The Pet Parent Hotline

By Amy Castro - Pet Parenting Expert & Animal Rescuer

You love your pets. But sometimes, living with them is a lot.

From dog and cat behavior and training struggles to pet health, nutrition, vet decisions, rising costs, aging p

... more

4.9

4141 ratings

Download on the App Store

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

FAQs about The Pet Parent Hotline:

How many episodes does The Pet Parent Hotline have?

The podcast currently has 192 episodes available.

The Pet Parent Hotline episodes:

June 11, 2024Your Pet Can Feel Your Stress, Here’s How To Fix It Fast
Ever notice your pet act weird when you’re stressed, angry, or frazzled, even when you never said a word? That’s not in your head. Your emotions can change the whole energy in your house, and your pets respond to it fast.
In this episode, Amy sits down with HeartMath resilience trainer and equine-facilitated coach Amy Budd to break down why your pet “catches” your nervous system, how we accidentally create more reactivity, and the simple reset that helps you calm yourself so your pet can calm down too.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
Why your pet reacts to your stress even when it’s not directed at them
The sneaky way anticipation makes behavior issues worse (reactivity, fear, chaos)
A quick HeartMath breathing technique to reset your body in real time
How to stop assigning human motives to pet behavior that’s just…pet behavior
CONNECT WITH AMY BUDD
Instagram: @wholeheartranch
Website: https://www.wholeheartranch.com/
OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
HeartMath Techniques: www.heartmath.org
P.S. You may hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk during this episode. That was our previous name before we embraced the fur, mess, and mayhem. Same content, just a name that fits better
Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.
Support the show
Practical pet advice for busy pet parents.
Love the show? Follow The Pet Parent Hotline so you don’t miss an episode, and share this one with a pet parent who needs it.
Listen & Follow: 🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify
Each week, get practical help with dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, vet decisions, rising pet-care costs, aging pets, and the everyday challenges of life with animals.
No fluff. No guilt. Just useful advice to help you make smarter decisions and enjoy life with your pets.
Help us reach more pet parents like you: A 5-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts helps new listeners feel confident trying us out.
Contact: [email protected]
©Ⓟ 2026 Amy Castro
...more
52min
June 04, 2024Worried About Pet Vaccines? What Most Vets Won't Tell You
Confused about which vaccines your pet really needs? You’re not alone.
With conflicting advice and growing concerns about side effects, making informed decisions around pet vaccinations can feel overwhelming.
In this episode, I’m joined by veterinarian and author Dr. Jeff Grognet, who breaks down what core and non-core vaccines actually do, what risks you should consider, and how to customize a vaccine schedule that fits your pet—not a one-size-fits-all plan.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
How to tell the difference between core and non-core vaccines
What side effects and risks to watch for, including tumors and immune issues
Why talking openly with your vet is key to smarter vaccination decisions
This episode gives you the clarity and confidence to make the best choices for your pet’s health—without the guesswork.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Dr. Jeff Grognet – NewEarthVet.com
P.S. You may hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk during this episode. That was our former name before we embraced the fur, mess, and mayhem. Same show, same mission—just a name that fits better now.
Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.
Support the show
Practical pet advice for busy pet parents.
Love the show? Follow The Pet Parent Hotline so you don’t miss an episode, and share this one with a pet parent who needs it.
Listen & Follow: 🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify
Each week, get practical help with dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, vet decisions, rising pet-care costs, aging pets, and the everyday challenges of life with animals.
No fluff. No guilt. Just useful advice to help you make smarter decisions and enjoy life with your pets.
Help us reach more pet parents like you: A 5-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts helps new listeners feel confident trying us out.
Contact: [email protected]
©Ⓟ 2026 Amy Castro
...more
45min
May 28, 2024When Your Pet Dies: Aftercare And Memorial Options
What do you do when the worst happens and your pet crosses the Rainbow Bridge?
For many pet parents, navigating the grief and logistics of pet aftercare is overwhelming, especially if they’ve never faced it before.
In this episode, I’m joined by Gia Kondakor, director of Pet Loss Services at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, to talk about what happens after a pet dies and the choices you have to honor them with care and dignity.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
The differences between individual, partition, and communal cremation
How memorial services can provide healing and closure
Unique ways to honor your pet’s memory, from keepsake jewelry to creative art
If you’ve ever faced or are preparing for losing a beloved pet, this episode will help you make informed, compassionate choices you can feel good about.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Gia Kondakor – McAlister-Smith Pet Loss Services
