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The Pet Parent Hotline | Pet Parent Advice & Support for Overwhelmed Pet Parents
Amy Castro
137 episodes
3 days ago
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 ...
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Pets & Animals
Personal Journals,
Education,
Kids & Family,
Society & Culture,
How To
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All content for The Pet Parent Hotline | Pet Parent Advice & Support for Overwhelmed Pet Parents is the property of Amy Castro and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
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 ...
Show more...
Pets & Animals
Personal Journals,
Education,
Kids & Family,
Society & Culture,
How To
Episodes (20/137)
The Pet Parent Hotline | Pet Parent Advice & Support for Overwhelmed Pet Parents
How a Microchip Brought My Cat Home After 5 Years, But Yours Might Not
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 ...
Show more...
4 days ago
17 minutes

The Pet Parent Hotline | Pet Parent Advice & Support for Overwhelmed Pet Parents
What Happens to Your Pet If You Don’t Make It Home?
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 ...
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1 week ago
34 minutes

The Pet Parent Hotline | Pet Parent Advice & Support for Overwhelmed Pet Parents
Choosing a Pet Boarding Facility? Watch for These Red Flags
Leaving your pet 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 that meets your standards for quality and compassion. Whether you’re boarding for a day or a week, this episode...
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2 weeks ago
41 minutes

The Pet Parent Hotline | Pet Parent Advice & Support for Overwhelmed Pet Parents
Feeling Pet Parent Guilt? Here’s How to Let It Go for Good
Ever feel guilty for working too much, missing walks, or not giving your pet enough attention? You’re not alone. 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 guilt shows up for pet parents, what it’s trying to tell you, and how to finally release it for good. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, Y...
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3 weeks ago
42 minutes

The Pet Parent Hotline | Pet Parent Advice & Support for Overwhelmed Pet Parents
Stop Trusting Pet Advice on Social Media
Ever searched online for pet 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 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 FINISH LISTEN...
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1 month ago
22 minutes

The Pet Parent Hotline | Pet Parent Advice & Support for Overwhelmed Pet Parents
Stop Overpaying for Grooming: What You Can DIY vs Leave to the Pros
Trying to save money on grooming? Whether you’ve got a dog or a cat, this episode will help you figure out what you can safely and confidently do at home, and 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 how pet parents can make smart grooming decisions that keep pets comfortable, ...
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1 month ago
48 minutes

The Pet Parent Hotline | Pet Parent Advice & Support for Overwhelmed Pet Parents
Crate Training Without the Stress: Step-by-Step for Real Success
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. Iit’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 walk you through exactly how to crate train the right way- calm, consistent, and...
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1 month ago
38 minutes

The Pet Parent Hotline | Pet Parent Advice & Support for Overwhelmed Pet Parents
Don’t Buy the Wrong Crate for Your Dog
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 sharing real pet parenting advice to help you confidently choose the best crate for your dog’s size, age, and behavior needs, without overspending or second-guessing you...
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1 month ago
30 minutes

The Pet Parent Hotline | Pet Parent Advice & Support for Overwhelmed Pet Parents
Cat Won't Use the Litter Box? 6 Rules You’re Probably Breaking
Think your litter box setup is fine, yet your cat is still peeing on the bath mat? In this episode, Amy shares expert pet advice and reveals the six “everybody knows” rules cat parents accidentally bend, and how tiny fixes in cat care can stop outside-the-box accidents for good. You’ll learn why health issues come first, what “clean” really means to a cat, how box size and placement impact success, and when the litter itself is the problem. These real pet parenting insights are designed to he...
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1 month ago
22 minutes

The Pet Parent Hotline | Pet Parent Advice & Support for Overwhelmed Pet Parents
5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get a Pet for Your Child Under 5
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, and heartbreaking surrenders. The truth is, kids under 5 face the highest dog bite risk, pets are easily h...
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2 months ago
18 minutes

The Pet Parent Hotline | Pet Parent Advice & Support for Overwhelmed Pet Parents
Is Crating Cruel? 5 Surprising Benefits for Your Dog
Is crating your dog cruel, or could it actually be one of the kindest things you do for them? Many pet parents picture their pup feeling trapped or lonely, so they avoid crates altogether. But when used the right way, a crate can become your dog’s safe space — and one of the most useful tools in your pet parenting toolbox. In this episode, I break down 5 major benefits of crating your dog. You’ll hear why it’s about more than house training, and how the right approach can bring calm, comfort,...
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2 months ago
22 minutes

The Pet Parent Hotline | Pet Parent Advice & Support for Overwhelmed Pet Parents
How to Avoid Choosing the Wrong Dog Trainer
Are you at the end of your rope with your dog’s behavior, but not sure if it’s time to hire a professional dog trainer, or worried about picking the wrong one? You’re not alone. The dog training world can feel like the Wild West. With no regulations, conflicting advice, and plenty of flashy websites, it’s hard to know who’s truly qualified to help. Choosing the wrong dog trainer can waste your money, make your dog’s behavior worse, and damage the trust between you and your pet. That’s why in ...
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2 months ago
39 minutes

The Pet Parent Hotline | Pet Parent Advice & Support for Overwhelmed Pet Parents
Bringing Home a New Cat? Build Trust Fast With the CATS Method
That friendly, purring shelter cat you fell in love with can sometimes turn into a ghost or even a hissy ball of nerves the moment you get them home. It’s not rejection. It’s survival mode. And how you handle those first few days sets the tone for your entire relationship. Even if you don't have a cat, many aspects of these steps toward acclimating a new pet to your home would apply to dogs, birds, and other species of pets to reduce stress and make their transition easier on them. In t...
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2 months ago
18 minutes

The Pet Parent Hotline | Pet Parent Advice & Support for Overwhelmed Pet Parents
How I Keep My Home Fresh and Fur-Free… Even With 8 Pets
Do you feel like no matter how much you clean, your home still smells like pets and looks like a fur factory? You’re not alone! In this episode, I’m joined by Tracy Fosterling, pet foster mom and social media favorite, to break down simple, realistic cleaning habits that actually work when you live with pets. Forget the overwhelming deep-clean weekends and the guilt over what your home “should” look like—we’re getting practical. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: • How to sto...
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3 months ago
43 minutes

The Pet Parent Hotline | Pet Parent Advice & Support for Overwhelmed Pet Parents
6 Hacks to Save Money on Pet Food Without Guilt
Are you tired of feeling like you need a second job just to buy pet food? You're not alone. Prices keep climbing, and if you’ve ever stood in the pet food aisle doing mental math and wondering what bill to skip this week, this episode is for you. I’m breaking down six smart, realistic ways to save money on pet food without cutting corners on quality. These are the exact strategies I’ve used with my own pets, my foster pets, and shared with adopters who want to feed their pets well witho...
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3 months ago
19 minutes

The Pet Parent Hotline | Pet Parent Advice & Support for Overwhelmed Pet Parents
Dreading the Vet Bill? 5 Ways to Afford It Without Stress
Does a single vet visit feel like it could wipe out your bank account? You're not alone and you're not doing anything wrong. Too many pet parents walk into the clinic hoping for a quick checkup and walk out hundreds of dollars poorer, without knowing how it happened or how to avoid it next time. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the real cost of veterinary care and giving you a smarter way to plan ahead, so you’re not caught off guard, financially drained, or forced to choose b...
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3 months ago
19 minutes

The Pet Parent Hotline | Pet Parent Advice & Support for Overwhelmed Pet Parents
Benadryl, Tylenol, Pepto: What’s Safe for Your Pet?
When your dog’s limping or your cat won’t stop scratching, it’s tempting to reach into your medicine cabinet, but should you? In this episode, I’m joined by returning guest Dr. Zoo, my vet and the veterinarian for Starlight Outreach and Rescue, to tackle one of the most Googled questions in pet parenting: “Can I give my pet human over-the-counter meds?” We’re breaking down what’s safe, what’s dangerous, and what might help when the vet is closed and your pet needs relief now. BY THE TIME YOU ...
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3 months ago
41 minutes

The Pet Parent Hotline | Pet Parent Advice & Support for Overwhelmed Pet Parents
Is Another Pet the Answer, or a Big Mistake?
Thinking about adding another pet to your family? Before you give in to those puppy-dog eyes or kitten purrs, hit pause. Because while one more pet can be wonderful, it can also turn your home upside down if the timing or reason isn’t right. In this episode, I’m sharing 4 essential gut checks to help you decide if it’s truly the right time to expand your pack. After adopting out pets to thousands of families and taking in hundreds of owner surrenders, I’ll give you the honest questions no one...
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3 months ago
14 minutes

The Pet Parent Hotline | Pet Parent Advice & Support for Overwhelmed Pet Parents
Are You Rewarding Your Dog’s Bad Behavior Without Realizing It?
Feel like the more you try to fix your dog’s behavior, the worse it gets? If you’re dealing with barking, leash pulling, jumping, or flat-out ignoring commands, the problem might not be your dog: it might be what you’re accidentally reinforcing without realizing it. In this episode, I’m joined by professional dog trainer and behavior consultant Bradley Phifer to unpack the everyday mistakes that teach dogs to keep misbehaving, even when you're trying your best to stop it. BY THE TIME YOU FINI...
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3 months ago
42 minutes

The Pet Parent Hotline | Pet Parent Advice & Support for Overwhelmed Pet Parents
The Truth About Year-Round Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Meds
You’re staring at another $200 vet bill and wondering if skipping a month of flea, tick, or heartworm meds will really matter. Your dog barely goes outside. Your cat’s never seen a flea. And those preventatives are not cheap.But what if that one skipped dose turns into a $3,000 emergency—or worse? In this episode, I’m joined by veterinarian Dr. Linda Atkins to cut through the fear, guilt, and confusing pet care advice about parasite prevention. We’re talking flea meds, tick risks, h...
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3 months ago
43 minutes

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