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Practical pet solutions every week, and once a month a Pet Parent Power-Up to help those solutions stick. If your dog won’t stop barking, your cat’s peeing everywhere, your house feels like chaos, and you’re tired of wasting money trying everything, this show is for you.
You thought a pet would make life better, not drain your bank account, wreck your sleep, and turn your house into a disaster zone you’re embarrassed to invite people into. You’ve paid for trainers, followed your vet’s advice, and still find yourself up at 2 a.m. scrolling for answers. A lot of pet podcasts assume you’ve got endless time, endless money, and a perfectly behaved dog straight out of a Disney movie. This one doesn’t.
I’m your host, Amy Castro, longtime animal rescuer and trusted advisor to thousands of pet parents. After fostering more than 4,000 animals and helping their people go from overwhelmed to confident, I’ve learned one thing, you’re not a bad pet parent, you just haven’t gotten advice that fits real life.
Each week, I break down real-world solutions across behavior, budget, life changes, and home life so you can make smarter decisions faster. On the first Wednesday of each month, you’ll get a Pet Parent Power-Up, a short episode designed to reset how you show up as a pet parent through better boundaries, clearer communication, and calmer decision-making.
You’ll walk away with bite-sized steps that actually work for your schedule, your budget, and your perfectly imperfect pets, so you can stop chasing your tail and finally enjoy your animals and your life again. Start with the episode that matches what you’re dealing with today.
143 Episodes
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Do pets actually grieve, or are they reacting to routine changes and stress in ways we don’t recognize? And how much of what we label as “grief” is really our own emotion spilling over into the way we interpret their behavior? In this episode, Amy talks with Kate LaSalla, a pet behavior consultant, companion animal end-of-life death doula, and certified pet loss and grief companion, about what pet grief can look like, what might just be pet care routine disruption, and what to do ...
Ever feel like you’re doing a ton for your pets, but nothing is actually getting easier? If you’re stuck repeating the same corrections, overcomplicating your routines, or carrying a low-grade stress cloud all day, this quick fix is for you. In this January Pet Parent Power-Up, I’m sharing the one question I use to snap out of autopilot and stop pouring time and energy into the wrong things: “Is this the best place to put my time and energy right now?” It’s simple, but it helps you spot...
Ever hit January 10 and realize your pet routine resolution is already sliding? If you’ve promised yourself you'll focus on pet care - you’ll walk your dog more, train your cat, brush your pet’s teeth, or finally get consistent, and then real life blows it up, this episode is your reset. It’s not laziness, it’s a plan that was never realistic for your actual mornings. In this solo New Year kickoff episode of The Pet Parent Hotline, I’m sharing what 15 years in rescue taught me about why pet c...
Want a pet friendly home that still looks good, feels organized, and is comfortable to live in? In this episode, award-winning designer Pamela O’Brien shares practical home design tips for living with pets, without your space feeling taken over by fur, clutter, or constant wear and tear. You’ll hear simple, real-life upgrades, from pet proof flooring and durable fabrics to entryway organization, feeding station setups, and storage ideas that actually stick. This is for pet parents who want a ...
Stop Buying Useless Pet Care Supplies. Here’s What You Actually Need. Most “must-have" pet care supply lists focus on gimmicks and generic basics, missing the pet-care essentials that actually make daily life easier and safer. You probably have the basics for pet care, like bowls and a bed, but in this episode, Amy Castro and Bev Brooks share 10 rescue-tested pet essentials they can’t live without, five dog essentials and five cat essentials, plus a few bonus items pulled from decades o...
Why do the holidays feel so much heavier when you’ve lost a pet, or when you know a goodbye is coming soon? If you’re finding yourself dreading traditions, avoiding gatherings, or feeling pressure to “hold it together,” this episode is for you. Holiday pet grief can show up in unexpected ways, especially during a first holiday without your pet or when you’re living in that anticipatory space of knowing time with your pet is limited. In this conversation, licensed clinical social worker and a...
Are you sure your home is holiday-ready, or are there hidden dangers that could land your pet at the emergency vet? Most pet parents prep for the obvious hazards, but the real risks are the sneaky ones that slip in without you noticing. In this episode, veterinarian Dr. Zoo joins me for a walk-through of the surprising holiday danger zones, from toxic treats and vintage décor to medications tucked inside bags and purses. You’ll learn what early warning signs to watch for, why timing matters ...
Do your holiday guests expect your pets to be quiet, invisible, or perfectly behaved on command? If you have friends or family visiting who are not big pet lovers, it can put pressure on you and cause a lot of confusion for your pets. This "Pet Parent Power-Up" episode breaks down simple ways to keep the peace, protect your pets’ emotional safety, and avoid the uncomfortable moments that happen when visitors expect your animals to disappear. A lot of pet parents feel guilty when guests compl...
