The Pet Parent Hotline | Pet Parent Advice & Support for Overwhelmed Pet Parents

By Amy Castro

Listen to a podcast, please open Podcast Republic app. Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Image by Amy Castro

Category: Pets & Animals

Open in Apple Podcasts


Open RSS feed


Open Website


Rate for this podcast

Subscribers: 0
Reviews: 0
Episodes: 142

Description

Feeling overwhelmed by your pet’s behavior or the cost of keeping them healthy and cared for every day?
You thought a pet would be the perfect addition to your life. Instead, your bank account’s drained, your dog won’t stop barking, your cat’s peeing everywhere, and your house is such a disaster you can’t have friends over. You’ve paid for trainers, followed your vet’s advice, and you’re still up at 2 a.m. scrolling for answers and wondering how long you can keep trying to meet everyone’s needs while ignoring your own.


Many podcasts talk about caring for animals like you’ve got endless time, money, and a perfectly behaved golden retriever straight out of a Disney movie. This one doesn’t. It’s for real people who love their pets and need real help with pet behavior, their budget, and the mayhem without losing their minds or giving up.


This isn’t just about helping your pets, it’s about helping you communicate clearly, set boundaries, and advocate for your pet’s needs and your own.


I’m your host, Amy Castro, longtime industry pro, animal rescuer, and trusted advisor to thousands of families looking for practical pet behavior help and support. I teach pet parents the communication and advocacy skills that make everything easier, from vet visits to behavior conversations to setting boundaries at home. After fostering more than 4,000 animals and helping their people go from overwhelmed to capable and confident, I’ve learned one thing: you’re not a bad pet parent, you just haven’t gotten advice tailored to your real life.


Each week, I answer your questions and break down expert insights on everything from common pet behavior mistakes and litter box trouble to saving money on vet bills and everyday expenses. On the First Wednesday of each month, I'll drop you a Pet Parent Power-Up -  a short, under-10-minute episode designed to give you a quick boost of clarity, confidence, and calm. These mini episodes focus on the human side of pet parenting, helping you communicate better, advocate for your pet and yourself, and make everyday decisions with less stress and more control. Think of it as a monthly power-up for your mindset, your routines, and your sanity.


You’ll walk away with bite-sized steps that actually work for your budget, your schedule, 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, and let’s make things easier together.


