The Pet Parent Hotline

By Amy Castro - Pet Parenting Expert & Animal RescuerEducation Self-Improvement Kids & Family How To Pets & Animals

The Pet Parent Hotline episodes

July 30, 2024Why Being Around Pets Makes You Healthier
You don’t even have to own a pet to benefit from one.
In this episode, I sit down with psychologist and communication coach Dr. Denise M. Dudley to explore the powerful ways pets improve our emotional and physical health. Whether you’re living with a dog, cat, or just spending time around animals, you’ll learn why their presence is more than comforting. It’s healing.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
How pets reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and boost mood
Why pets are powerful tools against loneliness and isolation
How animals help us build stronger social connections and spark creativity
From hormonal changes to meaningful companionship, this episode dives into the science and heart behind why animals make us feel more human.
P.S. You may hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk during this episode. That was our former name before we fully embraced the fur, mess, and mayhem. Same content, just with a name that fits better.
Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.
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
The Pet Parent Hotline covers real-world dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, veterinary decisions, pet-care costs, aging pets, and everyday 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
52 min
July 23, 2024Dog Training: Fix The 5 Biggest Behavior Problems
Tired of your dog barking nonstop, pulling on the leash, or your dog chewing everything in sight?
In this episode, I’m joined by dog training expert Ruth Hegarty to break down the most common behavior problems pet parents face and dog training tips to help fix them using positive, effective methods. From recall issues to destructive chewing, Ruth shares practical dog training strategies that work for real-life households.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
Why your dog pulls on the leash or barks excessively
Simple ways to improve recall and reduce jumping or your dog chewing everything in sight!
How to make dog training part of your daily routine
Why understanding your dog’s breed and personality makes all the difference
If your dog’s behavior is driving you up the wall and you've run out of dog training tips that work, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on and how to turn things around, without stress or punishment.
LEARN MORE FROM RUTH HEGARTY:
Dog Training Programs
Free Resource Library
P.S. You may hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk during this episode. That was our former name before we fully embraced the fur, mess, and mayhem. Same content—just with a name that fits better.
LOOKING FOR A GREAT CRATE? I focused on benefits in this episode, but one of my top picks is Impact Dog Crates. They’re an investment, but built to last a lifetime of safety and security for your dog.
Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.
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
The Pet Parent Hotline covers real-world dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, veterinary decisions, pet-care costs, aging pets, and everyday 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
54 min
July 16, 2024How to Build a Dog-Friendly Community That Works
Want your town or workplace to be more dog-friendly? Here’s how to make it happen.
In this episode, I talk with Beth Miller, founder of Wagtown Consulting, about what it really takes to build communities that welcome and support dogs—and the people who love them. Beth shares her mission to transform neighborhoods, parks, and public spaces into more inclusive, dog-centric environments with lasting impact.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
What defines a truly dog-friendly community
Why community buy-in and leadership support are key to lasting change
How to assess local needs and create actionable plans
Resources Wagtown offers to help you get started in your own city or workplace
Whether you’re a pet lover, a community organizer, or just want to make your town more welcoming to dogs, this episode will give you the tools and inspiration to create change.
LEARN MORE ABOUT WAGTOWN:
Website: www.wagtown.org
Contact Beth directly: [email protected]
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.
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
The Pet Parent Hotline covers real-world dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, veterinary decisions, pet-care costs, aging pets, and everyday 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
40 min
July 09, 2024 Why Your Adoption Was Denied: 10 Reasons Shelters Say No
Think you’re ready to adopt a pet? You might want to double-check. In this candid episode, Amy breaks down 10 common reasons adoption applications get denied, and most people have no idea they’re raising concerns.
Drawing from 15 years in rescue and sheltering, Amy shares the subtle signals that make a rescue pause. These aren’t the obvious deal-breakers like animal hoarding or a history of abuse. This is the stuff well-meaning adopters accidentally say or do that screams, “This might not be the right fit.”
What You’ll Learn:
✔️ Why “I just want a dog that’s good with kids” can backfire
✔️ The real reason your “perfect setup” can still get a no
✔️ How overconfidence, unrealistic expectations, or vague answers can tank an application
✔️ Why “I work from home” isn’t always the golden ticket
✔️ What rescues look for that signals you’re ready for lifelong pet parenting
This episode gets you inside the mind of a rescue decision-maker, so you can apply smarter, avoid common missteps, and set both you and the pet up to win.
Listen now and make sure you’re actually ready before you hit submit.
Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.
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
The Pet Parent Hotline covers real-world dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, veterinary decisions, pet-care costs, aging pets, and everyday 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
24 min
July 02, 2024 Want Your Pet in Your Wedding? Listen to this First
Thinking about having your dog or cat walk down the aisle on your big day?
Many couples dream of including their pets in their wedding without realizing just how much planning it takes to keep everyone calm, safe, and comfortable.
This episode breaks it all down—from what roles pets can realistically play to how to decide whether it's even a good idea for your particular pet.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
✔️ What to consider before letting your pet be part of your ceremony
✔️ The most popular (and safest) ways to include pets in weddings
✔️ Creative alternatives if your pet can’t attend but still deserves the spotlight
Whether your pet is walking down the aisle, posing for photos, or simply celebrated in spirit, this episode will help you make the day memorable for both humans and animals.
When you finish listening, I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from today’s episode. Send us a message or join us in the Pet Parent Hotline FB Insiders Group

