The Pet Parent Hotline

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Not sure what to do when you stumble on a litter of kittens?

Every spring, well-meaning people rush to “rescue” kittens they stumble across who may not need saving.

In this episode, Amy breaks down what you need to know before stepping in—so you don’t accidentally do more harm than good.

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

• How to assess if the kittens are healthy or in danger
• Simple ways to tell if the mother cat is still caring for them
• What signs indicate it’s time to intervene—and when to leave them alone

If you’ve ever found a litter and didn’t know what to do, this episode gives you the confidence to act responsibly and compassionately.

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Kitten Age Chart – KittenLady.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 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

Ever wish you had more meaningful photos of your pet, especially near the end?
A lot of pet parents don’t think about it until the final days hit, then they realize most of what they have are quick, blurry snapshots, not the kind of images that feel like them.
 

In this episode, I’m joined by Angela Schneider of Big White Dog Photography and One Last Network to talk about end-of-life pet photography, what it is, what to expect, and why it can be one of the most comforting choices you make when time feels short.

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

• How end-of-life photography can honor the bond you share with your pet
• What professional photographers capture that phone photos usually miss
• How this kind of tribute can bring comfort, meaning, and a sense of closure

If you love your pet like family, this episode may change how you think about “the right time” to take photos

CONNECT WITH ANGELA SCHNEIDER
Instagram | https://bigwhitedogphotography.com/
Podcast + Pet Loss Resources | https://onelastnetwork.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

Ever wonder what life really looks like after your pet gets a serious diagnosis?
A chronic illness like diabetes doesn’t just change your pet’s routine, it changes yours, every single day. And it can get overwhelming fast, emotionally, logistically, and financially.
 

In this episode, I talk with pet podcaster Julie Marty Pearson about her diabetic cat, Charlie, and what it really takes to manage long-term illness without falling apart in the process.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
 • What day-to-day care really looks like when you’re managing a chronic condition
 • The subtle signs your pet may be struggling, even when they seem “fine”
 • Why some families consider rehoming, and how to think through that decision without shame

If you’re in the thick of it right now, or you want to be prepared before life forces you to figure it out, this episode will make you feel a whole lot less alone.

CONNECT WITH JULIE MARTY PEARSON
Instagram: @storyofmypetpodcast | Website: www.podcastyourstorynow.com

LEARN MORE FROM AMY CASTRO:
Facebook: @AmyCastroSpeaker | Website: www.amycastro.com

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
The Story of My Pet Podcast

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 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