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:

November 07, 2023 Bringing Your Pet for the Holidays? Don’t Be THAT Houseguest
Thinking about bringing your dog or cat to stay in someone else’s home — whether it’s the holidays, a weekend with the in-laws, or a family trip? Before you pack the food bowl and leash, listen to this episode first.
Amy Castro teams up with master trainer Connie Archer from Barkbusters Home Dog Training in Houston to share practical, expert pet advice for making houseguest visits smoother for everyone involved. From managing pet behavior to cat care challenges in a new environment, you’ll learn how to keep stress low, avoid common mistakes, and know when it’s better to leave your pet at home.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• How to tell if your pet is truly a good fit for a multi-day stay
• Smart tips for introducing pets to a new home and household rules
• Pet parenting hacks to reduce stress and prepare a backup plan
• When it’s time to cut the visit short for everyone’s sanity
Pet parenting struggles don’t take a vacation. This episode gives you real pet parenting strategies for being a great houseguest with your pet so your host, your pet, and you can all enjoy the experience.
SHOUTOUT IN THIS EPISODE:
Barkbusters Home Dog Training
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
41min
October 31, 202320 Rescue-Tested Pet Products We Swear By
Tired of Wasting Money on Pet Products That Don’t Work?
If you’ve ever bought a pet bed your dog wouldn’t touch or a cleaner that didn’t stand a chance against cat pee, this episode is for you.
In this episode, I’m sharing the top 20 must-have pet products that have made life at Starlight Outreach and Rescue easier and improved the lives of the pets we care for every day. These are the tried-and-true items we actually use, love, and recommend.
🎧 By the time you finish listening, you’ll discover:
The best pet-safe cleaning products that actually work
Our favorite durable beds, leashes, carriers, and storage solutions
Everyday items that make pet parenting less stressful and more enjoyable
Nothing in this episode is sponsored or solicited. All product picks are based on real-life rescue experience. To check out the full list, visit our Favorite Products page. Some links are affiliate links, which means your purchase helps support the show at no additional cost to you.