Episode Date
How to Get Through the Holidays When Facing Pet Loss
Dec 14, 2025
Holiday Hazards That Send Pets to the Emergency Vet
Dec 07, 2025
Guests Complaining About Your Pets? Set Boundaries Without Drama
Dec 03, 2025
Is Your Child Really Ready for a Pet? 6 Signs You Can’t Ignore
Nov 30, 2025
Pet Bills Keep Surprising You? Here’s How to Plan
Nov 23, 2025
How a Microchip Brought My Pet Home After 5 Years, But Yours Might Not
Nov 16, 2025
What Happens to Your Pet If You Don’t Make It Home?
Nov 09, 2025
Choosing a Pet Boarding Facility? Watch for These Red Flags
Nov 02, 2025
Stop Your Pet Parent Guilt Spiral For Good
Oct 26, 2025
Stop Trusting Pet Advice on Social Media
Oct 19, 2025
Stop Overpaying for Grooming: What You Can DIY vs Leave to the Pros
Oct 12, 2025
Crate Training Without the Stress
Oct 05, 2025
Don’t Buy the Wrong Crate for Your Dog
Sep 28, 2025
Cat Won't Use the Litter Box? 6 Rules You’re Probably Breaking
Sep 21, 2025
5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get a Pet for Your Child Under 5
Sep 14, 2025
Is Crating Cruel? 5 Surprising Benefits for Your Dog
Sep 07, 2025
How to Avoid Choosing the Wrong Dog Trainer
Aug 31, 2025
Bringing Home a New Cat? Build Trust Fast With the CATS Method
Aug 24, 2025
How I Keep My Home Fresh and Fur-Free… Even With 8 Pets
Aug 17, 2025
Pet Cost Hacks: 6 Ways to Save Money on Pet Food Without Guilt
Aug 10, 2025
Pet Cost Hacks: 5 Ways to Afford Your Vet Bill Without Stress
Aug 10, 2025
The Truth About Year-Round Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Meds
Aug 10, 2025
Benadryl, Tylenol, Pepto: What’s Safe for Your Pet?
Aug 10, 2025
Are You Rewarding the Bad Behavior You Want to Stop?
Aug 10, 2025
Is Another Pet the Answer, or a Big Mistake?
Aug 10, 2025
New Here? Start With Real Pet Parenting Solutions: The Pet Parent Hotline Trailer
Aug 10, 2025
Why You're Still Doing All the Pet Care (and How to Get Your Family to Step Up)
Jun 29, 2025
Why the “No Kill” Movement Hurts More Than It Helps
Apr 27, 2025
When Rescue Breaks You: The Cost of Saying Yes Too Much
Apr 15, 2025
The Heartworm Mistakes Putting Your Pet at Risk
Apr 08, 2025
Turn Pet Hunger Into Hope for Families in Need
Apr 01, 2025
Still Feeling Guilty After Losing a Pet? Here’s Why
Mar 25, 2025
Are Hairballs Normal? What Most Cat Parents Get Wrong
Mar 18, 2025
Is Treating Your Pet Like a Baby Actually Hurting Them?
Mar 11, 2025
Thinking About Getting a Dog? Listen to This First
Mar 04, 2025
Is Your Dog Getting Too Much Exercise or Not Enough?
Feb 25, 2025
Want Goats? What You Need to Know Before You Regret It
Feb 18, 2025
Pet Emergencies Happen Fast. Will You Know What to Do?
Feb 11, 2025
Traveling With Cats? Avoid the Stress and Mayhem
Feb 04, 2025
From the Vault: Pet Vaccination 101: Expert Insights from Dr. Jeff Grognet
Jan 28, 2025
From the Vault: Solve the Five Biggest Dog Behavior Problems with Expert Trainer Ruth Hegarty
Jan 21, 2025
From the Vault: Save on Vet Bills! Expert Advice with Jonathan Wainberg
Jan 14, 2025
From the Vault: Responsible Rabbit Care Explained: with Marcy Berman, Save-a-Bunny Rescue
Jan 07, 2025
From the Vault: Dr. Marlene Siegel on Extending Your Pet’s Life
Dec 31, 2024
Farewell Starlight Pet Talk: Celebrating Our Journey and What's Next for 2025
Dec 24, 2024
What’s Broken in Animal Rescue and How to Fix It
Dec 10, 2024
Should Your Kids Keep Ants as Pets? What Parents Need to Know
Dec 03, 2024
Thinking Their Food Is “Good Enough”? Upgrade Without Overthinking
Nov 26, 2024
Gift Shopping for Pet Lovers? Avoid the Duds
Nov 19, 2024
Thinking About Adopting a Rescue Dog? Listen to This First
Nov 12, 2024
Holiday Grooming Tips Every Pet Parent Needs to Know
Nov 05, 2024
Zoomies: The Dog Park That’s Redefining Pet Community and Safety
Oct 29, 2024
How Rescue Dog Wines Is Saving Lives One Bottle at a Time
Oct 22, 2024
Why ‘Don’t Train Your Dog’ Might Be the Best Advice Yet
Oct 15, 2024
What It’s Really Like to Be an Animal Rescuer
Oct 08, 2024
How Smart Is Your Dog Really? What Science Says
Oct 01, 2024
The Festival That Honors Pets and People Who Love Them
Sep 24, 2024
Are Plastics Harming Your Pet?
Sep 17, 2024
What Happens to Pets When Military Pet Parents Deploy?
Sep 10, 2024
How Business Partnerships Help Rescues Save More Pets
Sep 03, 2024
Rehoming Bonnie: 1,672 Miles to a Forever Home
Aug 27, 2024
Is It Really Separation Anxiety? Here’s How to Know
Aug 20, 2024
How to Afford Vet Care Without Breaking the Bank
Aug 13, 2024
Want Your Pet to Live Longer? Start With These 5 Steps
Aug 06, 2024
Why Being Around Pets Makes You Healthier
Jul 30, 2024
Dog Driving You Nuts? 5 Behavior Fixes That Work
Jul 23, 2024
How to Build a Dog-Friendly Community That Works
Jul 16, 2024
Why Was Your Adoption Denied? The Real Reasons Shelters Say No
Jul 09, 2024
Want Your Pet in Your Wedding? Listen to this First
Jul 02, 2024
Are You Prepared to Protect Your Pet in a Disaster?
