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:

January 23, 20245 Pet Needs Most Homes Miss, The Basics (Part 1)
Are you meeting all 5 of your pet’s welfare needs—or just the basics?
In this powerful first episode of a two-part series, Amy Castro teams up with renowned UK veterinarian and animal welfare advocate Dr. Emma Milne to explore the often-overlooked foundations of pet care. In this episode, they tackle the first three of the five legally recognized animal welfare needs and how they apply to everyday pet parenting.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
What “proper nutrition” really means—and why most pet food isn’t enough
How to prevent pain, illness, and injury through proactive care
How to create an environment that supports your pet’s physical and emotional wellbeing
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll explore the final two needs: companionship and the ability to express natural behaviors.
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
39min
January 16, 202410 Pet Parent Habits for a Healthier, Happier Year
Want to be a better pet parent this year—but not sure where to start?
In this playful and practical kickoff to Season 2, Amy Castro and Bev share 10 powerful resolutions every pet parent should consider. Whether you’ve made your list or need a few fresh ideas, this episode offers simple, meaningful ways to improve your pet’s health, happiness, and everyday life.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
How to create a proactive wellness plan with vet care, grooming, and hygiene
Easy ways to boost your pet’s physical and mental health through play, training, and enrichment
Why social time, safe spaces, and emergency plans matter more than you think
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
45min
December 26, 2023Season 1 Live Finale: The Best Moments, Biggest Lessons
Hey there!
In this episode, you’ll hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk—that’s what we called it before we decided to embrace the fur, mess, and mayhem. Don’t worry, you’re in the right place for Muddy Paws and Hairballs—same great content, just with a name that fits! - Amy

Wrapping up Season 1, Amy and Bev journey through your favorite episodes & theirs. We laughed, learned, and built a community around our love for pets. Looking ahead, Season 2 will bring even more enlightening content to support pet parents. We're not just here to guide you through the challenges of pet ownership; we're here to celebrate the joyous, tough, and funny sides of life with our animal companions. Join us as we continue this incredible journey, sharing stories and strategies to help create happier, healthier lives for pets and those who love them.
Are You Feeding Your Pet the Right Food?
Top 20 Favorite Pet Products Every Pet Parent Must Have
The Lifesaving Importance of Microchipping Your Pets
Fostering Saves Lives: Why You Should Consider Becoming a Pet Foster
The Truth About Service Dogs and How Fakes Hurt Everyone
How a Passion for Pets Became a Pet Business With Impact
Rescuing Kaiser: A Tale of Dedication, Recovery, and Love
How to Choose the Right Shelter Dog for You
Myths and Truths About Mutts and Purebred Dogs
Navigating Pet Loss and Grief
Optimizing Your Pet's Nutrition
Strategies and Insights for Finding a Lost Cat
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 4min
December 19, 2023 Sneak Peek: The LIVE Season Finale
Hey there!
In this episode, you’ll hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk—that’s what we called it before we decided to embrace the fur, mess, and mayhem. Don’t worry, you’re in the right place for Muddy Paws and Hairballs—same great content, just with a name that fits! - Amy

To help you get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through our debut season of Starlight Pet Talk, this quick episode gives you a preview of what to expect when we go LIVE for a final, special episode of Starlight Pet Talk on Thursday, December 21st, at 6 pm Central Standard Time here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1185201876196088

Your unparalleled support has made this first season memorable, and we can't wait to revisit it with you. From around the world, your love for animals has expanded our Starlight Outreach and Rescue family and amplified our mission to enlighten pet parents.

Don't forget to join us 12/21, LIVE at the Rescue Ranch in Alvin, Texas, when my bestie Bev and I rehash our first season, share listeners' top 3 favorite episodes, share our own, take you behind the scenes to funny and stressful moments, and more! Don’t miss this heartwarming episode where we share this special moment with our Starlight family.

If you haven't voted for your favorite episode, you can do that now at: https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/qfCsQk
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
9min
December 14, 2023Adopt Or Shop? Dog Show Judge Explains How To Choose Responsibly
Caught in the middle of the “Adopt Don’t Shop” debate? Here’s what you really need to know before getting your next dog.
In this balanced and thought-provoking episode, Amy Castro sits down with AKC Judge and Siberian Husky expert Sandy Weaver to unpack the tension between rescuing dogs and buying from breeders. They explore the truth behind mixed breed rescue dogs vs. purebreds, decode the doodle craze, and share expert tips for finding a responsible breeder, so you can make the best decision for your family and your future pet.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
Common myths about rescue dogs and purebred pups
How to evaluate breeders and red flags to avoid
What to consider before bringing home your next dog, from lifestyle to long-term care
SHOUTOUTS IN THIS EPISODE:
American Kennel Club (AKC)
Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
Embark Dog DNA Testing
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
48min
December 12, 2023 How Service Dogs Help Veterans and First Responders Heal
What makes a service dog a lifeline for veterans and first responders?
What makes a service dog a lifeline for veterans and first responders?
A lot of people assume service dogs are only for physical disabilities, but for trauma survivors, the right dog can change daily life in powerful, practical ways.

