Podcasts have been around for a long time and are popular because they are short and relevant, and there are many to choose from. Episodes can range from just a few minutes to an hour or more, so you’re sure to find something that fits your schedule. And, if you’re a cat or dog parent, there are plenty of excellent podcasts to explore.
We’ve listed our favorite pet podcasts of 2023 below. There are a few about dogs, a few about cats, and even a few from experienced pet practitioners, so you can learn all there is to know about keeping your pet healthy.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
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Can I Pet Your Dog?
Great fun and always worth a laugh
Perfect for listening to while walking the dogs
Get to know the regulars, plus meet new pups each week
Listen Now
The Dogist: Talking to Dogs
Unique and wide-ranging topics
Regular episodes every week or so
An entire brand behind the podcast
Listen Now
Shaped by Dog
Dog trainer with established experience
Available on many social media platforms
Short episodes that are easy to listen to on the go
Listen Now
DogSpeak: Redefining Dog Training
Guests regularly welcomed to the show
Understand dog behavior at a scientific level
Nikki Ivey is a trained Canine Behavior Specialist
Listen Now
Cattitude
Weekly episodes
Fascinating info for every cat lover
Easy to listen to, 30-minute episodes
Listen Now
The 10 Best Pet Podcasts
Podcasts About Dogs
- Can I Pet Your Dog?
Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify
Episodes: 350
Average Length: 45 minutes
Creator: Renee Colvert, Alexis Preston
Categories: Comedy, Kids & Family
Can I Pet Your Dog? has been retired as of August 2022, but with over 350 episodes to keep you laughing, there’s plenty to catch up on. Some episodes cover events within the canine world that Renee Colvert and Alexic Preston personally attended to give you all the on-the-spot details, but many are funny stories about their pups.
Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify
Episodes: 350
Average Length: 45 minutes
Creator: Renee Colvert, Alexis Preston
Categories: Comedy, Kids & Family
Listen on Apple
Listen on Spotify
Some of these dogs become regulars on the show, along with their human counterparts, so they become just as much a part of the podcast as the creators themselves! Get to know all the dogs these crazy creators meet on the street, even if you don’t have dogs yourself.
Pros
Great fun and always worth a laugh
Perfect for listening to while walking the dogs
Get to know the regulars, plus meet new pups each week
Cons
Some episodes can be up to an hour long
No new episodes after August 2022
- The Dogist: Talking to Dogs
Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify
Episodes: 65
Average Length: one hour
Creator: Elias Weiss Friedman (original)
Categories: Arts
The Dogist: Talking to Dogs was founded in 2013 with a simple premise but has grown into much more. After being laid off from a corporate marketing position, Elias Weiss Friedman created a new opportunity with The Dogist. He set out on the streets of New York, photographing the dogs he met. Today, he works with his CEO, Kate Speer, and a team of dedicated Dogists to create a podcast dedicated to pups, a bestselling book, and a thriving social media platform.
Great fun and always worth a laugh
Perfect for listening to while walking the dogs
Get to know the regulars, plus meet new pups each week
- Great fun and always worth a laugh
- Perfect for listening to while walking the dogs
- Get to know the regulars, plus meet new pups each week
Some episodes can be up to an hour long
No new episodes after August 2022
- Some episodes can be up to an hour long
- No new episodes after August 2022
Episodes: 65
Average Length: one hour
Creator: Elias Weiss Friedman (original)
Categories: Arts
We love their podcast the most, and you’ll find episodes ranging from heart-melting stories about marathon runners being guided by their service pups to how you can get through the heartbreak of losing a beloved pet.
Pros
Regular episodes every week or so
Unique and wide-ranging topics
An entire brand behind the podcast
Cons
Episodes can be up to an hour long
Not available on Google Podcasts
- Shaped by Dog
Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify
Episodes: 187
Average Length: 15 minutes
Creator: Susan Garrett
Categories: Kids & Family, Educational
Ever wonder what your dog thinks? Susan Garrett has a degree specializing in animal science and years of experience training dogs for agility competitions worldwide. Her dogs have won gold medals in national and global events, and she truly understands how dogs behave and think. Now, she shares that experience with you through her podcast, Shaped by Dog.
