family and friends. Many of them will be traveling with their pets. However, flying with our pets is not as easy as just showing up to the airport and boarding the plan. But where can pet owners go to get more information about the requirements for flying with their pets?
Dr. Nelva Bryant serves Delta Air Lines as the industry’s first in-house veterinarian. Her role with Delta involves reviewing and revising policies related to the transportation of live animals. She is also the founder of When Pets Fly, a company leading the way to educate pet parents, veterinarians and the airline industry in best travel practices. She is the perfect guest to walk our listeners through the process of flying with our pets.
Here are links to information we talked about today:
- Learn more about Dr. Bryant including her appearances on other podcasts and media interviews on LinkedIn
- You can learn all about the When Pets Fly at their website
- Follow When Pets Fly on Facebook and Instagram
- Airline Pet Cargo Crate Requirements from the IATA
Got a question for Michael and Stephen? Run across something interesting you want to share with the show? Do you have a topic idea for a future episode? Send it to us at [email protected]

Ep. 113 Resolutions for every pet parent w/ Dr. Adam Christman
The Family Pet Podcast
01/23/25 • 15 min
We are happy to have Dr. Adam Christman joins us again for this episode of The Family Pet Podcast! In this episode of the pod, host Stephen Shirley and Dr. Adam Christman discuss essential New Year's resolutions for pet owners. They emphasize the importance of spending quality time with pets, scheduling regular wellness visits, measuring food accurately to prevent obesity, and ensuring that microchip information is up to date. The conversation is filled with practical tips and engaging anecdotes, making it a valuable resource for pet parents looking to enhance their pets' health and happiness in the new year.
Where to find Dr. Adam Christman:
Website https://dradamchristman.com/
Instagram @ https://www.instagram.com/adam_christman/
Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/Dr.AdamChristman
TikTok @ https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.adamchristman52
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/c/DrAdamChristman
Keywords
pet care, pet wellness, pet health, pet resolutions, veterinary advice, pet owners, pet nutrition, pet safety, pet training, pet enrichment
Show more best episodes

Show more best episodes
FAQ
How many episodes does The Family Pet Podcast have?
The Family Pet Podcast currently has 116 episodes available.
What topics does The Family Pet Podcast cover?
The podcast is about Pets & Animals, Pet, Dogs, Animal, Kids & Family, Cats, Pets, Cat, Podcasts, Education and Dog.
What is the most popular episode on The Family Pet Podcast?
The episode title 'Ep 100 Life stages of dogs - Kristal Stanfield LVMT' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The Family Pet Podcast?
The average episode length on The Family Pet Podcast is 29 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Family Pet Podcast released?
Episodes of The Family Pet Podcast are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of The Family Pet Podcast?
The first episode of The Family Pet Podcast was released on Mar 9, 2022.
Show more FAQ

Show more FAQ