In this episode, Amy Castro is joined by Joe Gionti, CEO of K9 Heroes 4 Heroes, to share how these dogs are trained and matched to support veterans and first responders living with PTSD, trauma, and physical injuries, and why the right match matters as much as the training.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• How service dogs are trained to support the specific needs of veterans and first responders
• Why the bond between dog and handler is a core part of the healing process
• How you can support K9 Heroes 4 Heroes, or apply for a dog if you or someone you love needs one
SUPPORT K9 HEROES 4 HEROES
Fundraiser: go.eventgroovefundraising.com/benno
Social Media: [@K9H4H on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn]
SHOUTOUT:
American K9 Dynamics
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
45min
December 05, 2023 Can’t Afford Vet Care? The Pet Cost Hacks You Need to Know
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.
We dig into the real numbers behind vet bills and the simple pet cost hacks that help you stay ahead of expenses instead of scrambling after the fact. From smarter budgeting to understanding tools like pet insurance, CareCredit, and nonprofit support, Jonathan shares practical, no-fluff advice to protect both your wallet and your pet’s health.
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 can ease financial pressure and when to use them
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 . . . all with a few proactive pet cost hacks that make a real difference.
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
November 28, 2023 Why Your Pet’s Microchip Won’t Save Them Until You Do This
Think your pet’s microchip is keeping them safe? It might not be.
A microchip isn’t a GPS, it doesn’t “work automatically,” and one common mistake makes it basically useless when a lost pet is found.

In this episode, Amy Castro talks with Dr. Matt Goetz, DVM, MBA from Merck Animal Health, the company behind HomeAgain microchips, about what most pet parents misunderstand about microchipping, and the simple steps that actually make it work when it matters.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• Why collars and tags still matter, even if your pet is microchipped
• The most common reason microchips fail, and how to fix it fast
• A quick checklist to make sure your pet can be identified and returned
SHOUTOUTS IN THIS EPISODE:
HomeAgain Pet Recovery
AAHA Microchip Registry Lookup
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
42min
November 21, 2023 Holiday Hazards: The Hidden Dangers That Send Pets to the ER
Could your holiday celebrations put your pet in danger?
Between tempting food, breakable décor, open doors, and a house full of loud humans, the holidays can turn into a perfect storm for pet accidents and stress.
In this episode, Amy Castro teams up with emergency veterinarian Dr. Tyler Sugerman-McGiffin to break down the most common holiday hazards that land pets in urgent care, plus the simple steps that prevent most of them. You’ll also learn how to set your pet up to stay calm and comfortable when guests, noise, and chaos spike.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• The top hidden holiday dangers that can harm your pet
• How to set up a stress-free “safe zone” during celebrations
• What to do immediately if your pet eats something they shouldn’t

A little prep now can save you a scary (and expensive) emergency later, and help everyone actually enjoy the season.
SHOUTOUT IN THIS EPISODE:
ASPCA Poison Control Hotline: (888) 426-4435
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
52min
November 14, 2023 Pet Sitter vs Boarding: How To Choose The Right Pet Care
Leaving town and trying to decide between dog boarding or cat boarding and a pet sitter?
In this episode, Amy Castro and veterinarian Dr. Aresue Shokrollahi (aka Dr. Zoo) walk through the real pros and cons of both pet care options, so you can choose based on your pet’s personality, health needs, anxiety level, and the quality and accountability of care available.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• What planning matters either way (food, meds, routines, and house rules)
• When dog boarding can be a great fit (and when it’s a bad idea)
• Why cats and seniors often need a different approach
• What to look for in a pet care facility, transparency, cleanliness, monitoring, and staffing
• A smart way to “test drive” either (or both) pet care options before a longer trip

COMMENT ON THIS EPISODE:
Have thoughts or questions? Contact us at [email protected]

P.S. You may hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk in this episode. That was our original name. 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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