The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again

Thinking about adding a pet to your life, but not sure if it is the right time or the right decision? Every year, pets end up surrendered because their humans rushed in without asking the tough questions first. Whether you are considering your very first pet or adding another to your household, this episode walks you through 10 essential questions that could save you from heartbreak and help ensur...

Ever look at your pet in real life, then look at your photo and think… who is that gremlin? Most pet photos don’t turn out “bad” because your pet won’t cooperate, they turn out bad because of one fixable mistake people make without realizing it. In this episode, pro dog photographer and rescue advocate Mindy Dutka shares simple tweaks that instantly level up your photos, whether you’re snapping me...

Most people picture the happy endings, not the daily reality that can drain your time, your money, and your emotional bandwidth faster than you ever expected. In this episode, we’re talking about what it really takes to start and sustain an animal rescue, the messy parts people don’t post online, and the decisions you need to make before you take in your first animal. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTEN...

Ever come across a wild animal and freeze, unsure of what to do? Whether it's a baby bird on the ground or a raccoon in your attic, most of us want to help, but end up making things worse. In this episode, Amy talks with Stephanie Ellis, Executive Director of Wild Care of Cape Cod, to break down what you should do when wildlife shows up in your world. You’ll hear real stories, practical tips,...

Think grooming is just about a haircut? Think again. Most pet parents have no idea what their groomer really goes through, or what makes a grooming session a total nightmare (or a dream). In this episode, celebrity groomer Jess Rona spills the secrets every pet parent should know, from managing coat care between appointments to handling anxious or wiggly dogs AND she provides some easy DIY dog gro...

Ever feel like dog aggression comes out of nowhere? You’re not alone. The truth is, most pet parents miss the early warning signs of dog aggression until things have already escalated and they’re left feeling scared, confused, or overwhelmed. In this episode, Amy sits down with dog aggression expert Dr. Jim Crosby to unpack what is really behind those scary outbursts. From body language and behavi...

Ever try to lead a Zoom call while your dog is barking or your cat is walking across your keyboard? Remote work sounds like a dream, until your pets decide they're the boss. If you're tired of juggling deadlines and dog walks, this episode is for you. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: How to structure your day to meet both your pets’ needs and your professional goals Wha...

Does your pet panic at the vet—or do you? Vet visits can be a major source of anxiety for pets and their people. But they don’t have to be. In this episode, Amy sits down with her friend and veterinarian, Dr. Arsue Shokrollahi-McClain (aka Dr. Zoo), to share practical tips to take the stress out of vet appointments—from pre-visit prep to payment at checkout. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’L...

Planning a road trip with your pets? Worried about how to make it safe, fun, and enjoyable? In this episode, Amy chats with pet travel expert Amy Burkert, founder of GoPetFriendly.com, to bring you the ultimate guide to hitting the road with your furry co-pilot. Whether you’re traveling cross-country or just heading out for a weekend getaway, these tips will save your sanity. BY THE TIME YOU FINIS...

Think you’ve nailed cat parenting? You might be making mistakes that are putting your cat’s health and happiness at risk. In this episode, Amy sits down with The Healthy Cat Guy, the viral sensation known for his cat care tips on TikTok and YouTube. Together, they bust common myths and dive into the dos and don’ts every cat parent should know. If you want to give your feline the longest, healthies...

Ever heard someone say they “had to” give up their pet because they had a baby or were moving? Let’s unpack that. In this episode, Amy teams up with fellow pet podcaster and dog training expert Jessica L. Fischer to confront the most common excuses people give when surrendering their pets. Together, they challenge the myths, explore what’s really behind these reasons, and offer a candid conversati...

Ready to open your heart and home to a shelter dog? There’s more to it than just picking the cutest pup. In this episode, Amy Castro teams up with professional dog trainer Ricky Bedient, also known as That Dog Guy , to unpack the most important things you need to know before adopting a dog from a shelter. They break down common myths, explore what makes a good match, and share expert tips for sett...

