Urban Zoo: Recent Episodes
NEWSTALK Sauga 960 AM
Each week Urban Zoo host Bill McBain welcomes vets, care-givers, researchers, spiritual leaders, suppliers, enforcement officers, pet-lovers and companions, etc., who share their stories and expertise.
There is cuteness, joy, practical advice, expert insight and probing into some uncomfortable and challenging corners of our relationship with animal life.
Biped-quadruped, carnivore-herbivore-omnivore-insectivore, invertebrate-vertebrate, pet-working or livestock, tame-feral, on wings-foot-hoof or fin: Peel is as bio-diverse as its’ people. We are a region where river valleys, woodland and farms bump up against ever expanding urban neighbourhoods.
Some animals thrive, others are threatened but together they comprise the rich bio heritage of Peel. The Urban Zoo examines and celebrates the depth and power of the animal-human bond and the many facets of our interrelationship with the creatures we share our lives with.
We want to hear your stories: are you a caregiver, owner, parent, supplier, veterinary health professional, or do you work or volunteer with a rescue group, shelter or rehabilitation centre? Or are you simply a lover of animals? The Urban Zoo would love to hear from you: your thoughts and your stories.
In this episode of The Urban Zoo, Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick explore the evolving world of animal care and welfare. The conversation covers the rise of veterinary telemedicine through Vetwise, the ethical concerns surrounding roadside zoos, and the global advocacy work of World Animal Protection. The episode closes with standard reflections on where animal welfare policy is heading and what meaningful reform could look like in practice.
On The Urban Zoo, Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick share a heartwarming “happy story” about Monty finding a forever home, highlighting positive outcomes in animal rescue and adoption. The discussion continues with Sarah Herring, Government Relations Officer with the BC SPCA. She joins the conversation to explore housing for pets, challenges faced by pet owners, exotic pet ownership, and the transportation of animals across jurisdictions. The episode closes with standard remarks and reflections from the hosts.
On The Urban Zoo, Bill McBain speaks with Dr. Emily Pena for an introduction to veterinary medicine, discussing foundational concepts, career insights, and evolving practices in animal care. The episode also features Penelope Mathison, who talks about her new program BoomerXchange on Sauga 960 AM, highlighting conversations around aging, community, and media engagement. The episode closes with standard remarks from the host.
This week on The Urban Zoo, host Bill McBain welcomes Sarika Cullis-Suzuki, co-host of CBC's The Nature of Things. Together, they discuss the fascinating world of beavers from above, exploring how these remarkable engineers shape ecosystems and why their work is vital to biodiversity and climate resilience. This episode also includes a heartfelt tribute to Jane Goodall, reflecting on her extraordinary legacy in conservation, animal behaviour, and inspiring generations to protect the natural world.
In this episode of The Urban Zoo, host Bill McBain explores the intersection of art, environment, and animal welfare. Bill speaks with Terry Lim, Artistic Director of the Caledon Music Festival, about how the festival blends classical music with Caledon’s pastoral charm, a region under environmental threat from the proposed Hwy 413. Bill later talks with Greg Madely, Supervisor at Mississauga Animal Services, about rising pressures on the shelter system, the emotional toll on pet families, and the vital work being done for animals in crisis.
In this episode of The Urban Zoo, host Bill McBain speaks with Scott Taylor, President of Spot Pet Insurance and together they discuss pet insurance. Bill later discusses invasive plant species with Allie Abram of the City of Mississauga's Forestry Department.
In this episode of The Urban Zoo, host Bill McBain speaks with Dr. Alice Sinia. Dr. Sinia is responsible for the management of the Orkin Canada Quality Assurance Laboratory located in the GTA. She shares some tips on how you can protect your pets, and yourself, from ticks and mosquitos.
In this episode of The Urban Zoo, host Bill McBain speaks with Brit Griffin, author of The Winterman Trilogy, as well as an upcoming novel, The Haunting of Modesto O'Brien. Plus, he speaks with Mike Schreiner, Ontario Green Party leader.
