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Due to a lack of regulations, many pet grooming products are not as safe as they claim to be.  Pet skin is also as thin as baby skin (approx 5 x thinner) depending on breed. Therefore much care needs to be taken when buying pet skincare products. In this episode of The Petropolist podcast, Dr. Poonum Wilkhu discusses the difference between pet grooming products and why the consumer needs to tread cautiously when choosing pet shampoos, conditioners, paw wipes, and any other grooming products that may expose your pets to toxic chemicals which may cause harm. Want to learn more about Dr. Wilkhu? Check out her site here. Want to look up the ingredients in your pet's grooming products? Check out PubChem and Environmental Working Group --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tazz-thepetropolist/message

Adrian Archie is the founder of yet another pet franchise company but what is it that makes his vision and brand stand apart from the many others in the crowded pet franchise space? SOUL and foresight...listen, feel, and free your mind to learn. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tazz-thepetropolist/message

The pet industry has a significant and detrimental impact on the environment. Over the past decade, plastic has been the most commonly used material for pet products ranging from food packaging to pet toys.  Plastic pollution has a range of environmental effects. Plastics release hazardous chemicals into the air, water, and soil. These chemicals can bioaccumulate in the ocean, posing threat to marine life  - it is in the news every day…it takes a long time for plastics to decompose and they can and do remain in the environment for years or even centuries. The plastic then breaks into smaller particles and can block sunlight in the ocean, which in turn has an adverse effect on the food chain. Plastic products, pet products, and non-recyclable or non-compostable packaging typically end up in landfills, further contributing to air and water pollution. Let's learn how the pet industry leaders may be finally coming around a bit...giddy up big boys - you have kept your heads buried in the sand for far too long. Tanya Hart, the Founder & CEO of Titan Bioplastics & Augie Bones is leading the path by providing the turtle-paced pet company leadership solutions for replacing toxic non-recycled petroleum-based products. Pet owners and pet retailers can demand quicker and bigger changes from this highly self-serving industry. Pet owners and pet retailers can take steps to reduce their plastic consumption and adjust their buying habits to purchasing and using non-toxic, sustainable pet products. Look for reusable containers, pet toys, and pet accessories that are made of natural, eco-friendly materials - speak loudly with your $'s. *The views, information, or opinions expressed during The Petropolist podcast or youtube video series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the host or the employees of The Petropolist. The primary purpose of this show is to educate and inform. This show does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services. Please contact a medical professional/veterinarian for all questions regarding the health of your pet.  The Petropolist show and podcast are available for private non-commercial use only. You may not edit, modify or re-distribute this show.* --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tazz-thepetropolist/message

Adam Jacobson truly represents the pet industry's best of the best - Adam is the Executive VP of Pet Pantry, a family-owned, multi-award winning regional pet supply chain with store locations servicing Westchester County, NY, and Fairfield County, CT.  He is truly involved...he is responsible for all of the day-to-day operations of the business. Including the site selection, purchasing, and ground-up construction of owner-occupied commercial buildings housing current Pet Pantry Warehouse (PPW) retail businesses. Adam and his family took their knowledge of the pet industry and partnered with the Ruud family to bring Raised Right, a family-owned human-grade pet food company that makes "home-cooked style" whole food recipes for dogs & cats to market. In 2019 - Raised Right received the IVC Innovation Award for Nutrition from the Innovative Veterinary Care Journal. In 2022 -Jacobson and Ruud launched Right Way Reps with the aim to level the playing field between brands of all sizes by providing them with support to effectively grow within the retail sector - their passion for people, pets, and innovation has created a space of growth for brands that need resources and support to stand out in the pet market place.   Since recording this episode with Adam I am excited to write that I am working with RWR and the Raised Right brand - I am strict with brands I support and Raised Right easily meets my criteria for a TOP quality line of products... A family-owned company that is transparent about its quality ingredients and processes. Single protein formulations for cats, dogs, and puppies. No synthetic supplements, the puppy formulas meet and exceed AAFCO standards using human-grade minerals for the specific health requirements of growing puppies, excellent quality control methods, produced in USDA kitchens, and almost all of the recipes have less than 2% carbohydrates - there is truly no other product on the market like this - Click here to learn more about Raised Right Pet Foods.   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tazz-thepetropolist/message

