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Is the middle class getting priced out of pet ownership? With headlines warning of rising pet debt and skyrocketing veterinary costs, I sat down with Lane Kent, former CEO of Independence Pet Group, to discuss the affordability crisis in pet care and the role pet insurance can play in addressing it. Lane shares why pet insurance adoption remains stuck at 4% despite over 90% of Americans considering pets family members, what's fundamentally broken about current product designs, and why he believes we're approaching a tipping point that could see adoption reach 10% within the next decade. We also discuss the 43% increase in veterinary costs since COVID, how employer-sponsored benefits could drive adoption, the promise of telemedicine and wearable technology, and why the current reimbursement model needs to evolve. Key topics:→ Why buying pet insurance is like buying homeowner's insurance after a fire starts→ The structural flaw of underwriting health insurance as property & casualty→ Signs of change: major insurers entering the market→ Lane's prediction for pet insurance adoption→ The PAWS Act and tax-deductible pet expenses About the Guest:Lane Kent is the former CEO of Independence Pet Group, one of the largest holding companies of pet insurance brands in the United States, encompassing approximately 25 brands including Pumpkin and Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC. About Peter Kenseth & Petworking:Peter Kenseth is the host of the Petworking podcast and Vice President & Partner at Maia Strategy Group, where he leads the Pet Care & Animal Health practice. He is also the founder of the Petworking Angel Fund, which provides financial assistance to families facing economic euthanasia decisions for treatable conditions. 📌 CONNECT WITH USPetworking Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/petworking-7052038911409160192 Peter Kenseth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkenseth

From cooking fresh meals for his dog Jack in a NYC studio apartment to running a nine-figure pet food company, Russell Breuer's entrepreneurial journey is one for the books. In this episode, the CEO & Founder of Spot & Tango joins Peter Kenseth to discuss how his company is disrupting the fresh pet food market by making minimally processed nutrition affordable and accessible. With industry giants like Hill's, Royal Canin, and Blue Buffalo all piling into the fresh food space, Russell explains how Spot & Tango carved out a unique position through their proprietary "fresh dry" process—delivering the benefits of fresh frozen at 30-40% lower cost. We cover: The origin story behind Spot & Tango and UnKibbleWhy Russell made the contrarian decision to build his own factoryHow they've maintained prices despite industry-wide inflationThe difference between freeze-dried, air-dried, and dehydrated pet foodPup Gum: rethinking dental care for dogsThe future of personalization in pet nutritionWhat it really takes to scale a startup through a pandemicWhether you're a pet parent curious about fresh food options, an entrepreneur navigating the pet industry, or just love a good founder story, this conversation delivers. 🔗 Learn more about Spot & Tango: spotandtango.com🔗 Check out Pup Gum: pupgum.com — Petworking is hosted by Peter Kenseth, VP & Partner at Maia Strategy Group, covering the people, brands, and trends shaping the future of pet care and animal health. #PetFood #FreshPetFood #Entrepreneurship #PetIndustry #DogFood #Petworking

In this episode, Peter Kenseth sits down with Jeff Mard, founder of Channel M, to discuss his unique business model in the pet industry. As someone who attends nearly every major pet conference—from SuperZoo to VMX to Pet Connect—Jeff has built a consulting practice focused on connecting brands, agencies, and service providers while also investing his expertise in exchange for equity stakes. In this conversation, we explore: How Channel M facilitates connections across the pet industry ecosystemJeff's approach to investing in innovative pet startupsThe evolving landscape of pet health technology, from at-home diagnostics to smart collarsWhy the pet industry remains recession-proof and ripe for innovationWhat makes a pet company worth investing in Whether you're a pet industry professional, entrepreneur, or investor, Jeff's insights on building relationships and identifying opportunities in this growing market are invaluable. 📧 Subscribe to Petworking to stay updated on the latest pet industry trends and conversations!