Regular episodes every week or so
Unique and wide-ranging topics
An entire brand behind the podcast
- Regular episodes every week or so
- Unique and wide-ranging topics
- An entire brand behind the podcast
Episodes can be up to an hour long
Not available on Google Podcasts
- Episodes can be up to an hour long
- Not available on Google Podcasts
Episodes: 187
Average Length: 15 minutes
Creator: Susan Garrett
Categories: Kids & Family, Educational
When you have more insight into how your dog interacts with the world, especially with you, you can change your behavior to build a better relationship with them. You’ll learn everything from training your pup to run through an agility course to bringing them along to a dog-friendly café.
Pros
Short episodes that are easy to listen to on the go
Dog trainer with established experience
Available on many social media platforms
Cons
Not available on Google Podcasts
Episodes are published frequently
- DogSpeak: Redefining Dog Training
Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify
Episodes: 155
Average Length: one hour
Creator: Nikki and Brittney Ivey
Categories: Kids & Family, Educational
Through their long-running podcast, Nikki Ivey and her wife, Brittney, aim to help dog owners understand why their dogs act the way they do so unwanted behaviors can be corrected much easier. You can also encourage good behaviors and build a strong bond with your dog once you understand just how your dog perceives the world around them, including your actions.
Short episodes that are easy to listen to on the go
Dog trainer with established experience
Available on many social media platforms
- Short episodes that are easy to listen to on the go
- Dog trainer with established experience
- Available on many social media platforms
Not available on Google Podcasts
Episodes are published frequently
- Not available on Google Podcasts
- Episodes are published frequently
Episodes: 155
Average Length: one hour
Creator: Nikki and Brittney Ivey
Categories: Kids & Family, Educational
DogSpeak: Redefining Dog Training is the ideal podcast for new dog owners and those who have had dogs for a while but are struggling with an out-of-control dog who just doesn’t seem to listen. Episodes can go much farther than just training, however. You’ll learn about keeping your dog healthy with nutritional guidance and even dog DNA.
Pros
Nikki Ivey is a trained Canine Behavior Specialist
Guests regularly welcomed to the show
Understand dog behavior at a scientific level
Cons
Available on limited platforms
Some episodes can run well over an hour
Podcasts About Cats
- Cattitude
Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify
Episodes: 198
Average Length: 30 minutes
Creator: Michelle Fern, Tom Dock
Categories: Kids & Family, Science
If you find yourself fascinated by cats, Cattitude is the podcast for you. Because who can ever really explain the sometimes off behavior of cats? Michelle Fern and Tom Dock explore new cat breeds and how they are unique in appearance, personality, and more. They also explain the science behind cat behavior, whether instinctually or learned, and give tips for training if your kitty has developed some unwanted ones.
Nikki Ivey is a trained Canine Behavior Specialist
Guests regularly welcomed to the show
Understand dog behavior at a scientific level
- Nikki Ivey is a trained Canine Behavior Specialist
- Guests regularly welcomed to the show
- Understand dog behavior at a scientific level
Available on limited platforms
Some episodes can run well over an hour
- Available on limited platforms
- Some episodes can run well over an hour
Episodes: 198
Average Length: 30 minutes
Creator: Michelle Fern, Tom Dock
Categories: Kids & Family, Science
You may even learn about some excellent new cat products that will be hard to resist. These weekly episodes are just 30 minutes long; they’re the ideal length for listening as you finish a chore or spend time with a favorite hobby as you curl up with your kitty companion.
Pros
Easy to listen to, 30-minute episodes
Fascinating info for every cat lover
Weekly episodes
Cons
Not available on Google Podcasts
Hard to catch up on past episodes
- The Catexplorer Podcast
Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify
Episodes: 65
Average Length: one hour
Creator: Multiple
Categories: Kids & Family, Travel
While the Catexplorer Podcast is another one that’s been retired for a while, there are 65 episodes with plenty of tips and tricks for those who would love to travel with their feline companion. You’ll hear from travelers who’ve toured various locations with their cats and learn from their experiences, whether they’ve spent a month in Asia, lived for a year in Europe, or just spent a week at a tropical beach.
