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

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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:

April 02, 2024Found A Litter Of Kittens? Here’s What To Do First
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.
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
22min
March 26, 2024End-Of-Life Pet Photos: Why You’ll Be Glad You Did It
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.
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
34min
March 19, 2024 Special-Needs Pet Care: The Reality and the Reward
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.
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
March 12, 2024 Mission K9 Heroes: Reuniting Working Dogs With Their Handlers
What happens to working dogs after their service ends?
Most people don’t think about what happens to military and police dogs once they’re retired, but they deserve love, care, and sometimes, a reunion with the person they trusted most.
In this episode, I talk with Kristen Maurer from Mission K9 Rescue about how her team helps these canine heroes find peace, purpose, and permanent homes.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• How retired working dogs adjust to life after service
• Why reunions between dogs and former handlers are so emotionally powerful
• How you can support these heroes in their second chapter of life
This episode will leave you inspired, moved, and ready to take action for the dogs who’ve already given us so much.
CONNECT WITH KRISTEN MAURER
Website: https://missionk9rescue.org
OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Donate to Mission K9 Rescue
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.
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
40min
March 05, 2024 Dog Owner Etiquette: Big Mistakes Everyone Notices
Ever feel like taking your dog out in public turns into chaos, side-eyes, and stress?
Most “bad dog” moments are really people problems, like using too much leash, missing body language cues, or pushing a dog into situations they’re not ready for yet.
In this episode, I talk with Nancy Hassel, founder of American Pet Professionals, about real-world dog etiquette, the kind that keeps your dog safer and makes everyone’s life easier, from your neighborhood walks to the vet to the park.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• The #1 mistake that causes most public dog drama, and how to fix it fast
• What to watch for in body language, yours and your dog’s, before things escalate
• How to handle tight spaces like vet lobbies and busy trails without conflict
• Why dog parks go wrong, and smarter ways to socialize and train
• Simple “ramp up” steps to help an excited dog earn bigger outings
If you want a dog who can actually go places with you without being “that dog owner,” this episode is your reset.
CONNECT WITH NANCY HASSEL
Instagram | American Pet Professionals
LEARN MORE FROM AMY CASTRO:
Facebook | www.starlightoutreachandrescue.org
OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
American Pet Professionals
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.
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
42min
February 27, 2024 Resource Guarding: Why It Gets Worse Fast
Is your dog growling over food, toys, the couch, or even you? Resource guarding usually doesn’t start as a big, dramatic moment; it starts small, and most pet parents miss the early red flags until it escalates. Then the internet chimes in with advice that can make it worse fast.
In this episode, I’m joined by nationally recognized dog behavior and dog training expert Will Bangura, to break down what resource guarding really is, why it happens, and what to do next so you can handle it safely and stop it from growing into a bigger problem.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• The subtle signs of resource guarding most people miss
• Why some dogs develop guarding behaviors in the first place
• What to do, and what to avoid, when your dog guards food, toys, or people
CONNECT WITH WILL BANGURA
Website: dogbehaviorist.com
Training: phoenixdogtraining.com
Need a safe and reliable crate for your dog? Check out Impact Dog Crates - built to last a lifetime.
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
51min
February 20, 2024From Intake to Adoption: A Rescue Cat’s Journey
Ever wonder what life is really like for a cat in a rescue or shelter?
In this behind-the-scenes episode, Amy Castro takes you through a day in the life of a rescue cat—from the moment they arrive to the moment they’re ready for a forever home. You’ll get an inside look at the challenges, the heartwarming milestones, and everything it takes to prepare these cats for adoption.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
What rescue cats experience from intake to adoption day
How behavior is assessed and how profiles are written to help them stand out
Stories of transformation that prove what love and patience can do
CONNECT WITH AMY CASTRO
Website: amycastro.com
OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Starlight Outreach and Rescue
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.
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
47min
February 13, 2024From Intake to Adoption: A Rescue Dog’s Journey
What’s it really like for a dog living in a rescue or shelter?
In this eye-opening episode, Amy Castro is joined by Donna Ball of Ranger’s Reach to reveal what life is like for dogs inside a rescue—from intake and daily care to rehabilitation and adoption prep. You’ll hear the real, unfiltered stories of dogs working their way toward a second chance.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
What a typical day looks like for a dog living in a rescue
The medical, emotional, and behavioral support these dogs receive
How community support, fostering, and volunteering make life better for dogs in care
CONNECT WITH RANGER’S REACH
Website: rangersreach.org
OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Starlight Outreach and Rescue
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.
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
59min
February 06, 2024Thinking About Getting a Bunny? What No One Warns You About
Thinking about bringing home a bunny? Here’s what most people get wrong.
In this eye-opening episode, Amy Castro speaks with Marcy Berman, founder of Save a Bunny Rabbit Rescue, to reveal the often misunderstood truth about rabbits as pets. From spaying and neutering to behavioral quirks, medical needs, and the real cost of care, this episode is a must-listen for anyone considering adding a rabbit to their home—or wanting to better care for the one they already have.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
Why rabbits are not low-maintenance or “starter” pets
The serious health risks of skipping spay/neuter procedures
How to tell if you’re truly ready to commit to a rabbit—and what to do instead if you’re not
CONNECT WITH SAVE A BUNNY RABBIT RESCUE
Website: saveabunny.org
Facebook: facebook.com/SaveABunny
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.
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
1h 1min
January 30, 20245 Pet Needs Most Homes Miss, The Next Level (Part 2)
Are you giving your pet everything they need to truly thrive?
In Part 2 of our series with UK veterinarian and animal welfare advocate Dr. Emma Milne, Amy Castro explores the final two of the five legally recognized pet welfare needs. These last two, companionship and the ability to express natural behavior, often go overlooked but have the greatest impact on your pet’s quality of life.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
Why social connection (or solitude) matters depending on the species
How preventing natural behaviors can lead to stress, boredom, and behavior problems
What to ask yourself before bringing a new pet into your home
Why focusing only on lifespan could be hurting your pet’s overall well-being
CONNECT WITH DR. EMMA MILNE
Website: https://www.emmathevet.co.uk/
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.
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
37min

FAQs about The Pet Parent Hotline:

How many episodes does The Pet Parent Hotline have?

The podcast currently has 192 episodes available.

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