Rising veterinary costs are forcing families into impossible choices—and it's not just hurting pets. Veterinarians face mounting moral distress when they know they could help an animal, but financial barriers prevent proper care. This crisis contributes to the veterinary profession's alarmingly high suicide rate. In this episode, I sit down with Heather Schmid Moore, CEO and founder of PetCentric Health, to explore an innovative solution: subscription-based veterinary care plans for independent practices. What We Discuss: Why 70% of families can't afford a $400 unexpected expense—and how that translates to delayed or avoided veterinary careThe problems with traditional a la carte veterinary pricing and why pet insurance alone isn't enoughHow PetCentric Health's subscription model works: combining preventive care with flexible spending for sick visits and minor issuesWhy subscription plans allow pet owners to access more care on day one than they've paid in—and how this benefits both families and veterinariansThe role of subscription plans alongside pet insurance, telehealth, and emergency assistance funds like the Petworking Angel FundReal data on how subscription models improve compliance, reduce veterinary stress, and catch health problems earlier Key Takeaways: The way we've paid for veterinary care for the past 50 years isn't working anymore. Pet owners want bundled, predictable pricing—not line-item bills that create sticker shock. Subscription care plans address the gap between routine wellness and major medical emergencies, covering the primary care needs that often get delayed or skipped entirely. For veterinarians, these plans reduce the pressure to discount services, improve cash flow, and allow them to focus on medicine rather than difficult financial conversations. For pet owners, monthly subscriptions eliminate the barrier of walking in the door, encouraging the regular visits that lead to early detection and better outcomes. About Our Guest: Heather Schmid Moore is the CEO and founder of PetCentric Health, which currently supports nearly 40 veterinary hospitals across 10 states. Her company helps independent practices build customized subscription care plans that work for their specific client base and clinical focus. Resources Mentioned: Pet Centric Health: petcentrichealth.comPetworking Angel Fund (November cocktail party launch - details coming soon)ASPCA Poison Control (included with Pet Centric subscriptions) About Petworking: Petworking explores innovations in pet health, nutrition, and care through conversations with industry leaders. Recent episodes have focused on improving access to veterinary care and preventing economic euthanasia—the heartbreaking reality of pets being euthanized or surrendered solely due to cost. Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction: Why access to care matters3:38 - The hidden crisis in veterinary medicine7:12 - Why the a la carte payment model is broken12:27 - How Pet Centric Health's subscription model works22:56 - Can you really use your subscription on day one?31:19 - Unlimited visits vs. flexible spending: what works?35:02 - Partnerships: insurance, telehealth, and poison control40:44 - Impact on economic euthanasia and veterinary burnout45:41 - Update on the Petworking Angel Fund Subscribe to Petworking for more conversations about innovations in pet health and care. Questions? Comments? Share your thoughts below—especially if you're a veterinarian considering subscription models or a pet owner with experience using these plans.

Fresh from her first SuperZoo experience, Pet Connect Event Director Poppy Howard-Wall joins Peter to discuss the trends reshaping our industry. From the "Year of the Cat" finally materializing to the continued evolution away from traditional kibble, this conversation reveals what 20,000+ attendees and three Home Depots worth of exhibition space taught a strategic conference organizer. We dive deep into the strategic divergence between brands doubling down on independent pet retail versus those pivoting to direct-to-consumer models—exemplified by Stella & Chewy's surprising absence from SuperZoo's massive floor. Plus, discover how Pet Connect's December 2-4 Beverly Hills summit serves as a strategic bridge between major trade shows, featuring their new "Next 25" program identifying industry disruptors. Key topics covered: SuperZoo's scale vs. Pet Connect's strategic intimacyCat innovation white space opportunitiesThe freeze-dried inclusion trend in kibbleDistribution strategy tensions post-COVIDPet Connect's three-track programming for 2025 Whether you're navigating industry relationships or seeking strategic connections beyond traditional trade show networking, this episode offers insider perspectives on where pet industry leaders are focusing their attention. Register for Pet Connect (Dec 2-4, Beverly Hills) at petconnectsummit.com Use code PETWORKING10 for 10% off registration

