The Pet Parent Hotline

By Amy Castro - Pet Parenting Expert & Animal RescuerEducation Self-Improvement Kids & Family How To Pets & Animals

The Pet Parent Hotline episodes

May 30, 2023Working from Home? Stop Pets from Driving You Crazy
Ever try to lead a Zoom call while your dog is barking or your cat is walking across your keyboard?
Remote work sounds like a dream, until your pets decide they're the boss. If you're tired of juggling deadlines and dog walks, this episode is for you.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
How to structure your day to meet both your pets’ needs and your professional goals
What routines, boundaries, and backup plans work (and what doesn’t)
Why flexibility and planning are your secret weapons for a productive, pet-friendly workday
Whether you’re new to remote work or need a reset, tune in for strategies to stay sane and keep your pets happy.
CONNECT WITH JASMINE JONTE:
Website: https://www.jasminejonte.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.
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
49 min
May 23, 2023Vet Visits Don’t Have to Be Traumatizing, For You or Your Pet
Does your pet panic at the vet—or do you?
Vet visits can be a major source of anxiety for pets and their people. But they don’t have to be.
In this episode, Amy sits down with her friend and veterinarian, Dr. Arsue Shokrollahi-McClain (aka Dr. Zoo), to share practical tips to take the stress out of vet appointments—from pre-visit prep to payment at checkout.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
What to do before the appointment to help your pet stay calm
How your energy can make or break the vet visit
Tips for handling transportation, check-ins, and money conversations
If your pet gets anxious just seeing the carrier, or you dread vet day like it’s a root canal, this episode is your roadmap to relief.
CONNECT WITH DR. ZOO:
Website: Lap of Love
Product Mention: Feliway
Pet Insurance Mentioned: Petly
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.
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
46 min
May 16, 2023Road Trips With Pets: Avoid Vomit, Stress and Car Chaos
Planning a road trip with your pets? Worried about how to make it safe, fun, and enjoyable?
In this episode, Amy chats with pet travel expert Amy Burkert, founder of GoPetFriendly.com, to bring you the ultimate guide to hitting the road with your furry co-pilot. Whether you’re traveling cross-country or just heading out for a weekend getaway, these tips will save your sanity.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
How to prepare your pet physically and mentally for road travel
What to pack to keep your pet safe and comfortable
Tools and tricks for finding pet-friendly hotels, parks, and pit stops
If your idea of a dream trip includes wagging tails and window sniffs, this episode is your roadmap to making it happen.
CONNECT WITH AMY BURKERT:
Website: GoPetFriendly.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.
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
44 min
May 09, 2023Common Cat Care Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Think you’ve nailed cat parenting? You might be making mistakes that are putting your cat’s health and happiness at risk.
In this episode, Amy sits down with The Healthy Cat Guy, the viral sensation known for his cat care tips on TikTok and YouTube. Together, they bust common myths and dive into the dos and don’ts every cat parent should know. If you want to give your feline the longest, healthiest life possible, don’t miss this one.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
Understanding cat litter box issues and how to fix them.
Why enrichment and play aren’t optional for cats
The real consequences of skipping spay/neuter and vet visits
This episode is packed with expert cat care advice to help you avoid dangerous oversights and keep your cat thriving.
CONNECT WITH THE HEALTHY CAT GUY:
Check out The Healthy Cat Guy's videos on TikTok
Check out The Healthy Cat Guy's videos on YouTube

Shoutouts in this episode:
Da Bird Cat Toy by Go Cat
ASPCA: List of Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants for Cats

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
45 min
May 02, 2023Think You ‘Have To’ Rehome Your Pet? Try This First
Ever heard someone say they “had to” give up their pet because they had a baby or were moving? Let’s unpack that.
In this episode, Amy teams up with fellow pet podcaster and dog training expert Jessica L. Fischer to confront the most common excuses people give when surrendering their pets. Together, they challenge the myths, explore what’s really behind these reasons, and offer a candid conversation about responsibility, compassion, and commitment in pet ownership.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
What’s often left unsaid behind common pet surrender reasons
How to navigate life changes like babies, moves, and relationship splits without giving up your pet
What responsible pet parenting actually looks like and why it matters more than ever
This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to be part of the solution to the pet surrender crisis.
CONNECT WITH JESSICA L. FISCHER:
The Pet Parenting Reset Podcast
Listen on Apple Podcasts: Click here
The Furry Family Coach Training Course
Resource Guarding Mini-Course – Use code PODCAST for 50% off
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.
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
47 min
April 25, 2023Thinking About Adopting a Shelter Dog? Listen to This First
Ready to open your heart and home to a shelter dog? There’s more to it than just picking the cutest pup.
In this episode, Amy Castro teams up with professional dog trainer Ricky Bedient, also known as That Dog Guy, to unpack the most important things you need to know before adopting a dog from a shelter. They break down common myths, explore what makes a good match, and share expert tips for setting your new pet, and your household, up for success.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
How to assess if a dog is truly the right fit for your lifestyle
Why puppy adoption isn’t always the easiest or best route
The role of family involvement and why preparation is everything
Whether you’re a first-time adopter or thinking about adding another pet to your pack, this episode is your roadmap to responsible adoption.
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.
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
38 min
April 18, 2023Afraid to Adopt a Senior Dog? Here’s What You’re Missing
Afraid to adopt a senior dog because it feels “too sad”? You’re not alone. Many people avoid older dogs because of fears about health, longevity, or heartbreak, but what if you’re missing out on one of the most rewarding pet experiences of your life?