Easy to listen to, 30-minute episodes
Fascinating info for every cat lover
Weekly episodes
- Easy to listen to, 30-minute episodes
- Fascinating info for every cat lover
- Weekly episodes
Not available on Google Podcasts
Hard to catch up on past episodes
- Not available on Google Podcasts
- Hard to catch up on past episodes
Episodes: 65
Average Length: one hour
Creator: Multiple
Categories: Kids & Family, Travel
Sharing your cat’s adventures through social media is a fantastic way to make traveling even more exciting, and there are plenty of ideas for taking the best videos, where and how to share pictures, and how to build your pet’s social platforms. If you’ve always wanted to travel but leaving your best friend behind was holding you back, why not learn how to take them with you?
Pros
Fun and entertaining banter
Great stories of travel experiences
Unique and fun podcasts for new and experienced travelers
Cons
The podcast is retired and may not return with new episodes
Some episodes are well over an hour long
- The Purrcast
Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify
Episodes: 389
Average Length: one hour
Creator: Sara Iyer, Steven Ray Morris
Categories: Society, Culture, Comedy
Why did Sara Iyer and Steven Ray Morris start the long-running podcast, The Purrcast? According to them, they only talk to cat people weekly because they can’t talk to their cats. That sounds like a good enough reason to us, so why not tune in to hear what all these cat people have to say? For an hour each week, you’ll get to know other cat owners and their feline friends about the trouble they get into, learn interesting facts and events in the cat world, hear commentary on YouTube videos, and much more. You don’t know what each episode might sound like, which has made it so popular for nearly 400 episodes (and counting).
Fun and entertaining banter
Great stories of travel experiences
Unique and fun podcasts for new and experienced travelers
- Fun and entertaining banter
- Great stories of travel experiences
- Unique and fun podcasts for new and experienced travelers
The podcast is retired and may not return with new episodes
Some episodes are well over an hour long
- The podcast is retired and may not return with new episodes
- Some episodes are well over an hour long
Episodes: 389
Average Length: one hour
Creator: Sara Iyer, Steven Ray Morris
Categories: Society, Culture, Comedy
Pros
Nearly 400 episodes
Always good for laughs when you need one
Learn something new, trivial, or profound
Cons
Not available on Google Podcasts
Some episodes can run long
- Nine Lives with Dr. Kat
Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify
Episodes: 102
Average Length: 30 minutes
Creator: Kathryn Primm
Categories: Kids & Family, Society, Culture
Dr. Kathryn Primm, or Dr. Kat for short, is an expert in all things cats, from what they need to eat (and why) to why they do quirky things like follow you to the bathroom. With Nine Lives with Dr. Kat, she proves or debunks myths about these tiny but fierce predators, such as the one about cats having nine lives. Is it true? Where did the myth start?
Nearly 400 episodes
Always good for laughs when you need one
Learn something new, trivial, or profound
- Nearly 400 episodes
- Always good for laughs when you need one
- Learn something new, trivial, or profound
Not available on Google Podcasts
Some episodes can run long
- Not available on Google Podcasts
- Some episodes can run long
Episodes: 102
Average Length: 30 minutes
Creator: Kathryn Primm
Categories: Kids & Family, Society, Culture
If you have questions about cats, from the simple to the complex, the doctor is in. You might even want to submit a question for Dr. Kat to answer in a future podcast. Chances are that if you are curious, other cat owners are, too, so don’t be shy!
Pros
30-minute episodes for easy listening
Scientific info everyone can understand
Experienced guest speakers bring new insight
Cons
Podcast episodes aren’t regularly scheduled
Episode lengths can vary widely
Podcasts About Taking Care of Your Pets
- The Call the Vet Show
Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify
Episodes: 137
Average Length: Varies
Creator: Alex Avery
Categories: Kids & Family
Dr. Alex Avery is here to help you understand more about your pet’s health and how to keep them looking and feeling their best. You’ll learn about cats, dogs, and even other types of animals. From signs it’s time to take your pet to the vet to all the ways you should keep your home safe for your cat or dog, Dr. Avery offers sound advice on his podcast, The Call the Vet Show. Each episode can vary in length depending on the topic. Tune in every other week to keep learning, or scroll through each episode to find one that fits your needs. Either way, you’ll feel more confident caring for your furry family.