500,000 pets are euthanized annually in the US not because they're sick, but because families can't afford care. That number doesn't even include surrenders.In this episode, Peter welcomes back Nicole Patrick, founder and CEO of Rescue Spot, to introduce our 501c3 partner for the Petworking Angel Fund - The Rescue Spot Foundation. Together, they discuss the heartbreaking reality of economic euthanasia and how we're working to keep families together.🎯 KEY TOPICS:- Economic euthanasia crisis: 500,000+ pets affected annually- Why only 4% of pet owners have insurance- Veterinary costs rising 2-3x faster than inflation- How economic euthanasia contributes to vet burnout & suicide rates- The Rescue Spot Foundation partnership details- Solutions: pet insurance, CareCredit, All Pet Card options⛳ PETWORKING ANGEL FUND OPEN:📅 September 22, 2025📍 Vermont National Country Club (Jack Nicklaus designed)🍂 Peak fall foliage season in Vermont🎯 100% of proceeds support the Angel Fund💰 $250/person or $900/team registration🔗 REGISTER: bit.ly/AngelFundOpen💡 BOTTOM LINE: If you've ever faced an unexpected vet bill and had family help or good credit to get through it, this fund provides that same "angel hand" to families who need it most.🎪 WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE TOURNAMENT:- Adoptable pets on-site- Four-person scramble format (all skill levels welcome)- Lunch, dinner buffet & open bar included- Beautiful Vermont fall weekend getaway opportunityThis isn't about replacing responsible pet ownership or pet insurance - it's about creating a safety net for crisis situations. Because no family should have to choose between financial ruin and losing a beloved pet.👥 SPONSORS ALREADY COMMITTED:Roo, Volition Veterinary, Fera Pet Organics, Heritage Ford🏥 VET CLINICS & SHELTERS: Interested in partnering with the Angel Fund? Reach out - we want to be a resource for you.📢 SHARE THIS: Help spread awareness about economic euthanasia and solutions like pet insurance. Tag someone who needs to hear this message.🎙️ ABOUT PETWORKING:Your source for insights into pet care, animal health, and industry trends. Hosted by Peter Kenseth, VP & Partner at Maia Strategy Group.LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/PetworkingPKNewsletter: https://bit.ly/Petworking

🐱 Why are cats still a "medical black box" in 2025? In this groundbreaking episode, Petworking host and founder, Peter Kenseth, sits down with Dr. Elinor Karlsson (Broad Institute/UMass Medical School) and Dr. Jennifer Radosevich (@Hill's Pet Nutrition) to discuss Darwin's Cats—the first large-scale feline genomic study that's revolutionizing how we understand cat health.In this episode, they explore: Why 60% of cats have never been to a vet (and how that's created a knowledge crisis)The heartbreaking story that sparked a scientific revolutionHow collecting fur (not stressful cheek swabs!) is making cat DNA research possibleHill's development of cat-specific wearables that track jumping (not walking!)The open-source approach that could accelerate feline health breakthroughsWhat Darwin's Cats means for the future of personalized cat nutrition and medicineWith nearly 15,000 cats already enrolled, this initiative represents the most comprehensive effort to understand feline genetics ever undertaken. Learn how your cat can contribute to groundbreaking research that could transform veterinary medicine.🔬 Get Involved: Visit darwinsark.org to enroll your cat (survey is free, genetic testing is $150)📱 Connect with Petworking:LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/PetworkingPKNewsletter: https://bit.ly/Petworking#DarwinsCats #FelineHealth #CatGenetics #PetInnovation #VeterinaryMedicine #CatResearch #Petworking #YearOfTheCat #HillsPetNutrition #BroadInstitute