In this episode of The Urban Zoo, host Bill McBain interviews Nicole Arruda of the Canadian Animal Blood Bank. Plus, a story about hats in the wild!
In this episode of The Urban Zoo, host Bill McBain explores the history of animal welfare — from early domestication to modern advocacy — tracing how society's relationship with animals has evolved over time. Then, Bill dives into the significance of Bill 21, a proposal aimed at creating a protected Food Belt in Ontario, safeguarding farmland, and ensuring long-term food security for the province.
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discuss ways to keep your dog safe and healthy during Spring and Summer 2025.
Host Bill McBain welcomes on two more contenders for Mayor of Mississauga: Steven Dasko and Dipika Demerla.
Host Bill McBain interviews two contenders for Mayor of Mississauga: Alvin Tedjo and Brian Crombie.
Host Bill McBain talks about The Bello Project, and the Red Tail Hawk's Nest at Queen's Park
Host Bill McBain chats with Bill Redelmeier, Owner of Southbrook Organic Vineyards. It's a fascinating discussion about the art, beauty, science, and culture of wine in the Niagara Region.
Host Bill McBain chats with Louise Engel, co-owner of Featherstone Estate Winery. Plus, another science news roundup.
Host Bill McBain discusses, Indigo Pet Photography, and speaks with Green Party of Ontario Leader, Mike Schreiner.
Host Bill McBain discusses a variety of topics, including hospice and end-of-life care for pets; healthy together, pets and people.
Host Bill McBain welcomes on Sarika Cullis-Suzuki, co-host of The Nature of Things,to discussthe Mystery of the Walking Whale. Plus enhancing quality of life for our senior pets.
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discuss Kukur Tihar the Festival of Dogs. And they welcome on Carolyn Davies of the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick speak about vet stress, and touch on some recent animal abuse rulings.
Host Bill McBain welcomes back Dr. Tiffany Rennick! The animal of the week is the prairie dog. Plus, another science news roundup
Host Bill McBain discusses Animal Justice Canada, provides an update on Abbey Cats Rescue, & brings you this week's Science Roundup.
Host Bill McBain speaks with Acting District Chief of Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services Mike McQuinn and about their Facility Dog Ajax.
Animal and Nature Science Roundup.
Host Bill McBain talks with Maria Galindo of the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides about their Walk for Dog Guides. Then, he speaks with Kathleen and Ayla from Mississauga Animal Services about summer priorities for your pets. And finally, World Turtle Day.
Host Bill McBain speaks to Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner.
Animal of the Week: The American Robin
Host Bill McBain speaks to Brandy Jordan, owner of Doggy Steps, a dog walking service in Mississauga.
Bill then speaks to producer Alison Bambery, about memories with her first pet.
Host Bill McBain speaks to the Leader of Ontario's NDP Marit Stiles.
Animal of the week: Wombats
Remembering Jenni Le Forestier and Stop the 413; Activist Julia Kole, Conservation Authorities, local democracy and horses.
Host Bill McBain is in conversation with longtime Mississauga News columnist John Stewart.
Author Britt Griffin on Nature and the Limits of Empathy, The growing demand on Food Banks and our pets.
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick speak with two member of the Mississauga Animal Services.
They then discuss new Government of Canada animal import restrictions to keep rabies importation at bay.
The library: introducing children to a world of knowledge about animals, pets and nature.
Animal of the Week: the Schipperke
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discuss the Spix's Macaw, once declared extinct, returning to the wild!
Animal of the Week: the Thorny Devil lizard.
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discuss Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease, which is newly detected in Ontario.
Animal of the Week: The Hedgehog!
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discuss fireworks' effect on your pets and 3D printing in Veterinary Medicine.
Animal of the week: Turkey Vultures
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discusses should you breed your pet.
Animal of the week: Fennec Fox
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discusses why Stopping Hwy. 413 is vital to the GTA.
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discusses Vaccines and Seasonal Health!
Animal of the week: Andalusian Horses
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discusses Ukraine Animal Refugees and disaster preparedness.