About 2 or 3 years ago I read a post that Roger DeGregori had written on LinkedIn questioning the plight of the abandoned big box stores on every corner while wondering what could be created within those structures... He had some ideas and fast forward to today Roger and his team have envisioned, repurposed, and constructed a vibrant community of independent pet businesses called Pet Yards.   Jeff Bezos made this statement when asked about entrepreneurship at a re:Mars Amazon conference: "You have got to have some passion for the arena you're going to develop and work in, otherwise, you're going to be competing against people who do have passion for that and they're going to build better products and services."  Roger checks every box for merging entrepreneurship, passion, community, and pets - He is one of the good ones in the industry and one to watch.  Learn more about Pet Yards Learn more about the Fish Gallery at Pet Yards --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tazz-thepetropolist/message

Pet business expert and investor David Levy begrudgingly :) allowed me to interview him about his opinion of the Independent Pet Partners Bankruptcy filing and the current state of the pet space. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tazz-thepetropolist/message

Using the Tably app, a photo of your cat says a thousand words - or maybe just a few - helping your cat tell you whether they’re having a good day or a bad one. Tably’s highly accurate AI model assesses a photo against validated veterinary pain scales. The model has assessed hundreds of thousands of photos with over 90% precision. It utilizes proprietary machine learning algorithms to empower cat parents to make informed decisions about their cat’s health. Tably employs a number of artificial intelligence processes: object detection, image suitability detection, object extraction, image categorization, and result analysis. To minimize errors, we have configured our algorithm to validate the presence of a feline face in the image before sending it to the AI model for further analysis. Tably is the first product created by Sylvester.ai, a company that creates predictive healthcare products powered by artificial intelligence to improve animal health outcomes across species. Sylvester.ai believes animals can live healthier, longer lives when humans can be more proactive in their care. Meet Dr. Liz Bales Liz Bales, VMD is a 2000 graduate of The University of Pennsylvania School Of Veterinary Medicine who has gained a special interest in the unique behavioral and wellness needs of pets. During her nearly two-decade veterinary career, Dr. Bales has practiced equine, small animal, and feline only. Dr. Bales is a writer, speaker and a featured expert in all things pet around the globe including appearances on Fox and Friends, ABC News, and Cheddar.  She is the founder of Doc and Phoebe’s Cat Company and the inventor of The Indoor Hunting Feeder for cats. Dr. Bales is a writer and has been a guest speaker at The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and The University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. She sits on the Dean’s Alumni Council at The University of Pennsylvania, the Advisory Board for AAFP Cat-Friendly Practice, and the Advisory Board of Fear-Free. Meet Tably Founder Susan Groeneveld: A co-creator of multiple, globally recognized, award-winning companies; Susan is an expert in marketing consultancy, business model development, and marketing outcome approaches for national and multinational corporations. Susan has worked with Bayer, Novartis, Roche, Elanco, Canadian Lentils, UPL, Purina, General Mills, Federated Co-operatives, and Royal Canin to name a few. Susan wonders about the problems we can solve and is inspired by the power of humanity to do good. Learn more about the research used to validate the use of facial AI to help predict pain in cats here --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tazz-thepetropolist/message