P.S. You may hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk during this episode. That was our former name before we embraced the fur, mess, and mayhem. Same show, same mission—just a name that fits better now.
Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.
Support the show
Practical pet advice for busy pet parents.
Love the show? Follow The Pet Parent Hotline so you don’t miss an episode, and share this one with a pet parent who needs it.
Listen & Follow: 🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify
Each week, get practical help with dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, vet decisions, rising pet-care costs, aging pets, and the everyday challenges of life with animals.
No fluff. No guilt. Just useful advice to help you make smarter decisions and enjoy life with your pets.
Help us reach more pet parents like you: A 5-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts helps new listeners feel confident trying us out.
Contact: [email protected]
©Ⓟ 2026 Amy Castro
...more
39min
May 21, 2024Before You Start A Pet Business: Don’t Make These Mistakes
What does it really take to turn your passion for pets into a thriving business?
A lot of people dive in headfirst, only to find out too late that love for animals isn’t enough.
In this episode, I talk with Eliza Burr, a seasoned pet business coach and host of Off the Leash with the Pet Business Coach, about what most aspiring pet entrepreneurs get wrong—and how to set yourself up for success.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
Common myths and mindset traps that keep new pet businesses stuck
How to set smart goals and create systems that support your growth
Why hiring a coach could be the game-changer you didn’t know you needed
Whether you’re dreaming of a doggy daycare or already juggling clients, this episode will help you build a business that works for you and the animals you love.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Eliza Burr
Instagram: @thepetbusinesscoach
Website: https://www.thepetbusinesscoach.dog
P.S. You may hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk during this episode. That was our former name before we embraced the fur, mess, and mayhem. Same show, same mission, just a name that fits better now.
Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.
Support the show
Practical pet advice for busy pet parents.
Love the show? Follow The Pet Parent Hotline so you don’t miss an episode, and share this one with a pet parent who needs it.
Listen & Follow: 🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify
Each week, get practical help with dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, vet decisions, rising pet-care costs, aging pets, and the everyday challenges of life with animals.
No fluff. No guilt. Just useful advice to help you make smarter decisions and enjoy life with your pets.
Help us reach more pet parents like you: A 5-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts helps new listeners feel confident trying us out.
Contact: [email protected]
©Ⓟ 2026 Amy Castro
...more
48min
May 14, 2024The Research That Proves Pets Make Life Better (HABRI)
What if your pet isn’t “just company,” but part of a healthier, more stable life?
In this episode, Amy Castro talks with Lindsey Braun, VP of Research and Operations at the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), the nonprofit funding millions of dollars in research on how pets shape our bodies, our stress response, and our communities.
This conversation goes beyond feel-good stories. You’ll hear what the science actually shows, why that evidence matters, and how it’s being used to push for more pet-friendly policies, from rental housing to workplace culture.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
What’s happening in your body when you interact with your pet (and why it matters)
The research links between pets, heart events, and daily health habits like walking
How housing rules and “pet restrictions” can break families apart, and what’s being done about it
What “pet-inclusive” workplaces can look like without bringing animals to the office every day
A simple way to strengthen your bond by understanding the science behind it
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
The Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI)
Website: https://habri.org
Research and News: https://habri.org/research
Preventive Vet
Website: https://www.preventivevet.com
P.S. You may hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk during this episode. That was our former name before we embraced the fur, mess, and mayhem. Same show, same mission—just a name that fits better now.
Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.
Support the show
Practical pet advice for busy pet parents.
Love the show? Follow The Pet Parent Hotline so you don’t miss an episode, and share this one with a pet parent who needs it.
Listen & Follow: 🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify
Each week, get practical help with dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, vet decisions, rising pet-care costs, aging pets, and the everyday challenges of life with animals.
No fluff. No guilt. Just useful advice to help you make smarter decisions and enjoy life with your pets.
Help us reach more pet parents like you: A 5-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts helps new listeners feel confident trying us out.
Contact: [email protected]
©Ⓟ 2026 Amy Castro
...more
33min
May 07, 2024Does Your Pet Hurt? Massage Might Help More Than You Think
Is your pet slowing down, getting stiff, or acting “off,” but you can't tell if it’s pain, stress, or just age? Massage can be a legit tool for comfort, mobility, and calm, but only if you do it safely and know when not to.