Animal of the week: Bunnies
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discusses Ethics of Horse Training and Animal of the Week
Animal of the week: The Gecko
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discusses COVID with our pets!
Animal of the week: Leonburger Dog Breed
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discusses Spain recognizes animal sentience.
Animal of the week: Parrots with Dr. Elisha Smith
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discusses Science Alliance for Forestry Transformation.
Animal of the week: The Goshawk
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discuss Betty White's legacy of advocacy for animal welfare.
Breed of the week: Musk Oxen
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discuss Animal Charities and the Snow Marten.
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discuss When Pets Needs Medical Care During the holidays; Pet Food for the Mississauga Food Bank; "Super Dogs" Troop; the Kenyan Sand Boa
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discuss CNIB Guide Dogs, Disappearing Farmland, & Loons.
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discuss campaign to stop highway 413.
Animal of the Week: Monarch Butterfly
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discuss horses to the rescue & Ontario Green Party Leader, Mike Schreiner joins us on urban zoo!
Animal of the Week: Bats
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discuss Autumn Pet Safety.
Breed of the Week: Sloths
The Urban Zoo is hosted by Dr. Tiffany Rennick and Bill McBain every Tuesday at 3 p.m. EST.
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discuss allergies and your dog.
Breed of the Week: West Highland Terrier, the "Westie"
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discuss Pet Pain Management.
Animal of the week: Iquana
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discuss Doggy Steps - Walking, minding && training services.
Breed of the week: Shetland Collie, "Sheltie"
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discuss fire emergency/preparedness.
Breed of the week: Dalmatians!
The Urban Zoo is brought to you by VCA Canada and is hosted by Dr. Tiffany Rennick and Bill McBain every Tuesday at 11 a.m. EST.
Cannabis and Your Pet; Animal of the Week: Giraffes; and the Dog Days of Summer.
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discuss Cannabis and Your Pet and the Dog Days of Summer.
Breed of the week: Giraffes!
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discuss weather and your pet.
Breed of the week: English Bulldog!
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr.Tiffany Rennick discuss Pandemic Pressures on Veterinary Practice, Stop Hwy. 413 and Keeping your Dog Safe in hot weather.
The Urban Zoo is brought to you by VCA Canada and is hosted by Dr. Tiffany Rennick and Bill McBain every Tuesday at 11 a.m. EST.
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr.Tiffany Rennick are joined by Olympian Chris Delia.
Breed of the week: Kingfishers
The Urban Zoo is brought to you by VCA Canada and is hosted by Dr. Tiffany Rennick and Bill McBain every Tuesday at 11 a.m. EST.
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr.Tiffany Rennick are joined by Peel Regional Police Canine Unit, the Belgian Malinois and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh on the proposed construction of Hwy 413.
The Urban Zoo is brought to you by VCA Canada and is hosted by Dr. Tiffany Rennick and Bill McBain every Tuesday at 11 a.m. EST.
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr.Tiffany Rennick are joined to discuss Farm antibiotic use, farm effluent, and antibiotic resistance; Canadian olympian Chris Delia on coaches, stables, and training; and panda's
The Urban Zoo is brought to you by VCA Canada and is hosted by Dr. Tiffany Rennick and Bill McBain every Tuesday at 11 a.m. EST.
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr.Tiffany Rennick are joined by Dr. Caitlin Grant/Karen Grant to discuss nutrition and homemade diets for pets;
Breed for the week: Shetland ponies - strength and endurance in a small package.
The Urban Zoo is brought to you by VCA Canada and is hosted by Dr. Tiffany Rennick and Bill McBain every Tuesday at 11 a.m. EST.
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr.Tiffany Rennick are joined by Olympian Chris Delia and talk about his journey and his love for horses.
Bill McBain discusses his whale-watching experience in Tofino.
The Urban Zoo is brought to you by VCA Canada and is hosted by Dr. Tiffany Rennick and Bill McBain every Wednesday at 1 p.m. EST.
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr.Tiffany Rennick are joined by specialists in veterinary medicine with Dr. Andrea Finnen, the veterinary neurologist.