Check out this bonus episode and make sure you share the @hands2paws app with anyone looking to bring a dog or cat into their lives - They will be matched with the right pet for their life and will be directed to shelters and the breeders that are NOT puppy mills or the toxic backyard breeders that are causing disease and devastation for so many animals and their unknowing buyers.   Please choose to ADOPT - The shelters are full of pure and mixed breeds that were displaced because, for many, their previous owners chose to NOT educate themselves, chose to buy impulsively, and did not think about the welfare of the animals.  You can also watch the interview on The Petropolist YouTube page *The views, information, or opinions expressed during The Petropolist podcast or youtube video series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the host or the employees of The Petropolist. The primary purpose of this show is to educate and inform. This show does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services. Please contact a medical professional/veterinarian for all questions regarding the health of your pet.  The Petropolist show and podcast are available for private non-commercial use only. You may not edit, modify or re-distribute this show.* --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tazz-thepetropolist/message

"Reeaallyy...Is it really pets come first"  - so many brands make this statement, so many brands plaster it all over their products but are they being truthful?  We all know who they are...hell you may even be one of the people who make this claim about your products but reeaallyyyyyy and honestly do pets come first for your brand or products?    Mark Scott & Tony Ottley brought together the vision of community, quality, and health when they created Bella & Duke, UK's fast-growing and leading raw pet food subscription company.  Listen to this episode to learn why Mark Scott's vision should be what every brand that claims pets come first should strive to be before they make the statement.  *The views, information, or opinions expressed during The Petropolist podcast or youtube video series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the host or the employees of The Petropolist. The primary purpose of this show is to educate and inform. This show does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services. Please contact a medical professional/veterinarian for all questions regarding the health of your pet.  The Petropolist show and podcast are available for private non-commercial use only. You may not edit, modify or re-distribute this show.*  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tazz-thepetropolist/message

Did you know that the majority of female-run and owned businesses are under the moniker of "Small Business"  (fewer than 500 employees)? I often wonder why we choose to remain small - I understand starting small but remaining small is something I was questioning after my conversation with Cindy Dunston Quirk, founder of Scout & Zoe's.  The conversation also took me back to 2011 when I wanted to invest in a home-cooked pet food brand that had just launched 2 years prior - The 2 woman owners were so freaky, frightened, and protective of the two products that they continuously got in their own way during the investment and partnership conversations... At that time I thought they were so ahead of the pet industry's thinking pattern about food that if they got investments, the right partnership and mentoring, and included a cat food in their line of products there could be very profitable magic....but their need to control and be right was too overpowering for the duos' growth and for my sense of self so I threw my hands up and wished them luck.  They are still a small...small business and the home-cooked sector in pet food is growing like wildfire with more junk than quality.  So as a woman and a business owner and consultant in the pet sector I am going to scream at the top of my lungs and tell women to give up the need to be in control and perfect. Get rid of the riff-raff in your workplace and your mind- you don't need other people's drama, get out of your own way and ask for help.  This world is full of opportunities and if you are a creator and a do-er it's time to start kicking ass and taking names. You got it.  Check out Scout & Zoes'and Catazztic Cat treats here  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tazz-thepetropolist/message