Jun 25, 2024
How to Prep Your Dog for a New Baby (Without the Stress)
Jun 18, 2024
How Your Emotions Shape Your Pet's Behavior
Jun 11, 2024
Worried About Pet Vaccines? What Most Vets Won't Tell You
Jun 04, 2024
What Happens After Your Pet Dies? Understanding Aftercare Options
May 28, 2024
Thinking of Starting a Pet Business? Listen to This First
May 21, 2024
The Science Behind The Human Animal Bond
May 14, 2024
Achy, Stiff Pet? Massage Fixes That Can Help Now
May 07, 2024
What Makes Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter So Successful?
Apr 30, 2024
What Guide Dog Puppy Raisers Do to Train Future Heroes
Apr 23, 2024
Warm Weather Pet Danger Zones You’re Probably Missing
Apr 16, 2024
The Hardest Goodbye: Why In-Home Euthanasia Is Kinder
Apr 09, 2024
What To Do If You Find a Litter of Kittens
Apr 02, 2024
The Healing Power of End-of-Life Pet Photography
Mar 26, 2024
What It Really Takes to Care for a Special-Needs Pet
Mar 19, 2024
Mission K9 Heroes: Reuniting Working Dogs With Their Handlers
Mar 12, 2024
Stop Being That Dog Owner: Public Etiquette 101
Mar 05, 2024
Why Your Dog Guards Food, Toys, or You - And How To Stop It
Feb 27, 2024
A Day in the Life of a Rescue Cat: From Intake to Adoption
Feb 20, 2024
Inside Shelter Life: What Rescue Dogs Go Through Every Day
Feb 13, 2024
Thinking About Getting a Bunny? What to Know Before You Do
Feb 06, 2024
The 2 Pet Needs Most People Overlook, But Your Pet Feels Every Day
Jan 30, 2024
3 Pet Needs You’re Probably Missing Without Even Realizing It
Jan 23, 2024
10 Pet Parent Resolutions for a Healthier, Happier Year
Jan 16, 2024
Season 1 Live Finale
Dec 26, 2023
Sneak Peek: Our LIVE Season Finale
Dec 19, 2023
Adopt or Shop? How to Make the Right Choice for You (and Your Dog)
Dec 14, 2023
How Service Dogs Help Veterans and First Responders Heal
Dec 12, 2023
Can’t Afford Vet Care? The Pet Cost Hacks You Need to Know
Dec 05, 2023
Why Your Pet’s Microchip Won’t Save Them
Nov 28, 2023
Holiday Hazards That Could Harm Your Pet
Nov 21, 2023
Leaving Town? Don’t Choose the Wrong Pet Care for YOUR Pet
Nov 14, 2023
Bringing Your Pet for the Holidays? Don’t Be THAT Houseguest
Nov 07, 2023
20 Rescue-Tested Pet Products We Swear By
Oct 31, 2023
Medicinal Mushrooms for Pets: The Benefits You Didn’t Know About
Oct 24, 2023
Pawlytics: How Lizz Whitacre Built Rescue Software to Save Lives
Oct 17, 2023
What It Really Takes to Run a Rescue: CAMO’s Story of Grit and Grace
Oct 10, 2023
Should Your Dog Be a Therapy Dog?
Oct 03, 2023
Neglected to Thriving: Kaiser’s Unforgettable Rescue Story
Sep 26, 2023
Thinking About a Small Pet? What Vets Want You to Know First
Sep 19, 2023
Why Your “Trained” Dog Suddenly Stops Listening
Sep 12, 2023
Want to Foster or Volunteer for Pets? What You Need to Know First
Sep 05, 2023
How Your Dog Can Help You Find Calm
Aug 29, 2023
Keeping Pets and People Together: The Mission of PAWS NY
Aug 22, 2023
Lost Cat? How to Find Them Fast (and What Not to Do)
Aug 15, 2023
What to Know Before You Walk Into the Emergency Vet
Aug 08, 2023
Living with the World’s Most Difficult Cat
Aug 01, 2023
5 Ways to Help Your Pet Live Longer with Dr. Gary Richter, DVM
Jul 25, 2023
What Skipping Playtime Is Really Costing Your Pet
Jul 18, 2023
Thinking About a Pet? 10 Questions to Ask First
Jul 11, 2023
Why Your Pet Photos Aren’t Turning Out and How to Fix Them
Jul 03, 2023
The Real Truth About Starting an Animal Rescue
Jun 27, 2023
What to Do (and Not Do) When You Find Wildlife
Jun 20, 2023
Pet Grooming Secrets from Hollywood’s Top Groomer Jess Rona
Jun 13, 2023
Understanding Dog Aggression: An Expert’s Warning Signs
Jun 06, 2023
Working from Home? Stop Pets from Driving You Crazy
May 30, 2023
Vet Visits Don’t Have to Be Traumatizing, For You or Your Pet
May 23, 2023
Road Trips With Pets: Avoid Vomit, Stress and Car Chaos
May 16, 2023
Common Cat Care Mistakes and How to Fix Them
May 09, 2023
I Had to Give Up My Pet Because... Or Did I?
May 02, 2023
Thinking About Adopting a Shelter Dog? Listen to This First
Apr 25, 2023
Afraid to Adopt a Senior Dog? Here’s What You’re Missing
Apr 18, 2023
Is Your Pet’s Food Making Them Sick?
Apr 11, 2023
Thinking About Fostering a Pet? Here's What You Need to Know
Apr 04, 2023
Fake Service Dogs: How They Put Real People at Risk
Mar 28, 2023
Greyhound Rescue, Dog Dancing, and Reinventing Life Together
Mar 14, 2023
Cat Acting Out? Here’s What’s Really Going On
Mar 07, 2023
Veterinary Social Workers: The Hidden Support Pet Owners Need
Feb 28, 2023
Stop Misreading Your Pet: What Their Behavior Is Really Saying
Feb 21, 2023
The Grief Before Goodbye: Preparing for Your Pet’s Final Days
Feb 14, 2023
Why I Stopped Shopping and Adopted Instead
Feb 14, 2023
Boost Your Pet’s Nutrition Without Breaking the Bank
Feb 14, 2023
Why I Started This Podcast and Why It Was First Called Starlight Pet Talk
Jan 11, 2023