Breed of the Week: Dachshunds
The Urban Zoo is brought to you by VCA Canada and is hosted by Dr. Tiffany Rennick and Bill McBain every Wednesday at 1 p.m. EST.
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr.Tiffany Rennick discuss Abbey Cats Adoption and Rescue.
Animal of the Week: Foxes
The Urban Zoo is brought to you by VCA Canada and is hosted by Dr. Tiffany Rennick and Bill McBain every Wednesday at 1 p.m. EST.
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr.Tiffany Rennick discuss Ragdoll cats, why your cat throws up, National Volunteer Week, and dogs know us best.
The Urban Zoo is brought to you by VCA Canada and is hosted by Dr. Tiffany Rennick and Bill McBain every Wednesday at 1 p.m. EST.
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr.Tiffany Rennick discuss taking your furry friends for a vet visit without stressing them out. Later on, Bill and Dr. Rennick continue their conversation with Innovative Child Psychologist and Farmer, Dr. Angela Fountain.
The Urban Zoo is brought to you by VCA Canada and is hosted by Dr. Tiffany Rennick and Bill McBain every Wednesday at 1 p.m. EST.
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr.Tiffany Rennick speak with Innovative Child Psychologist and Farmer, Dr. Angela Fountain. Later on, in the show, Bill and Dr. Rennick discuss the breed of the week, which is the Border Collie
The Urban Zoo is brought to you by VCA Canada and is hosted by Dr. Tiffany Rennick and Bill McBain every Wednesday at 1 p.m. EST.
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr.Tiffany Rennick talking about Dog Sports and the Breed of the Week is the German Shorthaired Pointer
The Urban Zoo is brought to you by VCA Canada and is hosted by Dr. Tiffany Rennick and Bill McBain every Wednesday at 1 p.m. EST.
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr.Tiffany Rennick talking about Horseback Riding for Children and German Shorthaired Pointers
The Urban Zoo is brought to you by VCA Canada and is hosted by Dr. Tiffany Rennick and Bill McBain every Wednesday at 1 p.m. EST.
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr.Tiffany Rennick talking about Pet Rats and Guelph's My Kitty Cafe!
The Urban Zoo is brought to you by VCA Canada and is hosted by Dr. Tiffany Rennick and Bill McBain every Wednesday at 1 p.m. EST.
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr.Tiffany Rennick talking about Therapeutic Horse Riding, Quarter Horses, Wildlife Trafficking update
The Urban Zoo is brought to you by VCA Canada and is hosted by Dr. Tiffany Rennick and Bill McBain every Wednesday at 1 p.m. EST.
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr.Tiffany Rennick talking about Puppy 101 and Dogtopia.
The Urban Zoo is brought to you by VCA Canada and is hosted by Dr. Tiffany Rennick and Bill McBain every Wednesday at 1 p.m. EST.
Hosts Bill McBain and Dr.Tiffany Rennick talking about Polar Bears and is joined by the Canadian Polar Bear Habitat in Cobalt, ON
The Urban Zoo is brought to you by VCA Canada and is hosted by Dr. Tiffany Rennick and Bill McBain every Wednesday at 1 p.m. EST.
Hosts Bill McBain and Tiffany Rennick talking about Covid Puppy Psychology with veterinary behavioral psychologist Dr. Sagi Denenberg. Dr. Denenberg and Dr. Rennick discuss strategies for successfully transitioning our pets to our home and family’s more normal routines.
Our Breed of the Week section: Guinea Pigs
The Urban Zoo is brought to you by VCA Canada and is hosted by Dr. Tiffany Rennick and Bill McBain every Wednesday at 1 p.m. EST.
Hosts Bill McBain and Tiffany Rennick on talk about the international trade in Wild Animals and our new nutrition contributor Dr. Grant joins on this episode!
Our Breed of the Week section:. Black Bears
The Urban Zoo is brought to you by VCA Canada and is hosted by Dr. Tiffany Rennick and Bill McBain every Wednesday at 1 p.m. EST.