In this episode, we delve deeply into what CAN BE DONE to eliminate these death facilities and how you can reach out to your state representatives and Pet industry lobby group executives at the Pet Advocacy Network and demand that they start doing what they CLAIM they are doing...These backyard breeders and puppy mills are disease-carrying toxic grounds and they are pumping out SICK animals from sick animals - THEY need to be shut down and the REAL breeders who breed for health and breed integrity and our animal shelter facilities and workers need the support NOT the criminal puppy mills. WHY is the Pet Advocacy network choosing its current path of supporting the disease-ridden puppy and kitten factories?  I would love to have a member of PAN (formerly PIJAC) delve into how we can come together to eliminate the bad apples (You can find them on the HSUS Horrible 100 - MANY are repeat offenders that the USDA has allowed to continue operating). Below is one of the Hands2Paws blog posts about the USDA. In the United States, there are an estimated 10,000 commercial dog breeding operations, also known as puppy mills. A United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) license is required for any breeder who sells wholesale to pet stores or brokers, but not for breeders who sell directly to the public. This means that thousands of puppy mill operators are not subject to any federal oversight or regulation. As a result, these breeding facilities can get away with appalling conditions, such as dogs being kept in small cages with no room to exercise, unsanitary conditions, minimal veterinary care, and little to no socialization. The dogs in these mills are often sick and passed along to unsuspecting consumers who paid top dollar for a healthy pet. Ethical Issues Associated with the U.S. Department of Agriculture The U.S. Department of Agriculture has the power to make a difference for these animals by holding all commercial breeders accountable and inspected, regardless of how they sell their puppies. But instead, the agency has chosen to turn a blind eye to this growing problem. The USDA’s current system is failing both puppies and their consumers. By only inspecting kennels that sell wholesale to pet stores or brokers, the agency is effectively giving a pass to thousands of puppy mill operators who sell directly to the public. As a result, these breeding facilities can get away with appalling conditions, such as dogs being kept in small cages with no room to exercise, unsanitary conditions, minimal veterinary care, and little to no socialization. Not only does this cause immense suffering for the dogs involved, but it also dupes unsuspecting consumers who paid top dollar for a healthy pet. The USDA has the power to make a difference for these animals by holding all commercial breeders accountable and inspected—but instead, the agency has chosen to turn a blind eye to this growing problem. USDA Turns a Blind Eye It’s time for the USDA to do better for both puppies and their consumers. The agency has the power to make a difference for these animals by holding all commercial breeders accountable and inspected—but instead, the agency has chosen to turn a blind eye to this growing problem. If you care about animal welfare, please contact your representatives and demand that they hold the USDA accountable for its failures. Together, we can make a difference for these innocent creatures who deserve better lives. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tazz-thepetropolist/message

Michelle Griffin's The Culture Club goes beyond the use of biotics to impact digestive health.  In 2022 there have been over 200 science articles identifying the beneficial systemic effects of pre-pro & postbiotics. It is no surprise that Michelle's company is on a path to superstardom for pets that need microbiome diversity no matter the basis of the diet they are being fed.   Check out Mutt Gut and support the health of your pet while supporting an amazing woman-owned brand created from Faith, Perseverance, and Science. *The views, information, or opinions expressed during The Petropolist podcast or youtube video series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the host or the employees of The Petropolist. The primary purpose of this show is to educate and inform. This show does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services. Please contact a medical professional/veterinarian for all questions regarding the health of your pet.  The Petropolist show and podcast are available for private non-commercial use only. You may not edit, modify or re-distribute this show.*  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tazz-thepetropolist/message

This is a fun and super informative episode about HOW to play with your cats and WHY it should be included as an important part of your cats' health regimen.  Listen & Learn from my dear friend and guest Dr. Rachel Geller, Cat behaviorist, author, and speaker.  Always stay Catazztic --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tazz-thepetropolist/message

I'm going to keep this brief...David Levy is in Da House !!!!!  David is a 22-year veteran in the US pet industry. He founded one of the top pet supply distribution firms Zeus & Company as well as the investment firm Pet Product Innovations where he currently hangs his hat.  In his career span, David has invested in and brought to market over 40 brands. Pet Product Innovations is based in Des Plaines, IL. The company focuses on bringing to market innovative pet products that better the lives of pets and their owners. From the award-winning Zen Clipper to the #1 selling paw cleaner in World, Paw Plunger, to SmartLeash the only patented retractable leash that stops like a seat belt. Pet Product Innovations is always looking for the next great product !!! I recently tried the Zen Clipper and I love it, so for those of you that need to clip your pet's nails (ehhhmmmm - all of us), check out this offer that the amazing crew at Pet Product innovations is giving my listeners: 20% off your purchase of Zen Clippers when you use the code TAZZ20 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tazz-thepetropolist/message

Forget Chewy & forget Amazon... What's left?  Doobert  Chris Roy, and I talk about his new platform that combines bringing together E-commerce and possibly Independent pet retailers to create profit while paying it forward to relieve some of the insanity for animals in shelters and for the rescue communities.  Listen & Learn ;) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tazz-thepetropolist/message

