The Pet Parent Hotline

Adopt or Shop? How to Make the Right Choice for You (and Your Dog)


Listen Later

Caught in the middle of the “Adopt Don’t Shop” debate? Here’s what you really need to know before getting your next dog.

In this balanced and thought-provoking episode, Amy Castro sits down with AKC judge and Siberian Husky expert Sandy Weaver to unpack the tension between rescuing dogs and buying from breeders. They explore the truth behind mutts vs. purebreds, decode the doodle craze, and share expert tips for finding a responsible breeder—so you can make the best decision for your family and your future pet.

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

  • Common myths about shelter dogs and purebred pups
  • How to evaluate breeders and red flags to avoid
  • What to consider before bringing home your next dog—from lifestyle to long-term care

SHOUTOUTS IN THIS EPISODE:
American Kennel Club (AKC)
Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
Embark Dog DNA Testing

P.S. You may hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk in this episode. That was our original name—don’t worry, you’re in the right place.

Love the show? Share it with a pet parent who’s tired of chaos. Drop a 5-star review so more people can find the real advice they need.

🎧Get your free guide: 10 Tips for Bonding With Your Pet

Follow:
🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify


Big pet challenges we help pet parents solve include: saving money on pet food, saving money on pet care, puppy training, cat behavior, behavior problems, pet budgeting, stress-free vet visits, solutions for multi-pet households, and more.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 by Amy Castro.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The Pet Parent HotlineBy Amy Castro, MA, CSP

  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8

4.8

21 ratings


More shows like The Pet Parent Hotline

View all
What's Your Grief Podcast by Eleanor Haley & Litsa Williams

What's Your Grief Podcast

132 Listeners

No Bad Dogs Podcast by Tom Davis

No Bad Dogs Podcast

1,167 Listeners

Call the Vet - an insider's guide to dog and cat health by Dr Alex Avery

Call the Vet - an insider's guide to dog and cat health

16 Listeners

Keep it Humane by Keep it Humane

Keep it Humane

60 Listeners

Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett by Susan Garrett

Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett

661 Listeners

The Bitey End of the Dog by Michael Shikashio CDBC

The Bitey End of the Dog

228 Listeners

Dog Training Today with Will Bangura for Pet Parents, Kids & Family, Pets and Animals, and Dog Training Professionals. This is a Education & How To Dog Training Podcast. by Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP is a World Renowned Dog Behaviorist, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, and a Fear Free Certified Professional with over 36 years of experience with the most difficult

Dog Training Today with Will Bangura for Pet Parents, Kids & Family, Pets and Animals, and Dog Training Professionals. This is a Education & How To Dog Training Podcast.

55 Listeners

The Pet Parenting Reset by Jessica L. Fisher

The Pet Parenting Reset

15 Listeners

The Veterinary Roundtable by The Veterinary Roundtable

The Veterinary Roundtable

131 Listeners

The Doodle Pro® Podcast: Positive Training Tips for a Calm & Well-Behaved Doodle by The Doodle Pro® – Corinne Gearhart, Certified Dog Trainer & Doodle Expert

The Doodle Pro® Podcast: Positive Training Tips for a Calm & Well-Behaved Doodle

64 Listeners

Veterinary Vertex by AVMA Journals

Veterinary Vertex

9 Listeners

Vetsplanation: Pet Health Simplified by Dr. Sugerman

Vetsplanation: Pet Health Simplified

11 Listeners

The Animal Welfare Junction by A. Michelle Gonzalez, DVM, MS

The Animal Welfare Junction

14 Listeners

Soul Touched by Dogs by Anke Herrmann

Soul Touched by Dogs

1 Listeners

Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and Beyond by Kristiina Wilson

Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and Beyond

32 Listeners