The Pet Parent Hotline | Real Help for Pet Behavior, Budgets, and Everyday Stress
Amy Castro - Pet Parenting & Behavior Expert
145 episodes
2 days ago
Ever hit January 10 and realize your “new year, new routine” with your pet is already sliding? If you have ever promised yourself you’ll walk your dog more, train your cat, brush your pet’s teeth, or finally fix the chaos, then watched real life blow it up, this episode is your reset. Because it’s not laziness, it’s because you didn’t have a real plan. In this solo New Year kickoff episode, I’m sharing what 15 years in rescue taught me about why pet parenting promises fall apart, and the simp...
All content for The Pet Parent Hotline | Real Help for Pet Behavior, Budgets, and Everyday Stress is the property of Amy Castro - Pet Parenting & Behavior Expert 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.
Ever hit January 10 and realize your “new year, new routine” with your pet is already sliding? If you have ever promised yourself you’ll walk your dog more, train your cat, brush your pet’s teeth, or finally fix the chaos, then watched real life blow it up, this episode is your reset. Because it’s not laziness, it’s because you didn’t have a real plan. In this solo New Year kickoff episode, I’m sharing what 15 years in rescue taught me about why pet parenting promises fall apart, and the simp...
Ever hit January 10 and realize your “new year, new routine” with your pet is already sliding? If you have ever promised yourself you’ll walk your dog more, train your cat, brush your pet’s teeth, or finally fix the chaos, then watched real life blow it up, this episode is your reset. Because it’s not laziness, it’s because you didn’t have a real plan. In this solo New Year kickoff episode, I’m sharing what 15 years in rescue taught me about why pet parenting promises fall apart, and the simp...
Can you really have a home you feel good about and live comfortably with pets? Absolutely. This week, award-winning designer Pamela O’Brien joins Amy to share practical ways to design and organize your home so it feels functional, pet-friendly, and put-together. From smart fabric and flooring choices to simple storage and feeding setups, Pamela explains how to create a space that looks good, works for everyday life with pets, and still feels comfortable when friends and family come over. BY T...
Think you’re set because you have food bowls, toys, and a leash? Most pet supply lists focus on gimmicks or generic basics and completely miss the tools that actually make life with pets easier and safer. In this episode, Amy Castro and Bev Brooks share 10 rescue-tested pet essentials they can’t live without, five for dogs, five for cats, plus bonus items drawn from decades of real-world pet parenting and rescue experience. These are the same types of tools Amy routinely recommends to ...
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 ready for the holidays, or are there hidden dangers for your pet that could have your pet end up at the Emergency Vet? Most pet parents prep for the obvious hazards, but the real risks are the ones you never see coming. In today’s episode, veterinarian Dr. Zoo joins me for a walk-through of the surprising holiday hazards that slip into your home without you realizing it that land you and your pet at the emergency vet for the holidays. From toxic treats to vintage déc...
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, 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 readiness so families...
Are pet costs sneaking up on you month after month? Instead of scrambling when a vet bill or boarding fee hits, what would change if you planned for every common expense ahead of time? Most pet parents underestimate 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 will learn simple pet cost hacks to treat pet expenses like any other recurring life cost, so you can be prepared, confide...
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 ...
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...
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 guilt shows up for real pet parenting,...
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...
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, ...
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 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...
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...
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...
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,...
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 ...
The Pet Parent Hotline | Real Help for Pet Behavior, Budgets, and Everyday Stress
Ever hit January 10 and realize your “new year, new routine” with your pet is already sliding? If you have ever promised yourself you’ll walk your dog more, train your cat, brush your pet’s teeth, or finally fix the chaos, then watched real life blow it up, this episode is your reset. Because it’s not laziness, it’s because you didn’t have a real plan. In this solo New Year kickoff episode, I’m sharing what 15 years in rescue taught me about why pet parenting promises fall apart, and the simp...