Walking into Whiskers Holistic Pet store in 1992 transformed my understanding of pet food and eventually (2005) my career trajectory.  I had no preconceived notions of what was good or bad in pet food - there was NO internet - no NOISE from brands and bloggers and influencers.  It was me, a type 1 diabetic who understood the impact of food on EVERY aspect of my life, and my ex-husband who as a singer, claimed that everything he consumed impacted the condition of his voice so bringing home a pet from the shelter and having been handed a bag of Iams kibble seemed a bit odd to me - I didn't understand how an obligate carnivore could digest and be 'ok' eating cereal (I added chicken broth to the kibble the first week because I really thought it was meant to be moistened and made into mush - I very quickly switched to Pet Guard and Halo canned food - Remember those brands?;)  I am grateful to Randy & Phil Klein for being innovators in the field of holistic pet nutrition and retail.  As they continue to help thousands of pet owners/pet parents with education and guidance every single day, we, pet owners, distributors,   and brands should support Whiskers so that they continue on this amazing path. NYC and its boroughs are full of stores but very few, can compete with the knowledge and support Randy & Phil have brought to pet owners...  *The views, information, or opinions expressed during The Petropolist podcast or youtube video series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the host or the employees of The Petropolist. The primary purpose of this show is to educate and inform. This show does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services. Please contact a medical professional/veterinarian for all questions regarding the health of your pet.  The Petropolist show and podcast are available for private non-commercial use only. You may not edit, modify or re-distribute this show.* --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tazz-thepetropolist/message

 A few updates: 1st meeting of The Indy Pet Community Advisory Group (NO THERE IS NO WEBSITE for a reason;)  is going to take place in late September. If you are going to Super Zoo and want to find out about the Indy Pet Community Advisory group (or my new line of Catazztic Cat treats) send me a note and let's connect and make sure you are subscribed to THE PETROPOLIST PODCAST because you will want to get a reminder when my next episode (#83) is out - My guest will be with Randy Klein, CEO of Whiskers holistic pet store in NYC which has been around since before some of you were even a speck in your parents' eyes.    We all know how talented the pet food sector is when it comes to making shit up to create the perception of being do-gooders or creating a "new & improved pet industry sustainable model" without really doing much different than they have been doing for the last 20 to 40 years. As a collective, pet food manufacturers have created layers to insulate their bad behavior, like new organizations that make it seem like they're recycling the big bad unrecyclable kibble bags or that they need to be applauded for their efforts in being sustainable through the use of peanut shells as a source of fiber or their use of dead or diseased animals that suffered and didn't quite make it off the crammed truck to their proper slaughter session...yeah a little bit of greenwashing takes those big brands a long way financially and perhaps we shouldn't forget that they science the shit out of it all. These very companies are incredibly active in pursuing, learning, and making investments in companies and products that are innovative and may one day be their competition or their goldmine.  This episode is kinda sorta about asking ourselves the question:  How do we feed our pets without harming the environment and other animals?  Are lab-grown meats the answer or will The Big AG Bullies and Lobbies continue to work their magic and keep Americans in the Dark using their might with political and media influence? Check out Nancy F. Huehnergarth's article I linked here. My guest today is SCIENTIST, Shannon Falconer.  Shannon holds a Master's degree in Biochemistry, a Ph.D. in Chemical Biology, and worked as a post-doctoral research fellow at Stanford University prior to co-founding Because Animals in 2016 Will the answer to these problems be Because, Animals.? god I hope so!!! *The views, information, or opinions expressed during The Petropolist podcast or youtube video series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the host or the employees of The Petropolist. The primary purpose of this show is to educate and inform. This show does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services. Please contact a medical professional/veterinarian for all questions regarding the health of your pet.  The Petropolist show and podcast are available for private non-commercial use only. You may not edit, modify or re-distribute this show.* --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tazz-thepetropolist/message

