In Episode 5, hosts Julie and Mark examine a new study on contaminants in cat food published by the Clean Label Project, a Denver, Colorado-based nonprofit organization. They explore the study's findings and the potential political backlash from the pet food industry and veterinary community.

The episode also features a conversation with Andy Foxcroft, CEO of Safe Haven for Donkeys, a charitable organization founded in 2000 to improve the lives of thousands of working donkeys in Israel and the Palestinian Territories.

Picture rights @ safe haven for donkeys

Recoded September 28, 2026

In Episode 4, Julie and Mark examine the case of “Walter,” a Boston Terrier at the centre of a family law dispute, in the context of the 2024 changes to British Columbia’s Family Law Act. Staying in B.C., the hosts also debate whether companion animal issues could influence voters as municipal and provincial elections take place in back-to-back weeks in October.

Special guests on Episode 4 include Sharon Harvey, CEO of Cleveland Animal Protection League, and Peter Benedict, Managing Director and Senior Research Analyst at RW Baird.

picture rights @ Matthew Heneghan

Recorded September 14, 2026

In Episode 3, Mark and Julie investigate the Government of New Brunswick's decision to exit the business of providing large animal veterinary care in the Province and Carleton AgriSolutions' announcement that it is acquiring those assets. Assisting in the investigation is Danielle Connell President of the New Brunswick Agricultural Alliance whose candid interview can be found in Segment 5 of the show.

Recorded August 24th, 2026

In Episode 2, Mark and Julie look at a variety of topics including the growth of some newer companies and the move by 7 States including California to shift the costs of packaging waste away from the taxpayer and the municipalities and on to the manufacturers.

Recorded August 24, 2026

In the first episode of Pets & Politics, host Mark Warren introduces himself and his co-host, Julie Houde, and shares the thinking behind the podcast.