Afraid to adopt a senior dog because it feels “too sad”? You’re not alone. Many people avoid older dogs because of fears about health, longevity, or heartbreak, but what if you’re missing out on one of the most rewarding pet experiences of your life?  In this episode, Amy Castro sits down with Sherri Franklin, founder of Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, to challenge the myths and highlight the real jo...

Is Your Pet’s Food Helping or Hurting Their Health? With nearly 900 pet food brands on the market, how are you supposed to know what’s actually good for your pet? In this episode, I’m joined by holistic veterinarian Dr. Jeff Grognet to cut through the confusion and give you real answers about pet nutrition. We talk about the truth behind pet obesity, why so many foods are loaded with hidden carbs,...

Ever wonder if you could be a foster hero? Fostering isn’t just about temporarily housing an animal - it’s about giving them a second chance. But it’s also one of the most rewarding ways to make a difference, even if you’re not ready for a permanent pet. In this inspiring episode, Amy Castro sits down with animal advocate Nora Burns to explore the life-saving power of pet fostering and why it’s ea...

Think all dogs with vests are legit service animals? Think again. In this episode, Amy Castro sits down with disability experts Elisa Hayes and Donna Mack to break down the facts—and fiction—surrounding service dogs. Together, they explore the real legal definitions under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the responsibilities of handlers, and what happens when people abuse the system. BY...

What happens when your life needs a second act  -- and your dog leads the way? In this episode, Amy Castro talks with Joyce A. Miller, who transformed herself from a mechanical designer into an author and freestyle dog dancer after adopting retired racing Greyhounds. Joyce shares the emotional highs and lows of Greyhound rescue, the myths every pet parent should know about racing dogs, and how lif...

Ever feel like your cat is trying to ruin your life with litterbox messes or shredded furniture? You’re not alone and you’re not failing. Understanding cat litter box issues and other unwanted behaviors are a challenge for thousands of cat parents! These so-called “bad” behaviors are often just misunderstood signals from your cat. In this episode, Amy sits down with cat behavior expert, cat care e...

Ever feel like something’s lost in translation at the vet’s office? Veterinary social workers may be the solution you didn’t know existed. In this episode, Amy speaks with Emily Carveth , LCSW, to explore how these professionals support both pet parents and veterinary teams, especially in high-stress or emotional situations. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: What veterinary social...

What Is Your Pet Trying to Tell You—And Are You Listening? What if your pet’s “bad” or unwanted behavior isn’t bad at all... but a message you’re missing? Most pet parents unknowingly send mixed signals to their animals, then feel frustrated when the problems persist. Whether it’s barking, hiding, nipping, or peeing outside the litter box, your pet may be trying to tell you something important—and...

What makes someone set their heart on a specific breed, and what happens when real life doesn’t match the picture in their head? In this episode, Amy talks with speaker and leadership coach Laurie Hall about her honest path from planning to buy a purebred to rescuing not one, but two shelter dogs. No judgment, no “gotcha,” just the real mix of grief, timing, expectations, and those moments that qu...

What No One Tells You About Losing a Pet Do you feel like you're already grieving your pet… even though they're still here? That heartbreak has a name and in this episode, you’ll learn how anticipatory grief affects both you and your pet, and why it’s one of the most misunderstood parts of pet loss. Whether you're nearing the end of your pet's life or supporting someone who is,...

Think upgrading your pet’s food means draining your wallet? Think again. In this episode, Amy Castro gets expert pet advice from Kat Donatello, founder of Austin and Kat, on how to improve your dog or cat’s diet without overspending. If you’ve been struggling with pet costs, unsure which supplements actually help, or just need real pet parenting solutions that fit your budget, this conversation is...

Every podcast starts somewhere, and this one began with a name that meant a lot to me. In this episode, I’m sharing the story behind the show, why it originally launched as Starlight Pet Talk, and how that name connected to my rescue work and the pets who shaped my mission. My best friend, Bev Brooks, joins me as we talk about where this idea came from, the early days of the podcast, and why the p...