Worried about the rising cost of caring for your pet? You’re not alone.
In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Wainberg, Senior VP of Synchrony Financial Services’ Pet Business, to talk about how pet parents can prepare for unexpected costs and avoid financial panic when their pets need care most. From budgeting strategies to understanding pet insurance and CareCredit, Jonathan shares practical, no-fluff advice to help you make smarter decisions for your pets and your wallet.

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

• What most pet parents don’t expect when it comes to healthcare costs
• How to budget for routine and emergency care
• Which tools, like insurance, credit lines, and nonprofit support, can ease financial pressure

You’ll also learn how breed-specific needs, vet relationships, and advance planning can help you stay ahead of costs and give your pet the care they deserve without unnecessary stress.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Read Synchrony’s Pet Lifetime of Care Study

P.S. You may hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk during this episode. That was our original name before we fully embraced the fur, mess, and mayhem. Same content—just a name that fits better.

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Pet parenting is tough, but this show delivers expert pet advice and solutions for real pet parenting struggles. Each week, we share pet care on a budget tips and pet saving hacks to help you stretch every dollar, whether it’s pet cost hacks for vet bills and pet food, or simple ways to make training and daily care easier. You’ll get dog training and behavior advice, cat care insights, and practical pet advice for everything from litter box issues to keeping multi-pet homes peaceful. We cover pet budgeting, managing pet behavior, stress-free vet visits, and home cleaning that actually works with pets. Follow for the support you need to stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: [email protected] ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro