Stop Buying Useless Pet Supplies. Here’s What You Actually Need. Most “must-have" pet supplies lists focus on gimmicks and generic basics and miss the pet essentials that actually make daily life easier and safer. 

You probably have the basics, 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 of real-world rescue and pet parenting. These are the same practical supplies Amy recommends to adopters to help pets succeed once they’re home.
These aren’t trendy products or influencer favorites. They’re simple tools that support safety, behavior, and day-to-day management, the kind of stuff you don’t think about until you really need it.
 

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• The overlooked pet supplies that help you handle messes, stress, and unexpected situations
• Why “boring” essentials often matter more than expensive gear
• How the right setup prevents small issues from becoming bigger problems
• Which pet supplies are worth buying, and which ones are not

Whether you’re shopping for a last-minute gift, building a new pet checklist, or realizing your current setup has gaps, the pet advice in this episode will help you stop wasting money on the wrong stuff. 

If this episode made you think, “oh wow, I don’t have that,” please share it with one pet parent who might be buying all the wrong things.

PS- we don't name a bunch of specific brands in this episode, but we do mention the FURBO Pet Camera/Pet Nanny. Get more info about the Furbo Pet Camera's mentioned in the show! (note- if you buy a Furbo product from this link, it helps support the show!)

FURBO: The Trainer's Choice Pet Cameras
Designed for pets. See, talk, and toss treats to your pets from anywhere.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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Real pet parenting gets crazy when you're facing behavior issues, rising costs, and confusing pet advice. You need real pet care solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use every day.

Each week you'll hear pet parenting advice plus expert guidance on dog and cat behavior, dog training, nutrition, stress-free vet visits, and routines that make life easier. We'll help you manage puppy biting, cat aggression, separation anxiety and cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and show you how to stay ahead of issues that create stress for pets and their pet parents.

No fluff, no guilt, just practical pet care advice and pet cost hacks to save money, avoid pet parent guilt, and enjoy life with pets.

Follow to stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

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