30-minute episodes for easy listening
Scientific info everyone can understand
Experienced guest speakers bring new insight
- 30-minute episodes for easy listening
- Scientific info everyone can understand
- Experienced guest speakers bring new insight
Podcast episodes aren’t regularly scheduled
Episode lengths can vary widely
- Podcast episodes aren’t regularly scheduled
- Episode lengths can vary widely
Episodes: 137
Average Length: Varies
Creator: Alex Avery
Categories: Kids & Family
Pros
Regularly scheduled episodes every two weeks
Topics from routine care to the unexpected
Advice from an experienced veterinarian
Cons
Episode lengths can vary widely
Some episodes may not apply to you or your pet
- Pets Who Thrive!
Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify
Episodes: 104
Average Length: 45 minutes
Creator: Tammy Doak, CSAN, CCNC
Categories: Kids & Family, Science
As a certified animal naturopath, Tammy Doak has a passion for animals and a more holistic approach to veterinary medicine. You may be surprised at the unique treatments available for your pets, from herbal remedies to chiropractic adjustments. Of course, there are ways you can prevent the need for medical care by avoiding dangers like toxic foods and physical injuries. Tammy covers all this and more in her podcast, Pets Who Thrive! Learn from surprise guest appearances on this weekly podcast and see if you and your cat or dog may benefit from an alternative path to healthier living. You might learn something new and unexpected.
Regularly scheduled episodes every two weeks
Topics from routine care to the unexpected
Advice from an experienced veterinarian
- Regularly scheduled episodes every two weeks
- Topics from routine care to the unexpected
- Advice from an experienced veterinarian
Episode lengths can vary widely
Some episodes may not apply to you or your pet
- Episode lengths can vary widely
- Some episodes may not apply to you or your pet
Episodes: 104
Average Length: 45 minutes
Creator: Tammy Doak, CSAN, CCNC
Categories: Kids & Family, Science
Pros
Learn from an experienced naturopath
Regular guest appearances
Keep your pet safe as well as healthy
Cons
Reruns are common
Holistic medicine may not be for everyone
Learn from an experienced naturopath
Regular guest appearances
Keep your pet safe as well as healthy
- Learn from an experienced naturopath
- Regular guest appearances
- Keep your pet safe as well as healthy
Reruns are common
Holistic medicine may not be for everyone
- Reruns are common
- Holistic medicine may not be for everyone
Listener’s Guide: How to Select the Best Pet Podcasts
Getting Started
Check out the podcasts we’ve listed above and subscribe on your favorite listening app! Whether you are a lover of cats, dogs, or both, we know you’ll enjoy them. We have a walkthrough guide below if you are new to podcasts and haven’t experienced them yet. It’s pretty simple and works similarly to streaming music, shows, and movies.
Podcast Apps
Browsing
Finding podcasts, if you don’t have a direct link, is as easy as searching for your desired topic. You may use the search function, but many podcast platforms have a browse feature that allows you to narrow down the results by category. You might first choose Kids & Family and then Pets, for example. Some will also allow you to choose a rating to filter out podcasts with explicit content or adult language.
Subscribing/Notifications
Simply subscribe if you’d like to be notified when your favorite podcasts release a new episode. You can change your subscription settings within the listening platform so you are notified immediately or receive fewer notifications with a list of all new episodes.
Downloading/Streaming
Podcasts are unique in that you can stream an episode through the listening app or download them to your device. This can be great if you want something to listen to while traveling, especially on planes. You can automatically download new podcast episodes when they are released or only download the ones you need through the app’s settings. You may also set up auto-delete, so the episode is deleted once you’ve finished listening to it.
Related Content
Once you listen to a few podcasts, the platform will usually show you others with similar topics that you may find interesting. Try a few! You might find great content on your favorite subjects that you’d like to subscribe to and maybe even recommend to friends.
Final Thoughts
Our overall top pick for dog-related content is Can I Pet Your Dog? It’s since been retired, but there are 350 episodes to keep you busy. Do you want to listen to stories about cats instead? We highly recommend Cattitude. There’s so much to learn about cats, and they have a lot more to cover, even with nearly 400 episodes. If you need the guidance of an experienced pet practitioner, turn to Dr. Alex Avery over at the Call the Vet Show. His expertise is top-notch. Happy listening!
Featured Image Credit: Lazy_Bear, Shutterstock