In this episode, Amy is joined by certified canine massage therapist Blanca Rodriguez to break down what pet massage really is, why it’s been used for centuries, and how it can support pets dealing with stress, injury recovery, arthritis, or end-of-life comfort.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
The biggest myths about pet massage, and what it actually does
When massage can help with stiffness, anxiety, recovery, and quality of life
The red flags and conditions where massage is a no-go
How much pressure is safe, and why “more” is not better
Simple starting points you can try at home, plus what areas to avoid
Why pets often hide pain, and how that changes what you should watch for
What to ask a pet massage therapist so you know you’re hiring a real pro
CONNECT WITH BLANCA RODRIGUEZ:
Instagram | https://www.woundedhealer.us
LEARN MORE FROM AMY CASTRO:
Facebook | www.starlightoutreachandrescue.org
OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
N/A
P.S. You may hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk during this episode. That was our former name before we embraced the fur, mess, and mayhem. Same show, same mission—just a name that fits better now.
Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.
Support the show
Practical pet advice for busy pet parents.
Love the show? Follow The Pet Parent Hotline so you don’t miss an episode, and share this one with a pet parent who needs it.
Listen & Follow: 🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify
Each week, get practical help with dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, vet decisions, rising pet-care costs, aging pets, and the everyday challenges of life with animals.
No fluff. No guilt. Just useful advice to help you make smarter decisions and enjoy life with your pets.
Help us reach more pet parents like you: A 5-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts helps new listeners feel confident trying us out.
Contact: [email protected]
©Ⓟ 2026 Amy Castro
...more
45min
April 30, 2024Inside A High-Save Shelter: What Williamson County Texas Does Differently
Ever look at shelter posts and think, “I want to help, but I can’t adopt right now”?
Most shelters are overwhelmed, and a lot of people assume adoption is the only way to make a real difference. It’s not.
In this episode, I’m joined by April Pfeiffer from the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter (WCRAS) for a behind-the-scenes look at what actually makes a shelter successful, even when intake is rising and resources are tight.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
The programs and decisions that help WCRAS save more lives
The highest-leverage ways to help a shelter if adoption isn’t an option
Why fostering, volunteering, and small donations work better than you think
What “success” really looks like inside a modern municipal shelter
If you’ve ever wanted to be part of the solution but didn’t know where to start, this episode will give you a clear, doable path.
CONNECT WITH WILLIAMSON COUNTY REGIONAL ANIMAL SHELTER:
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/WCRAS.TX
Website | https://pets.wilco.org
LEARN MORE FROM AMY CASTRO:
Facebook | www.starlightoutreachandrescue.org
OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Rehome by AdoptAPet.com | https://rehome.adoptapet.com
P.S. You may hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk during this episode. That was our former name before we embraced the fur, mess, and mayhem. Same show, same mission—just a name that fits better now.
Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.
Support the show
Practical pet advice for busy pet parents.
Love the show? Follow The Pet Parent Hotline so you don’t miss an episode, and share this one with a pet parent who needs it.
Listen & Follow: 🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify
Each week, get practical help with dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, vet decisions, rising pet-care costs, aging pets, and the everyday challenges of life with animals.
No fluff. No guilt. Just useful advice to help you make smarter decisions and enjoy life with your pets.
Help us reach more pet parents like you: A 5-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts helps new listeners feel confident trying us out.
Contact: [email protected]
©Ⓟ 2026 Amy Castro
...more
45min
April 23, 2024 How Guide Dog Puppies Are Trained To Become Heroes
Ever wonder what happens before a guide dog ever meets the person who needs them?
Most people picture formal dog training, but the real foundation is built first by volunteer puppy raisers, the families who teach the basics, build confidence, and expose these pups to the real world.
In this episode, you’ll hear from longtime puppy raisers Roxanne (and her husband Jim), now raising their 11th puppy, and Donna Mack, a guide dog handler and disability access leader, whose guide dog Wella has changed how she travels, works, and moves through the world.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• What puppy raisers actually do from 8 weeks to 14 to 18 months, and why exposure matters more than perfection
• Why some dogs don’t become guide dogs, and the meaningful roles they can play instead
• What the application and training process is like for a guide dog handler, and how the dog learns routes and decision-making
• Why guide dog schools always need more puppy raisers, and how to get involved
CONNECT WITH DONNA MACK:
LinkedIn | www.disabilitydiplomat.com
LEARN MORE FROM AMY CASTRO:
Facebook | www.starlightoutreachandrescue.org
OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Guide Dogs for the Blind | www.guidedogs.com
P.S. You may hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk during this episode. That was our former name before we embraced the fur, mess, and mayhem. Same show, same mission—just a name that fits better now.
Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.
Support the show