Hosts Bill McBain and Tiffany Rennick on talk about Presidential Pets and Cognitive Dysfunction
Our Breed of the Week section:. Rabbits
The Urban Zoo is brought to you by VCA Canada and is hosted by Dr. Tiffany Rennick and Bill McBain every Wednesday at 1 p.m. EST.
Hosts Bill McBain and Tiffany Rennick on talk about career as a veterinarian.
Our Breed of the Week section:. Jack Russell Terriers
The Urban Zoo is brought to you by VCA Canada and is hosted by Dr. Tiffany Rennick and Bill McBain every Wednesday at 1 p.m. EST.
Hosts Bill McBain and Tiffany Rennick on talk about traveling with pets and the vital need for pet food donations to your local food bank.
Our Breed of the Week section:. The miraculous Camel
The Urban Zoo is brought to you by VCA Canada and is hosted by Dr. Tiffany Rennick and Bill McBain every Wednesday at 1 p.m. EST.
Hosts Bill McBain and Tiffany Rennick on gifting Pets at Christmas such as Caribou in Canada.
Breed of the Week: Turtle Doves
The Urban Zoo is brought to you by VCA Canada and is hosted by Dr. Tiffany Rennick and Bill McBain every Wednesday at 1 p.m. EST.
Hosts Bill McBain and Tiffany Rennick on ending the unrestricted hunting of cormorants and pet food for food banks - healthy food for people and pets.
Breed of the Week: Caribou / Reindeer
The Urban Zoo is brought to you by VCA Canada and is hosted by Dr. Tiffany Rennick and Bill McBain every Wednesday at 1 p.m. EST.
Enhancing the quality of life for senior dogs and cats ensures we have the pleasure and warmth of their company for years to come. This episode is full of important, useful information to help us along the way.
Our Breed of the Week section: Ferrets: fun, rambunctious and curious - their nature, history and care.
Bill McBain speaks with David Miller, author of Solved: How the World’s Great Cities Are Fixing the Climate Crisis, a practical vision of a positive way forward to address climate change through the creativity, ingenuity and leadership of cities around the world dealing with growing environmental challenges.
The Urban Zoo is brought to you by VCA Canada and is hosted by Dr. Tiffany Rennick and Bill McBain every Wednesday at 3 p.m. EST.
The Beauty of senior dogs, and dogs working with seniors and others in need of therapeutic companionship. Breed of the Week: Chinese Crested dog.
This week on the Urban Zoo hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discuss black cats in mythology and folklore, black cat breeds and Halloween safety for your pets.
October is Registered Veterinary Technician Month and the Urban Zoo is celebrating the approximately 9,000 RVTs across Canada. Bill also talks with dog sled race announcer and team handler, Chrissy Halliday, in the home of Western Canada's longest running Winter Games, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.
Bill and Tiffany discuss pet obesity and the role humans play supporting healthy pets or creating weight and dietary problems that can underlie, as in humans, a host of future health problems. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are featured in Pet of the Week.
The Urban Zoo on October 7 features Sable Island Horses as our 'Breed of the Week'. Bill welcomes Parks Canada's Dan Kehler, Park Ecologist for Sable Island. Bill later sits down for a feature interview with author, Brit Griffin, on the release of Wintermen, At the End of The World, third book in her thrilling, dystopian Wintermen trilogy. They discuss the roll of wolves in the book and human understanding of wolves and the natural world.
The Urban Zoo, on September 30, with hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick, is all about horses. Thoroughbred horses are in focus in 'Breed of the Week'.
Rabies - Present but well controlled in Canada, Rabies is deeply embedded in the psyche of humanity and remains deadly in the world. Breed of the Week: The Scottish Fold cat.
Co-hosts Dr. Tiffany Rennick and Bill McBain tell us what influences nurtured their love of animals and wildlife and why The Urban Zoo will be an important resource for pet owners and the public. The Urban Zoo introduces an ongoing feature: "Breed of the Week" that highlights a particular breed or species, wild or domestic.
Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick reflect on the grief and loss we feel for our missing non-human friends and loved ones. Special guest: Rev. Joanne Hedge of Applewood United Church in Mississauga.