CONNECT WITH NICOLE ETTENHOFER
Instagram: @georgestreetphoto | www.georgestreetphoto.com
LEARN MORE FROM AMY CASTRO:
www.petparenthotline.com
OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Mention the Muddy Paws and Hairballs podcast when booking with George Street and get $600 off the Love Captured Package.
Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.
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
The Pet Parent Hotline covers real-world dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, veterinary decisions, pet-care costs, aging pets, and everyday 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
41 min
June 25, 2024 Are You Prepared to Protect Your Pet in a Disaster?
If disaster strikes, would you know how to protect your pets?
Too many pet parents wait until it’s too late to make a plan. Whether it’s a wildfire, hurricane, or sudden evacuation, your pet’s safety depends on your preparedness.
In this episode, Amy talks with Roxana Petzold from the American Red Cross to break down exactly what you need to do to prepare your pets before an emergency happens.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
✔️ What to pack in a pet emergency go-bag
✔️ Why microchipping and up-to-date records could save your pet’s life
✔️ How to build a pet safety plan that actually works when disaster hits
Don’t wait for a warning siren to get ready. This episode will help you take action now to protect the pets you love.
When you finish listening, I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from today’s episode. Take a screenshot of you listening on your device, share it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @YOURSOCIALHANDLE!
While you’re there, make sure you follow me on Instagram so you can see behind the scenes of how I [help pet parents stay prepared and stress-free] and how you can too.
CONNECT WITH ROXANA PETZOLD
Facebook: @RedCross | www.redcross.org
LEARN MORE FROM AMY CASTRO:
Instagram: @YOURSOCIALHANDLE | www.starlightpettalk.com
OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
American Red Cross Pet Preparedness Resources
Pet First Aid App (Free in your app store)
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.
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
The Pet Parent Hotline covers real-world dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, veterinary decisions, pet-care costs, aging pets, and everyday 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
44 min
June 18, 2024 Baby On The Way? Start Prepping Your Dog Now
Are you pregnant and wondering how your dog will handle the change?
A lot of pet parents wait until the baby is home to “see how it goes,” and that’s when stress and behavior issues show up fast.
This episode is about what to do now, while you still have time, so your dog feels steady, not blindsided, when life changes overnight.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:
✔️ Why the biggest problem is often mixed signals between adults, not a “bad dog”
✔️ The early stress signs most people miss, and what they look like in real life
✔️ Simple ways to build calm, confidence, and safety before baby arrives
Listen now so you’re not trying to fix this on two hours of sleep.
CONNECT WITH AILEEN CRONIN
Instagram: @babypackleader | Website: www.babypackleader.com
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.
LOOKING FOR A GREAT CRATE? I focused on benefits in this episode, but one of my top picks is Impact Dog Crates. They’re an investment, but built to last a lifetime of safety and security for your dog.
Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.
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
The Pet Parent Hotline covers real-world dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, veterinary decisions, pet-care costs, aging pets, and everyday 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
1 hr 3 min
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.
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
The Pet Parent Hotline covers real-world dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, veterinary decisions, pet-care costs, aging pets, and everyday 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
52 min
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.
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
The Pet Parent Hotline covers real-world dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, veterinary decisions, pet-care costs, aging pets, and everyday 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
45 min
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.
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
The Pet Parent Hotline covers real-world dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, veterinary decisions, pet-care costs, aging pets, and everyday 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
39 min