Paws and Effect

Ever wondered what it takes to keep a pet lizard happy, healthy, and thriving?

Then join me for an exceptional and insightful conversation with Richard Boynton, the owner of Creatures and Critters, as we explore the vibrant and often misunderstood world of reptile pets.

In this episode, Richard Boynton shares his lifelong passion for animals, explains the importance of responsible pet ownership, and breaks down everything you need to know before bringing a lizard into your home.

From choosing the right species, building the perfect enclosure, creating a healthy diet, and understanding their behaviour to avoiding common pitfalls that can impact your pet’s wellbeing, this episode covers it all!

Whether you’re a seasoned reptile keeper or just curious about what it’s like to own a leopard gecko, bearded dragon, or even a giant legless skink, you’ll find expert guidance, fascinating facts, and practical tips to ensure your scaly pet thrives.

Plus, discover the do’s and don’ts for beginners, signs of stress or illness, and the rewarding (and sometimes surprising) relationships you can build with these remarkable creatures.

Don’t miss this engaging and educational journey into the reptile pet world, perfect for animal lovers, reptile enthusiasts, or anyone considering a lizard as their next companion!

SPONSOR: Ultra Pet
Check out Ultra Pets’ new range here: https://ultra-pet.co.za/

Connect with Dr Carra:
Website: https://drcarra.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_carra
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcarra/
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: https://hillcrestvets.co.za/

Connect with Richard:
Website: https://www.creaturesandcritterscaptivebred.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatures.and.critters.petshop/

Podcast Production:
This Podcast is produced by Kythe Creative and filmed onsite at Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital.
Kythe Creative: https://kythecreative.co.za/

THIS EPISODE'S SPONSORS:

Ultra Pet:
This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet a try. Check them out here at www.ultra-pet.co.za

Just For Pets:
Justforpets.co.za is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that's why we offer a wide range of products to help keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Check them out at https://www.justforpets.co.za/

FOR SPONSORSHIPS AND GUEST APPEARANCES, Email us at [email protected], and we'll get in touch with you.

Don't forget to LIKE this if you found it helpful, SUBSCRIBE for more episodes and content like this.

What really happens behind the scenes in the world of emergency vet care?

In this episode, emergency veterinarian and educator Dr Brianna Tobin joins us to share the highs and lows of working on the front lines of animal medicine.

Our conversation centred on the adrenaline-fuelled shifts, the camaraderie and critical importance of teamwork, and how trust and communication can make or break a high-performing ER team.

Brianna opened up about the emotional challenges, from heartbreaking patient cases to delivering difficult news to pet owners, as well as the unique pressures emergency vets face, the power of resilience, and practical strategies for managing stress and supporting both colleagues and clients.

In this episode, we are giving you honest insights on the costs of emergency treatment, why teamwork matters more than ever, what makes a strong leader in the ER, and why insurance can be a lifesaver.

Whether you’re a veterinary professional considering an emergency speciality, pet owner, or just curious about animal emergency care, this episode offers a candid look at the realities, rewards, and challenges of a career in veterinary emergency medicine.

Don’t miss Brianna’s advice on recognising emergencies, supporting your team, and building a sustainable and fulfilling veterinary career.

SPONSOR: Ultra Pet

Check out Ultra Pets’ new range here: https://ultra-pet.co.za/product/optimal-balance-adult/

Connect with Dr Carra:
Website: https://drcarra.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_carra
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcarra/
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: https://hillcrestvets.co.za/

Connect with Dr Brianna:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergencypetvet/

Podcast Production:

This Podcast is produced by Kythe Creative and filmed onsite at Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital.
Kythe Creative: https://kythecreative.co.za/

THIS EPISODE'S SPONSORS:

Ultra Pet:
This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet a try. Check them out here at www.ultra-pet.co.za

Just For Pets:
Justforpets.co.za is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that's why we offer a wide range of products to help keep your furry friend happy and healthy - Check them out at https://www.justforpets.co.za/

FOR SPONSORSHIPS AND GUEST APPEARANCES, Email us at [email protected] and we'll get in touch with you.

Don't forget to LIKE this if you found it helpful, SUBSCRIBE for more episodes and content like this.

Join us for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation with Dr. Caitlin Venniker, veterinarian and author of the much-celebrated memoir “Unleashed.”

In this episode, Caity and I spoke about the realities behind the veterinary profession, balancing heartache, hope, and we shared plenty of laughs!

Caity shares the story behind writing her book, her journey through vet school, the emotional highs and lows of clinical work, and the challenges of motherhood and identity while living abroad.

Discover what truly happens behind the scenes in a vet’s world: the cases that haunt you, the clients who challenge you, and the sheer vulnerability of practicing medicine on creatures who can’t speak for themselves.

From candid insights into the mental health crisis facing vets, to hilarious and touching stories from practice, to the process of bringing a deeply personal book into the world, this episode is an unmissable window into the profession everyone thinks they know, but few truly understand.

Whether you’re an animal lover, future vet, or just curious about the extraordinary lives of those who care for our pets, this episode will make you laugh, reflect, and see the world of veterinary medicine in a whole new light.

Read, watch, and buy Caity’s book, then let us know what you think of “Unleashed”!

