Steve Dale's Pet World

Dr. Rustin Moore is dean of Ohio State’s College of Veterinary Medicine and author of a trilogy exploring the human-animal bond, joins to discuss his latest book, Restoring the Bond: Resilience Through Human-Animal Interactions. What does he mean by restoring the bond? We explore how dogs evolved alongside humans and why cats are enjoying a surge […]

KJ McGlinn has spent her career talking about cats on radio and television in Indianapolis, and you could say it all started when the first word she ever spoke was “kitty.” KJ is the author of Raised By Cats: Behind the Mic and the Meows, and she shares common myths and misconceptions people still have about […]

Wayne Pacelle, founder and CEO of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy, shares updates on the closure of Ridglan Farms near Madison, Wisconsin, where more than 1,000 beagles have been rescued. He discusses the conditions the dogs faced, why animal testing is becoming obsolete, and the effort to find alternatives while reducing costs. Pacelle also […]

Andrea Dorn, president of the Cat Writer’s Association, joins Steve Dale to explain the organization’s mission and preview its upcoming awards conference and gala, taking place November 6-7 near Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Steve will be attending to share the EveryCat Health Foundation and the latest developments in cat health. Dorn says she shares secrets with her [&#...

Janis Bradley helped pioneer research showing that a dog’s breed is not a predictor of aggression. In this conversation, she explains why many behaviors we label as “aggressive” are often better understood as defensive responses. Bradley discusses the real motivations behind dog bites, and the insights from her latest book, Look Closer: Rethinking Dog Warning […]

Susan Hartzler, author of Teaming Up with Therapy Dogs: Skills to Build Healing Partnerships, shares the incredible impact therapy dogs have on people’s lives. Today, therapy dogs can be found in hospitals, schools, and care facilities, but it wasn’t that long ago that many organizations were hesitant to welcome them. Susan talks about the growing demand […]

Mark Buchanon launched Grover & Pals, an ambitious non-profit organization to save dogs and cats in various countries where animal welfare resources are scarce. The task seems overwhelming, but the organization is making a difference.  Sculptor Susan Bahari, founder and chair of the National Service Animals Monument, joins David Frei to discuss the effort to create a lasti...

Dr. Valerie Fadok, a board-certified veterinary dermatologist and nationally recognized expert, clears up common myths about allergies in cats and dogs. She explains why food allergies are often overdiagnosed, reveals the most common cause of allergy symptoms in pets, and discusses how new treatments are improving care. As a member of the Human Animal Bond […]

Inez Rose, membership chairperson for Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy, shares how the organization’s therapy dog teams make a difference throughout the Chicago area. With more than 100 programs serving hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, libraries, senior living communities, and other facilities, Rainbow’s volunteers provide comfort, companionship, and support to people of...

New American Veterinary Medical Association President Dr. Jennifer Quammen tackles some of the biggest issues facing pet owners and veterinary professionals today, including why veterinary care costs continue to rise and whether corporate ownership and Wall Street are reshaping the profession. A former veterinary technician, Dr. Quammen also discusses how credentialed vet techs can be ut...

Michael Schneider combined his love of dogs and passion for flying to found the nonprofit Pilots to the Rescue 10 years ago. Since then, volunteer pilots have helped save more than 9,000 animals by transporting them across the country. The organization’s missions extend beyond cats and dogs, with pilots also helping relocate endangered wildlife, including […]

Everyone at the Buddy Foundation in Arlington Heights is a volunteer—there is no paid staff. That means donations go directly toward caring for the homeless pets they serve. Louise Basgall, Buddy Foundation’s community events planner, joins Steve to discuss the organization’s work and upcoming events. Steve also previews his presentation, “Why Are Dog Bites on the […]

Cat behavior and retention specialist Rachel Geller, author of All Cats All the Time: More of What I Know About Cats, joins us to discuss some of the most common challenges facing cat owners today. Geller explains why litter box issues remain the leading behavioral concern and shares practical strategies for addressing them. She also […]

The story of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) has been filled with unexpected setbacks and breakthroughs. Dr. Brian Holub of the nonprofit EveryCat Health Foundation explains how this once poorly understood and often fatal disease evolved into one that is now treatable. He traces the major developments in the FIP journey, recognizes the researchers and veterinarians […]

This week, Dr. Nancy Kay, author of A Dog Named 647, joins the show to discuss her inspiring novel for middle-school readers and older audiences. Through the story of Mia and a rescued dog named 647, the book encourages young people to think carefully about where pets come from and how they can make a […]

Wayne Pacelle, CEO and president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy, discusses several major animal welfare stories that have received little national attention. He explains why the USDA has resumed using poison-loaded devices to kill predators—including more than 100,000 coyotes, along with bears, wolves, and other wildlife—and the risks these devices pose [&#...

Veterinary cardiologist Dr. Chris Brennan offers the 4-1-1 on heart disease in dogs and in cats, and the latest on new treatments.  Dog trainer Zak George wonders out loud how and why the American Kennel Club (AKC) appears to support puppy mills by fighting bipartisan legislation known as the Puppy Mill Protection Act. That’s not to mention that the […]

Dr. Leilani Alvarez serves as Director of the Tina Santi Flaherty Rehabilitation & Fitness Service and leads the Integrative and Rehabilitative Medicine Department at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York City. One of only a select group of veterinarians worldwide board-certified in canine sports medicine and rehabilitation, Dr. Alvarez is also the author of […]

Journalist, Radio Hall of Famer, and CBS News Sunday Morning contributor Scott Simon joins the show to discuss his book, Ulysses S. Cat and Other Animals I Have Known. Simon shares heartfelt and humorous stories about the pets that became part of his family, delivering the wit, warmth, and storytelling that have made him a […]

More than half of U.S. dogs and cats are overweight or obese—but the reasons go beyond table scraps and too many treats. Dr. Ernie Ward, founder and president of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, says the issue is far more complex, and in cats, the link between obesity and diabetes has reached epidemic levels. […]

Veterinary dentist Dr. Jan Bellows says when an older small dog or cat suddenly becomes picky about food, dental pain is often the real cause. He discusses new research on stomatitis — a painful condition in which a cat’s immune system attacks its own mouth — along with a new product called Yummy Combs, designed to […]

Actor Joey Luthman traveled from California to Maine on a one-wheel to raise money for cat health research benefiting the EveryCat Health Foundation. His one-of-a-kind journey inspired the documentary film CAT MAN, which is now appearing at film festivals across the country.  Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Animal Wellness Action and Center for a Hum...

Dr. Debra Horwitz and Dr. Amy Pike, veterinary behaviorists and co-authors of Blackwell’s Five-Minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion: Canine and Feline Behavior, 3rd Edition, explore topics in pet behavior. They discuss whether there is ever a justified use for shock collars—even as a last resort to protect a dog’s life—while addressing widespread misconceptions about how […]

Veterinary cardiologist Dr. Marisa Ames, Associate Professor at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and President of the American Heartworm Society, explains what heartworm disease is and why prevention is critical. She emphasizes that heartworm is completely preventable, yet still too common. In dogs, treatment can be costly and may leave lasting, permanent damage. In […]

The Buddy Foundation in Arlington Heights is an amazing animal shelter on many levels, guiding homeless pets toward loving homes while operating entirely with volunteer support. Longtime volunteer Louise Basgall shares details about their most important fundraiser, hosted by Steve Dale, happening May 28 at Chandler’s Chophouse in Schaumburg. Darlene Duggan, president of Anti-Cruelty...