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:

August 29, 2023Your Dog Feels Your Stress, Here’s What To Do
Ever notice your dog acting anxious, reactive, or unsettled, even when nothing obvious is happening?
Chances are, they’re picking up on you.
Your dog isn’t just responding to your commands or routines. They’re reading your body language, breathing patterns, tension, and emotional state constantly. When you’re stressed, rushed, or overwhelmed, that energy shows up in your dog’s behavior, whether you realize it or not.
In this episode, Amy sits down with Canine Partnered Energy Coach Mike Overlie to unpack how your internal state influences your dog’s nervous system, decision-making, and ability to stay calm, focused, and regulated. This isn’t about being perfect or pretending stress doesn’t exist. It’s about learning how to manage your energy in a way that helps your dog feel safer and more balanced too.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
How your stress and emotional state quietly shape your dog’s behavior and reactions
Why simple habits like walking can become powerful tools for resetting both of you
What being more intentional with your energy actually looks like in everyday pet life
If you’ve ever felt like your dog mirrors your anxiety, your pace, or your mood, this conversation will help you see what’s really happening and how to create calmer days for both of you.
If this episode gave you a lightbulb moment, take a screenshot while you’re listening and share it on your social feed, tag me so I can thank you and share it back.
CONNECT WITH MIKE OVERLIE
SaveTwo.org
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
35min
August 22, 2023Keeping Pets and People Together: The Mission of PAWS NY
What happens when pet owners face challenges so overwhelming they might have to give up the animals they love?
In this powerful episode, Amy Castro sits down with Rachel Herman, founder of Paws NY, to explore how one nonprofit is changing lives, both human and animal. From house call programs to critical vet care, Paws NY steps in where others can't, ensuring that vulnerable pet owners never have to choose between caring for themselves or their pets.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
What inspired Rachel to start Paws NY and how it grew into a vital community resource
How their volunteer programs help keep people and pets together
The ripple effect of support, compassion, and consistency in rescue work
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 and share it to your Instagram stories!
While you’re there, make sure you follow me on Instagram so you can see behind the scenes of how I help pet lovers create homes that work—for them and their pets.
CONNECT WITH PAWS NY
Instagram & Facebook | @pawsny
TikTok | @pawsnyc
Website | www.pawsny.org
Donate | give.pawsny.org
LEARN MORE FROM AMY:
TikTok | @amycastro.talks
Website | www.amycastro.com
OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
www.PAWSNY.org
give.pawsny.org
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
August 15, 2023Lost Cat? How to Find Them Fast (and What Not to Do)
What would you do if your cat went missing and the advice you found online wasn’t working?
Most people panic, print flyers, and shake a treat bag, but today’s guest says that’s exactly what not to do. In this episode, Amy sits down with lost cat expert and pet detective Kim Freeman, who shares what really helps bring lost cats home.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
The critical mistake most pet parents make in the first 24 hours
How understanding cat behavior can transform your search strategy
Why some cats are closer than you think and how to spot the signs
This episode could make the difference between more heartbreak and a safe reunion. Don’t miss it.
When you finish listening, I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from today’s episode.
GET KIM'S LOST CAT FINDER KIT HERE:
https://www.lostcatfinder.com/services/the-lost-cat-kit?ref=7o1eb9rt
CONNECT WITH KIM FREEMAN
www.lostcatfinder.com
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
August 08, 2023 Emergency Vet Visits: What to Do Before You Go
Do you know what to do before walking into the emergency vet?
Most pet parents don’t think about it until they’re in the moment, stressed, scared, and trying to make decisions fast, with zero context for what’s about to happen.
In this episode, Amy sits down with emergency veterinarian Dr. Tyler Sugerman-McGiffin to pull back the curtain on what really happens in a pet ER, how emergency care is different from your regular vet, and what you can do now so you’re not scrambling later.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:
• How to prepare emotionally and financially for an emergency visit
• Why ER teams can seem “all business,” and how that protects your pet
• The big decisions you might face, and how to think clearly when time matters
CTA: Before your next walk or errand, save your closest emergency vet and pet poison hotline in your phone, so you’re not trying to Google it in a panic.
CONNECT WITH DR. TYLER SUGRRMAN-MCGIFFIN:
The Vetsplanation Podcast
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
38min
August 01, 2023 Living with the World’s Most Difficult Cat
Ever watched one of those TV shows about extreme cat behavior and thought, no way a real cat is actually like that? Well meet Cuzzy.
In this episode, Amy sits down with her friend Bev to share the wild, wonderful, and often chaotic journey of living with a cat lovingly known as the World’s Most Difficult Cat. From escaping at every opportunity to refusing to play by the rules, Cuzzy isn’t your typical housecat.
But through it all, Bev’s commitment to cat care that meets Cuzzy’s needs, not just her own, never wavers. If you’ve ever loved a challenging cat, or you’re a Jackson Galaxy fan who gets why the “why” matters, this one will have you laughing, nodding, and maybe even tearing up.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL HEAR:
• What makes Cuzzy’s behavior so extreme, and how Bev’s routines help everyone cope
• Why some pets test us more than others, and what we can learn from them
• How love, loyalty, and a little humor go a long way with difficult animals
OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
KONG Pet Toys
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
July 25, 20235 Ways to Help Your Pet Live Longer with Dr. Gary Richter, DVM
What if a few simple changes could add years to your pet’s life?
If you've ever worried about whether you're doing enough to keep your pet healthy, you're not alone. In this episode, Amy talks with holistic veterinarian Dr. Gary Richter, founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition, to uncover the everyday choices that can make a major difference in your pet’s longevity.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
How vaccinations and parasite prevention affect long-term wellness
The truth about processed pet food and what to feed instead
The role lifestyle plays in preventing disease and promoting vitality
How to choose pet insurance that helps you, not hurts your wallet
Which common nutrition myths may be shortening your pet’s life
When you finish listening, I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from today’s
CONNECT WITH DR. GARY RICHTER:
Ultimate Pet Nutrition – 40% off with code PETHEALTH40
OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
American Heartworm Society
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
46min
July 18, 2023What Skipping Playtime Is Really Costing Your Pet
Ever wonder if your pet’s behavior problems could be solved with a toy?
Most pet parents don’t realize that play and enrichment aren’t just fun extras—they’re essential to your pet’s mental and emotional health. When pets don’t get enough stimulation, they act out, get stressed, or even end up surrendered to shelters.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
How play impacts your pet’s brain and behavior
The surprising link between toy selection and fewer training issues
Simple ways to prevent boredom-related behavior problems before they start
If you want a happier, healthier pet (and fewer messes to clean up), this episode is for you.
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 KAT KEKEL
Website: Von Kekel Canine
OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
KONG Company and KONG Classroom
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
46min
July 11, 2023Thinking About a Pet? 10 Questions to Ask First
Thinking about adding a pet to your life, but not sure if it is the right time or the right decision?
Every year, pets end up surrendered because their humans rushed in without asking the tough questions first. Whether you are considering your very first pet or adding another to your household, this episode walks you through 10 essential questions that could save you from heartbreak and help ensure the pet you choose gets the forever home they deserve.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
The #1 question that reveals if you are really ready for a pet
The hidden costs of pet ownership most people overlook
How to tell if your current pets will welcome a new family member
Before you make a life-changing decision for you and for your future pet, listen to this first.
P.S. You may hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk in this episode. That was our original name. Do not worry, you are 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
19min
July 03, 2023 The #1 Mistake Ruining Your Pet Photos
Ever look at your pet in real life, then look at your photo and think… who is that gremlin?
Most pet photos don’t turn out “bad” because your pet won’t cooperate, they turn out bad because of one fixable mistake people make without realizing it.
In this episode, pro dog photographer and rescue advocate Mindy Dutka shares simple tweaks that instantly level up your photos, whether you’re snapping memories at home or trying to help a shelter pet get noticed fast.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:
• The #1 mistake that makes pet photos look flat, chaotic, or unflattering
• The easiest way to get expressive, adoption-worthy shots, even with just your phone
• How better photography helps pets get seen, shared, and adopted

You’ll also hear how Mindy is helping save lives through Global United Foundation and her photography business, Dogs I Meet.
CONNECT WITH MINDY DUTKA
IG: @dogsimeet | Website: www.dogsimeet.com | Email: [email protected]
Donate to Global United Foundation: donorbox.org/globalunited
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
50min
June 27, 2023 Before You Start An Animal Rescue: The Truth Nobody Tells You
Most people picture the happy endings, not the daily reality that can drain your time, your money, and your emotional bandwidth faster than you ever expected.

In this episode, we’re talking about what it really takes to start and sustain an animal rescue, the messy parts people don’t post online, and the decisions you need to make before you take in your first animal.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• The biggest misconception that burns out new rescuers fast
• The behind-the-scenes responsibilities most people never plan for
• The one decision that makes everything easier, or harder, from day one

If you still want to start a rescue after this, you’ll do it with your eyes open, and a plan that protects you and the animals.
CONNECT WITH STARLIGHT OUTREACH & RESCUE:
www.StarlightOutreachandRescue.org
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
55min

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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