SPONSOR: Ultra Pet

Check out Ultra Pets’ new range here: https://www.justforpets.co.za/collections/ultra-dog-full-range/products/ud-premium-sm-adult-dogs

Connect with Dr Carra:
Website: https://drcarra.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_carra
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcarra/
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: https://hillcrestvets.co.za/

Connect with Dr Caitlin Venniker:
Substack: http://caitygunthorpvenniker.substack.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caityvenniker/

Podcast Production:

This Podcast is produced by Kythe Creative and filmed onsite at Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital.
Kythe Creative: https://kythecreative.co.za/

THIS EPISODE'S SPONSORS:

Ultra Pet:
This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet a try. Check them out here at www.ultra-pet.co.za

Just For Pets:
Justforpets.co.za is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that's why we offer a wide range of products to help keep your furry friend happy and healthy - Check them out at https://www.justforpets.co.za/

FOR SPONSORSHIPS AND GUEST APPEARANCES, Email us at [email protected], and we'll get in touch with you.

Don't forget to LIKE this if you found it helpful, SUBSCRIBE for more episodes and content like this.

What does it truly take to rescue and care for endangered elephants?

In this heartfelt episode, I was joined by Nigel Mason, founder of Mason Elephant Park in Bali, for an unfiltered conversation about the realities of elephant conservation and ethical wildlife tourism.

Discover the incredible story behind the park’s creation, from battling deforestation and government apathy to a daring cross-island rescue mission.

Nigel shares the daily challenges of keeping elephants healthy, handling criticism from animal activists, and adapting to Indonesia’s ban on elephant rides, all while staying fiercely committed to the welfare of these majestic creatures.

Hear firsthand what it means to run a sanctuary, how elephant welfare is monitored, and why the survival of the Sumatran elephant hangs in the balance.

If you care about the future of wildlife and want to understand the complex world of ethical conservation, this episode is a must-listen.

Watch for an honest discussion about hope, heartbreak, and the relentless drive to protect one of nature’s most phenomenal animals.

SPONSOR: Ultra Pet
Check out Ultra Pets’ new range here: https://ultra-pet.co.za/product/optimal-balance-adult/

Connect with Dr Carra:
Website: https://drcarra.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_carra
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcarra/
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: https://hillcrestvets.co.za/

Connect with Nigel Mason:
Website: https://masonelephantpark.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elephantsbali/

Podcast Production:

This Podcast is produced by Kythe Creative and filmed onsite at Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital.
Kythe Creative: https://kythecreative.co.za/

THIS EPISODE'S SPONSORS:

Ultra Pet:
This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet a try. Check them out here at www.ultra-pet.co.za

Just For Pets:
Justforpets.co.za is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that's why we offer a wide range of products to help keep your furry friend happy and healthy - Check them out at https://www.justforpets.co.za/

FOR SPONSORSHIPS AND GUEST APPEARANCES, Email us at [email protected] and we'll get in touch with you.

Don't forget to LIKE this if you found it helpful, SUBSCRIBE for more episodes and content like this.

Worried about birds of prey threatening your pets or backyard chickens?

This episode of Paws and Effect is all about the facts (and myths!) about raptors like crowned eagles, black sparrowhawks, and owls living alongside our pets.

Join me as I chat with Tammy Caine of FreeMe Wildlife about:
Which birds of prey really pose a risk to pets and chickens (hint: it’s not as many as you think!)
Why these birds aren’t “targeting” your pets, but are just trying to survive
Practical, humane solutions for keeping your pets and livestock safe, including catios, companion animals, and smarter chicken coop management
The dangers of common “quick fixes” like poison, lethal traps, and relocation, and why they do more harm than good
The value of living in a biodiverse area, embracing nature, and finding real solutions to coexist with wildlife
How rodenticides impact not just pests, but our precious owl population (and your pets!)
What to do if you find an injured bird of prey
Ways to support and get involved with wildlife rescue efforts

This episode is packed with expert advice, real-life stories, and practical tips for anyone who loves their pets and cares about local wildlife. Whether you’re a pet owner, chicken keeper, or just fascinated by raptors, you’ll learn how to protect your animals while also protecting the ecosystem.

Tune in, get the facts, and become part of the solution!

SPONSOR: Ultra Pet

Check out Ultra Pets new range here: https://ultra-pet.co.za/product/optimal-balance-adult/

Connect with Dr Carra:
Website: https://drcarra.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_carra
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcarra/
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: https://hillcrestvets.co.za/

Connect with Tammy:
Website: https://freemewildlife.org/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCFFmIMd2ND0FMZ7I9TnD6A
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freemewildlife/

Podcast Production:

This Podcast is produced by Kythe Creative and filmed onsite at Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital.
Kythe Creative: https://kythecreative.co.za/

THIS EPISODES SPONSORS:

Ultra Pet:
This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet a try. Check them out here at www.ultra-pet.co.za

Just For Pets:
Justforpets.co.za is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that's why we offer a wide range of products to help keep your furry friend happy and healthy - Check them out at https://www.justforpets.co.za/

FOR SPONSORSHIPS AND GUEST APPEARANCES, Email us at [email protected] and we'll get in touch with you.

Don't forget to LIKE this if you found it helpful, SUBSCRIBE for more episodes and content like this.