Are you wondering whether your child is actually ready for a pet, or are they just deep in the “please please please” phase? Most parents hear “Can we get a dog?” on loop, but pet parenting isn’t as simple as saying yes. When kids aren’t truly ready for pet care, it can create pet behavior issues, safety concerns, and a whole lot of pet care stress for the adults. In today’s episode, parenting expert and children’s book creator Dori Durbin joins me to break down six signs of true pet readines...
Are pet care costs sneaking up on you every month? Instead of scrambling when a vet or food bill hits, what would change if you planned for every common expense ahead of time? Most pet parents underestimate pet care costs because they do not track them, then feel stressed or guilty when money gets tight. In this conversation with Certified Financial Planner Joe Okaly, you'll learn simple pet cost hacks to treat pet expenses like any other recurring life cost, so you can be prepared, confident...
When my cat disappeared suddenly, I thought I’d never see her again. Five years later, a microchip brought her home to me, but your pet's chip might not. In this episode, I share the incredible story of my barn cat, Puti, and how she found her way back to us after vanishing for five years, even though she had gone completely blind. I’ll also reveal the hard truth most pet parents don’t realize: a microchip only works if it’s registered correctly and kept up to date. You’ll hear how this tiny ...
Most pet parents never stop to ask this question until it’s too late. Every week, rescues like mine get heartbreaking calls from families who can’t take their loved one’s pets after a death, move, or medical emergency. The pets - confused, grieving, and suddenly homeless, end up in shelters that should never have become part of their story. And if you think you’re too young to worry about this, think again. We recently got a call from a sister whose 26-year-old brother passed away, and ...
Great dog boarding facilities can be hard to find and leaving your dog (or cat) in someone else’s care can be nerve-racking, especially when you’re not sure what goes on behind those kennel doors. In this episode, Amy sits down with Carmen Rustenbeck, Founder & CEO of the International Boarding & Pet Services Association (IBPSA), to talk about what safe, professional pet care really looks like and how to choose a boarding facility (for your dog OR cat) that meets your standards for qu...
Ever feel guilty for working too much, missing walks, or not giving your pet enough attention? You’re not alone. Pet parenting struggles like guilt, burnout, and overwhelm are more common than most people admit. But what if guilt isn’t the real problem? In this episode, I’m joined by Sheryl Green, speaker, author of You Had Me at No, and recovering people-pleaser who helps others set healthy boundaries without drowning in guilt. Together, we dig into why pet care guilt shows up for real pet p...
Ever searched online for pet care advice and ended up more confused than when you started? One post about your dog throwing up turns into 60 conflicting comments, arguments, and fear-filled stories, and suddenly you’re spiraling. In this episode, I reveal the hidden danger behind all that “free” expert pet care advice in online groups, why it can do more harm than good, and where to actually turn for real pet parenting guidance that helps your pets instead of hurting them. BY THE TIME YOU FIN...
Trying to save money on grooming? Whether you’ve got a dog or a cat, this episode will give you DIY dog grooming tips for beginners, and help you figure out what you can safely and confidently do at home versus what’s better left to the professionals so you can stop overpaying for grooming. Amy talks with Liz Hampton, Director of Grooming and Education at Fluffology, who brings more than 30 years of experience as a National Certified Master Groomer. Liz shares pet cost hacks that will h...
Think crate training is as simple as putting your dog in the crate and calling it a night? That’s the biggest reason it fails. Crate training isn’t instant. It’s a step-by-step process that builds your dog’s trust and confidence over time. Rush it, and you’ll end up with whining, accidents, or full-blown crate panic. In this episode, I’m joined by Ruth Hegarty, multi-certified dog trainer and behavior expert, to share real pet parenting advice that actually works. Together, we’ll walk through...
Confused about which crate is right for your dog? With so many sizes, styles, and price points, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and to end up wasting time and money on the wrong crate for your dog. The right crate isn’t just about convenience. It’s about safety, comfort, and setting your dog up for success. In this episode, I'm chatting with Expert Dog Trainer Ruth Hegarty of Creature Good Dog Training. Together, we share real pet parenting advice to help you confidently choose the best crate f...
Understanding cat litter box issues is one of the top problems cat owners face. You think your litter box setup is fine, yet your cat is still peeing on the bath mat or worse, on your bed! In this episode, I share expert pet advice and reveal the six “everybody knows” rules cat parents accidentally break and how small, practical changes in cat care can stop cat anxiety and outside-the-box accidents for good. You’ll learn why health issues always come first, what “clean” really me...
Thinking about getting a puppy or kitten for your preschooler? It might look adorable on social media, but in real life it’s often a recipe for stress, safety risks, and heartbreak. Well-meaning parents often believe getting a pet will teach their child responsibility or help them “grow up together and bond better,” but in rescue we’ve seen those myths lead to injured pets, injured kids, heartbreaking surrenders, and even euthanasia. The truth is, kids under 5 face the highest dog-bite ...
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