Cat University is back on The Petropolist Podcast!!!! "Cats don't purposely misbehave. They don't think of right and wrong the way we do. The cat is trying to solve the problem as a cat..." If we were only as smart as cats.  Here we are again addressing cat behavior with  Dr. Rachel Geller. In this episode of Cat University, the conversation is all about war! Which cat is instigating the battle and which cat is in defense mode. Listen and learn, I certainly learned a whole lot during this session.   As always, thank you to Dr. Rachel Geller for reminding us that our cats are not at all like us and that we need to recognize their instinctual feline needs and behaviors which are very different than the way the media likes to represent and try to humanize them. *The views, information, or opinions expressed during The Petropolist podcast or youtube video series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the host or the employees of The Petropolist. The primary purpose of this show is to educate and inform. This show does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services. Please contact a medical professional/veterinarian for all questions regarding the health of your pet.  The Petropolist show and podcast are available for private non-commercial use only. You may not edit, modify or re-distribute this show.*   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tazz-thepetropolist/message

 I clearly love the pet industry.  I have been quite curious about where companies go to find talent and where the talent goes to find their best options for employment in the pet sector.  Shaylene Keiner, Founder of Dolittle Search is a leader in recruiting talent for the pet industry. Doolittle Search provides recruitment services for companies seeking highly qualified professionals in the Pet Sector.  "If you work in the pet industry, you know there are special considerations. The industry's highly specialized nature requires an understanding of these distinct nuances, regulations, and requirements. For more than 20 years, Dolittle Search has worked with companies in every specialty on searches ranging from leadership positions to high-level executive searches." If you are interested in learning more about Doolittle Search check them out here. FOR The INDEPENDENT PET RETAIL BUSINESSES: If you are an Independent pet business owner and are interested in joining The Indy Pet Community Advisory Group (NO THERE IS NO WEBSITE for a reason;) send me an email at  TAZZ@PETROPOLIST.COM  and I will answer all of your questions and get you signed up for the 1st meeting (Happening August 2022). Requirements: There is NO cost to you must attend and be an active participant in 5 out of 15  meetings per year ( we will engage with  all members) Show up & learn from your peers and be proactive (your staff and managers can & should participate) no know it all's because we don't know it all and there is NO COST to you (you may get some savings from the ideas thrown around) maximum # of stores under your brand = less than 10 Pay it forward and share this episode. Love Tazz. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tazz-thepetropolist/message

We recorded this episode about 3 months ago - At the time I was doing consulting for a multi-location pet business in NYC  and there was less than a handful of stores in the NY area that carried Small Batch Pet. It is incredible how disconnected many pet store owners are from the needs of their clients and how to communicate with them.  The conversation with David & Diana Vogel and my experience in the industry over the last 20 years all were inspirations for one of my current heart & soul projects...And please clear your mind of all of the stupid thoughts about 'agendas' or wherever your fear-based thinking is taking you about why I am doing this...  If you are an Independent pet business owner and are interested in joining The Indy Pet Community Advisory Group (NO THERE IS NO WEBSITE for a reason;) send me an email at TAZZ@PETROPOLIST.COM  and I will answer all of your questions and get you signed up for the 1st meeting.   Requirements: There is NO cost to you must attend and be an active participant in 5 out of 15  meetings per year ( we will engage with  all members) Show up & learn from your peers and be proactive (your staff and managers can & should participate)  no know it all's because we don't know it all and there is NO COST to you (you may get some savings from the ideas thrown around) maximum # of stores under your brand = less than 10 If you have been an ass to me in the last 20 years I may choose to reject you from being a member (I can only think of 2 people that fit this profile but send me a note anyway if you think you are one of the two...we all evolve right? ;) Pay it forward and share this episode. Love Tazz.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tazz-thepetropolist/message