In this episode, Amy Castro sits down with Sherri Franklin, founder of Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, to challenge the myths and highlight the real joy and relief that can come from adopting older dogs.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• Why senior dogs are so often passed over and what shelters wish more adopters understood
• How senior and hospice adoptions can create a deeply meaningful bond
• How fostering and community support make it possible to save more older dogs

Whether you’ve never considered a senior dog or you already share your home with one, this conversation will help you see older dogs in a whole new way and might just nudge you toward opening your home to one more.

CONNECT WITH MUTTVILLE SENIOR DOG RESCUE:
Website: https://muttville.org
Instagram & Facebook: @muttvillesf
CONNECT WITH MUTTVILLE SENIOR DOG RESCUE:
Website: https://muttville.org
Instagram & Facebook: @muttvillesf
OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Starlight Outreach and Rescue: https://starlightoutreachandrescue.org
Family Animal Hospital of Friendswood: https://familyahfriendswood.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.
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
45 min
April 11, 2023Is Your Pet’s Food Making Them Sick?
Is Your Pet’s Food Helping or Hurting Their Health?
With nearly 900 pet food brands on the market, how are you supposed to know what’s actually good for your pet?
In this episode, I’m joined by holistic veterinarian Dr. Jeff Grognet to cut through the confusion and give you real answers about pet nutrition. We talk about the truth behind pet obesity, why so many foods are loaded with hidden carbs, and the most common myths pet parents believe about what’s “healthy.”
🎧 By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn:
How to recognize what’s really in your pet’s food
Why many “healthy” diets are secretly fueling weight gain and disease
Practical steps for feeding your dog or cat a more balanced, holistic diet
This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you make smarter food choices and support your pet’s long-term health. To learn more, visit www.newearthvet.com.
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
56 min
April 04, 2023Thinking About Fostering a Pet? Here's What You Need to Know
Ever wonder if you could be a foster hero?
Fostering isn’t just about temporarily housing an animal - it’s about giving them a second chance. But it’s also one of the most rewarding ways to make a difference, even if you’re not ready for a permanent pet.
In this inspiring episode, Amy Castro sits down with animal advocate Nora Burns to explore the life-saving power of pet fostering and why it’s easier (and more fulfilling) than you might think.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
How fostering helps rescue organizations save more lives
What to expect as a first-time foster—and how to get started
Why fostering changes the lives of animals and the people who take them in
If you’ve ever said “I’d love to help, but I can’t adopt,” this episode will show you a whole new way to open your heart—and your home.
LEARN MORE FROM AMY CASTRO:
Website: https://amycastro.com
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/amycastro
OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Starlight Outreach and Rescue: https://starlightoutreachandrescue.org
Meet Gigi the rescue puppy: Gigi the rescue puppy! (see picture here!)
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.
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
59 min
March 28, 2023Fake Service Dogs: How They Put Real People at Risk
Think all dogs with vests are legit service animals? Think again.
In this episode, Amy Castro sits down with disability experts Elisa Hayes and Donna Mack to break down the facts—and fiction—surrounding service dogs.
Together, they explore the real legal definitions under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the responsibilities of handlers, and what happens when people abuse the system.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
What truly qualifies a dog as a service animal under ADA guidelines
The difference between service dogs, emotional support animals, and therapy dogs
How fake service animals create real problems for those who rely on legitimate ones
Whether you're a business owner, pet parent, or simply curious about the truth, this episode sheds light on a topic that's often misunderstood—and misrepresented.
OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
EMBARK Dog DNA Tests
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.
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
58 min