Practical pet advice for busy pet parents.
Love the show? Follow The Pet Parent Hotline so you don’t miss an episode, and share this one with a pet parent who needs it.
Listen & Follow: 🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify
Each week, get practical help with dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, vet decisions, rising pet-care costs, aging pets, and the everyday challenges of life with animals.
No fluff. No guilt. Just useful advice to help you make smarter decisions and enjoy life with your pets.
Help us reach more pet parents like you: A 5-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts helps new listeners feel confident trying us out.
Contact: [email protected]
©Ⓟ 2026 Amy Castro
...more
38min
April 16, 2024 Spring and Summer Pet Safety: The Risks Nobody Warned You About
Worried about keeping your pets safe during the warmer months?
From allergies and pests to heatstroke and toxic plants, spring and summer bring a new set of challenges for pet parents.
In this episode, Amy is joined by Dr. Zoo from Family Animal Hospital to share essential seasonal safety tips that every dog or cat owner needs to hear.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• How to protect your pet from seasonal allergies, pests, and plant toxins
• Simple ways to keep your pet cool, hydrated, and safe outdoors
• What to clean, pack, and prep so you're ready for anything—at home or on the go
This episode is your go-to seasonal checklist for a safe, stress-free spring and summer with your pets.
CONNECT WITH DR. ZOO: www.familyanimalhospitaltx.com
LEARN MORE FROM AMY CASTRO: www.petparenthotline.com
OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Pet Poison Helpline | www.petpoisonhelpline.com
P.S. You may hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk during this episode. That was our former name before we embraced the fur, mess, and mayhem. Same show, same mission—just a name that fits better now.
Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.
Support the show
Practical pet advice for busy pet parents.
Love the show? Follow The Pet Parent Hotline so you don’t miss an episode, and share this one with a pet parent who needs it.
Listen & Follow: 🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify
Each week, get practical help with dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, vet decisions, rising pet-care costs, aging pets, and the everyday challenges of life with animals.
No fluff. No guilt. Just useful advice to help you make smarter decisions and enjoy life with your pets.
Help us reach more pet parents like you: A 5-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts helps new listeners feel confident trying us out.
Contact: [email protected]
©Ⓟ 2026 Amy Castro
...more
52min
April 09, 2024The Hardest Goodbye: Why In-Home Euthanasia Is Kinder
Facing the end of your pet’s life and unsure how to make it peaceful and meaningful?
Many pet parents struggle with how to honor their pet’s final chapter while navigating guilt, fear, and overwhelming grief.
In this episode, Amy talks with Dr. Mary Gardner from Lap of Love about how in-home hospice and euthanasia services can transform this emotional time into one of comfort, dignity, and love.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• How in-home euthanasia offers a peaceful, familiar environment for pets
• What anticipatory grief looks like and how to manage those emotions
• Why it's okay to feel relief after your pet passes—and how to let go of guilt
This heartfelt conversation will help you feel less alone, more empowered, and supported in making the most compassionate choices when the time comes.
CONNECT WITH DR. MARY GARDNER:
Website | www.drmarygardner.com
Lap of Love | www.lapoflove.com
OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Dog Life Quality Assessment: https://www.lapoflove.com/Quality-of-Life/Quality-of-Life-Scoring-Tool
Cat Life Quality Assessment: https://www.lapoflove.com/Quality-of-Life/Cat-Quality-of-Life-Scale
Pet Loss Book – I Miss You Already by Nancy Gordon: https://www.amazon.com/Miss-You-Already-Unbearable-Loss/dp/1734642806
Quality of Life Video for Pet Parents: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfN2GuVKO-c
P.S. You may hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk during this episode. That was our former name before we embraced the fur, mess, and mayhem. Same show, same mission—just a name that fits better now.
Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.
Support the show
Practical pet advice for busy pet parents.
Love the show? Follow The Pet Parent Hotline so you don’t miss an episode, and share this one with a pet parent who needs it.
Listen & Follow: 🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify
Each week, get practical help with dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, vet decisions, rising pet-care costs, aging pets, and the everyday challenges of life with animals.
No fluff. No guilt. Just useful advice to help you make smarter decisions and enjoy life with your pets.
Help us reach more pet parents like you: A 5-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts helps new listeners feel confident trying us out.
Contact: [email protected]
©Ⓟ 2026 Amy Castro
...more
50min

FAQs about The Pet Parent Hotline:

How many episodes does The Pet Parent Hotline have?

The podcast currently has 192 episodes available.

More shows like The Pet Parent Hotline

Happier with Gretchen Rubin by Gretchen Rubin / The Onward Project

Happier with Gretchen Rubin

12,897 Listeners

Grow Your Pet Business with Tori Mistick by Tori Mistick

Grow Your Pet Business with Tori Mistick

117 Listeners

Crime Junkie by Audiochuck

Crime Junkie

370,068 Listeners

Life Kit by NPR

Life Kit

4,777 Listeners

Dateline NBC by NBC News

Dateline NBC

47,175 Listeners