In 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 their perfect practice match. The conversation takes a deeper turn as we discuss one of veterinary medicine's most heartbreaking challenges: economic euthanasia. With 500,000 pets euthanized annually not because they're sick, but because families can't afford treatment, we explore how this crisis contributes to veterinary burnout and affects the entire pet care ecosystem. 🚨 BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: Introducing the Petworking Angel Fund! We're launching a new initiative to prevent economic euthanasia by providing funding for treatable medical conditions when families can't afford care. The fund launches with our inaugural charity golf tournament - the Petworking Angel Fund Open on September 22nd, 2025, at Vermont National Country Club in Burlington, Vermont. Key Topics Covered: Roo's expansion to all major US markets by end of 2025How veterinary relief work is evolving beyond traditional modelsThe reality of economic euthanasia affecting 500,000 pets annuallyWhy only 4% pet insurance adoption creates healthcare access issuesHow veterinary burnout connects to impossible financial decisionsLaunching the Petworking Angel Fund to save lives About Our Guests:Jeffrey Bishop-Hill is SVP of Marketplace at Roo, the leading platform connecting veterinarians and veterinary technicians with hospitals needing relief staffing. Get Involved:🏌️ Register for the Angel Fund Open: bit.ly/angelfundopen💼 Explore sponsorship opportunities: https://maiastrategy.com/angel-fund-open/#📧 Contact us about Angel Fund partnerships Connect with Roo:Website: roovet.comCareers: Visit roovet.com and scroll to careers section Chapters:00:00 - Introduction & Roo's Growth03:41 - Geographic Expansion & New Markets08:19 - Veterinary Staffing Trends & Client Behavior11:35 - How Veterinarians Use Relief Platforms16:22 - Economic Trends in Veterinary Medicine21:29 - Pet Insurance & Preventive Care Crisis24:15 - Economic Euthanasia Statistics26:58 - ANNOUNCING: The Petworking Angel Fund29:22 - Angel Fund Open Golf Tournament Details32:46 - Why This Matters to the Industry36:01 - How to Get Involved #VeterinaryMedicine #PetCare #AnimalWelfare #VeterinaryBurnout #PetInsurance #EconomicEuthanasia #CharityGolfTournament #AngelFund #Roo #Petworking Support the Angel Fund and help us save lives - one swing at a time! ⛳🐾

In 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 US alone, this technology represents a paradigm shift in veterinary medicine - moving from treating symptomatic animals to early detection when immune systems are still strong. Learn about: How the Nu.Q test works and which cancers it detects bestWhen your dog should be screened (hint: all senior dogs, and predisposed breeds much earlier)The potential revolution in cancer treatment protocolsHow early detection can dramatically improve survival rates and quality of lifeThis episode offers invaluable information for every dog parent who wants to maximize their time with their beloved companion. Don't miss this important conversation about protecting your pet through early cancer detection!

🐾 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 mainstream televet adoptionKey Takeaways:✅ Telemedicine serves 20+ animal species, not just dogs and cats✅ Virtual care can catch issues early, preventing expensive emergency visits✅ Flexible scheduling helps veterinarians avoid burnout while expanding access✅ Technology integration (wearables, diagnostics) is making virtual exams more comprehensive Whether you're a pet parent looking for more accessible care options or a veterinary professional exploring career flexibility, this conversation reveals how telemedicine is reshaping the future of animal healthcare. 🎧 Subscribe to Petworking for more insights into the innovations transforming the pet industry!

In 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 at Nulo's newest products: a small breed beef and sweet potato recipe and their new adult lamb formula. This brief segment perfectly illustrates how packaging innovation can enhance consumer experience in meaningful ways beyond the product itself.As Dr. Aldrich notes, pet food manufacturers have just 5-6 seconds to communicate their value proposition to shoppers amid the visual noise of retail environments. Watch to see how Nulo is meeting this challenge!

In 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 recognized as a common allergen for dogs.The interview highlights an unexpected practical application of the Plant Powered vegetarian formula as an elimination diet tool. For pets with multiple food sensitivities, this plant-based option serves as a "reset button," allowing pet parents to systematically introduce individual proteins to identify specific triggers.If your pet shows signs of food sensitivities, this discussion provides valuable insights into potential nutritional approaches, though consulting with your veterinarian is always recommended.

In 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. The episode explores how televet services bridge critical gaps in the veterinary care landscape, particularly for those in rural "veterinary deserts" or when emergencies happen outside regular office hours. Beyond helping pet parents, the conversation reveals how televet services offer veterinary professionals an alternative career path that can help combat burnout and keep talented practitioners in the field. With veterinary shortages projected to reach 31,000 by 2030, these services represent an innovative solution to accessibility challenges while complementing traditional in-person care. Watch the full episode to learn more about the future of veterinary telehealth and how services like Connect with a Vet are expanding access to veterinary care.

Join 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 chews- How they've built a zero-waste manufacturing process that converts production waste into new products- Their latest innovations in probiotic-infused yogurt sticks targeting gut health and the microbiome- Plans for upcoming product launches in the functional treats categoryIn a $3.4 billion industry dominated by rawhide and other animal byproducts, Himalayan continues to stand out by creating nutritious, sustainable alternatives that deliver genuine value to pets, pet parents, and the farming communities that supply their raw materials.

Join 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, and anyone interested in feline health.