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
36min
October 24, 2023 Medicinal Mushrooms for Pets: What Works and What's Hype
Can mushrooms actually help your pet’s allergies, anxiety, or immune system, or is this just another wellness trend?
In this episode, Amy Castro talks with Dr. Rob Silver, a veterinarian with expertise in herbal medicine, about what medicinal mushrooms can realistically support, which ones get overhyped, and how to choose products that aren’t basically expensive filler.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• Which mushrooms are commonly used for calming support, allergy relief, and immune support
• The biggest quality mistakes that make mushroom supplements a waste of money
• How to talk with your vet about adding holistic options safely, without going rogue
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
October 17, 2023Pawlytics: How Lizz Whitacre Built Rescue Software to Save Lives
Can one woman’s passion for animals change how rescues operate?
In this episode, Amy Castro interviews Lizz Whitacre, founder of Pawlytics, to uncover how a single rescue story grew into a mission-driven tech company. From saving her first dog to launching a platform used by rescues nationwide, Lizz shares what it takes to turn love for animals into lasting impact. You'll hear about her challenges, the power of smart software, and what every rescue or pet entrepreneur needs to know.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
How Lizz scaled her passion for pets into a successful rescue tech business
The biggest mistakes rescues make that tech can help solve
Why prioritizing animal welfare is key to running an ethical pet-based company
SHOUTOUTS IN THIS EPISODE:
Pawlytics
Petfinder
Adopt-a-Pet
Petcademy
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
44min
October 10, 2023What It Really Takes to Run a Rescue: CAMO’s Story of Grit and Grace
Think you know what goes into starting and running a rescue? Think again.
In this powerful episode, Amy Castro sits down with Holly Dool, president of CAMO Rescue in Texas, to reveal the behind-the-scenes reality of leading an animal rescue. From making heartbreaking decisions to celebrating hard-won victories, Holly shares what it really takes to save lives, stay focused, and keep going when the work feels impossible.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
How CAMO Rescue built a life-saving network through persistence and heart
The tough choices that come with rescue leadership, especially around funding and intake
Why clarity of mission and strong community support are everything in animal rescue
SHOUTOUTS IN THIS EPISODE:
CAMO Rescue
We Rate Dogs
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
48min
October 03, 2023 Is Your Dog Therapy Dog Material?
Ever wondered if your dog has what it takes to become a therapy dog?
A lot of pet parents assume therapy work is just about having a sweet, friendly dog, but the real test is how your dog handles unpredictability. New environments, sudden noises, strangers who don’t know dog boundaries, medical equipment, crowded hallways, awkward hugs, and handling mistakes all come with the job.
In this uplifting episode, Amy Castro talks with Sandy Weaver, professional trainer and therapy dog expert, about what therapy dog work actually looks like, what evaluators are really watching for, and how the handler’s skills and relationship with their dog can make or break the experience.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• The temperament traits that matter most, and how to spot them in your dog
• Why the dog-handler relationship is a bigger deal than most people expect
• What therapy dogs actually do in real settings, and where they’re needed most
If you’ve ever considered therapy dog work, this episode will help you decide if your dog is truly a fit and what your next step should be.
SHOUTOUTS IN THIS EPISODE:
R.E.A.D. Program
CAREing Paws
Center for Workplace Happiness
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
34min
September 26, 2023Neglected to Thriving: Kaiser’s Unforgettable Rescue Story
What happens when a neglected dog finally finds someone who sees his worth?
In this episode, Amy Castro sits down with Mayson Zimmermann to share the emotional journey of rescuing Kaiser, a neglected dog who defied the odds. From heartbreak to healing, this story showcases what’s possible when compassion, patience, and dedication come together to give a dog a second chance.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
The turning point that brought Kaiser into rescue and what it took to earn his trust
How understanding breed traits can help rehabilitate dogs with difficult pasts
Why one person’s belief in a dog can change both of their lives forever
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
28min
September 19, 2023Small Pets, Big Commitments: What Vets Want You to Know
Curious about getting a rabbit, bird, turtle—or even a snake?
In this episode, Amy Castro sits down with veteran veterinarian Dr. Linda Atkins to explore what it really takes to care for small pets. From creating safe habitats to understanding species-specific needs, this is your go-to guide for making smart, informed decisions before bringing one home.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
What to know before adding a rabbit, bird, reptile, or turtle to your home
How to set up the right space, diet, and environment for your small pet to thrive
Why even low-maintenance pets need high-quality care and attention
SHOUTOUTS IN THIS EPISODE:
Valley Cottage Animal Hospital
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
44min
September 12, 2023Dog Training: Why Your “Trained” Dog Suddenly Stops Listening
Feel like your dog’s forgotten everything they’ve ever learned?
In this episode, Amy Castro sits down with canine cognitive behavioral expert Billy Groom to explore why perfectly trained puppies often become disobedient “teenagers” and what to do about it. If you've been through dog training and your dog suddenly won’t come when called, ignores commands, or starts acting out, the problem isn’t a lack of discipline, it’s how their brain is changing.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
The science behind why adolescent dogs stop following the rules
Why traditional dog training often fails as dogs mature
How cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT for dogs!) helps dogs make better decisions and feel better too
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.
CONNECT WITH BILLY GROOM:
Upward Dogology
🎧 Podcast: Dog Training Disrupted by Upward Dogology
📘 Book and more available on her website
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
September 05, 2023Want to Foster or Volunteer for Pets? What to Know First
Ever wonder if you could really make a difference in a rescue animal’s life?
In this episode, Amy Castro shares what it’s like to volunteer with animal shelters and rescues—from the unexpected joys to the behind-the-scenes truths no one talks about. Whether you’ve thought about fostering, walking dogs, cleaning kennels, or just pitching in at events, this heartfelt conversation will help you decide where you fit in.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
What it’s actually like to volunteer or foster animals
Why rescue work changes your life as much as it changes theirs
Simple ways to start helping—even if you think you “can’t foster right now”
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
23min

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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