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

January 11Do Pets Grieve After a Loss? A Pet Loss Doula Explains
Do pets actually grieve, or are they reacting to routine changes and stress in ways we don’t recognize? And how much of what we label as “grief” is really our own emotion spilling over into the way we interpret their behavior?
In this episode, Amy talks with Kate LaSalla, a pet behavior consultant, companion animal end-of-life death doula, and certified pet loss and grief companion, about what pet grief can look like, what might just be pet care routine disruption, and what to do when your dog or cat’s behavior changes after a loss.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
The most common behavior changes pets show after a loss, and why the relationship matters
How human grief and anger can affect a surviving pet’s anxiety and fearfulness
When “normal” changes become a medical concern, and when to loop in your vet
Why “animals understand death, not disappearance,” and what that means for households with multiple pets
What to do if you’re grieving too, but still need to support your pet’s routines and provide good pet care
CONNECT WITH KATE LASALLA
WEBSITE | Rescued By Training
OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Rescued By Training blog post on pets and grieving
Advanced care directive
“When is it time to say goodbye?” download
And be sure to check out all the other fantastic posts and resources on Kate's page!

Questions or a story you want to share? Leave a voicemail at Petparenthotline.com or join the Pet Parent Hotline Insiders Group.
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
33 min
January 07One Question That Stops You From Wasting Time on Pet Care | Pet Parent Power-Up
Ever feel like you’re doing a ton for your pets, but nothing actually feels easier?
If you’re stuck repeating the same corrections, overcomplicating routines, or carrying a low-grade stress cloud all day, this Pet Parent Power-Up is for you.
In this episode, I’m sharing the one question I use to snap out of autopilot and stop pouring time and energy into pet care that isn’t paying off:
“Is this the best place to put my time and energy?”
It sounds simple, but this question helps you spot what’s not working, choose a better option, and get relief fast, without adding more to your plate.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
How to spot hidden time leaks in behavior battles, routines, and worry spirals
A simple reset that keeps you from overthinking the fix
How to get a quick win today, even when time and energy are limited
Send me your Quick Fix question, email me, or leave a voicemail on the website, and I might use it in a future episode.
OTHER RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Budgeting episode with Joe Oakley: https://www.petparenthotline.com/pet-bills-keep-surprising-you-heres-how-to-plan/
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
8 min
January 04Why Your Pet Resolutions Fail By Week 2
Ever hit January 10 and realize your pet routine resolution is already sliding? If you’ve promised yourself you'll focus on pet care - you’ll walk your dog more, train your cat, brush your pet’s teeth, or finally get consistent, and then real life blows it up, this episode is your reset. It’s not laziness, it’s a plan that was never realistic for your actual mornings.
In this solo New Year kickoff episode of The Pet Parent Hotline, I’m sharing what 15 years in rescue taught me about why pet care and pet parenting goals fall apart, and how to build a tiny Pet Plan that survives messy mornings, tired evenings, and a barking dog when you cannot find the leash. You’ll leave with one repeatable action you can start this week, plus a 60-second reset you can do tonight to make tomorrow easier.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
Why “walk more” and “be consistent” fail in real life, and what to do instead
How to shrink any pet goal into something you will actually repeat
How to anchor your habit, remove friction, and use a Plan B without quitting
Your next step if you want more help: send me your one-sentence Pet Plan. Email, DM, or leave a voicemail at petparenthotline.com.
CONNECT WITH ME - WEBSITE | petparenthotline.com

OTHER RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Don’t miss our monthly Pet Parent Power-Up bonus episode dropping Wednesday, January 7, on the one question you can ask yourself to protect your time and energy, and choose what’s actually worth your effort.
Your next step: send me your one-sentence Pet Plan. Email, DM, or leave a voicemail at petparenthotline.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
24 min
December 28, 2025 A Pet-Friendly Home That Still Looks Good
Love your pets but hate what they do to your house?
In this episode, award-winning designer Pamela O’Brien shares smart, practical pet-friendly home design tips to help you create a space that looks good, feels organized, and stands up to real life with pets. We cover everything from pet proof flooring and durable furniture fabrics to pet odor, clutter control, feeding station design, and the small upgrades that make your home easier to live in every day.
If you are tired of fur, mess, scratched floors, and a house that feels like it is being run by your pets, this conversation will help you build a home that feels stylish, comfortable, and actually manageable.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:
• The best flooring and fabrics for a pet-friendly home
• How to set up feeding stations, entryways, and storage that actually work
• Simple ways to reduce pet odor, manage wear and tear, and keep your home feeling pulled together
If you have ever avoided inviting people over because of fur, pet odor, or the general state of your house, this episode will help you take back your space without making your pets feel less at home.
CONNECT WITH PAMELA O’BRIEN
Website | PamelaHopeDesigns.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
45 min
December 21, 202510 Rescue-Tested Pet Essentials We Can’t Live Without
Stop Buying Useless Pet Care Supplies. Here’s What You Actually Need. Most “must-have" pet care supply lists focus on gimmicks and generic basics, missing the pet-care essentials that actually make daily life easier and safer.
You probably have the basics for pet care, like bowls and a bed, but in this episode, Amy Castro and Bev Brooks share 10 rescue-tested pet essentials they can’t live without, five dog essentials and five cat essentials, plus a few bonus items pulled from decades of real-world rescue and pet parenting. These are the same practical pet care supplies Amy recommends to adopters to help pets succeed once they’re home.

These aren’t trendy pet care products or influencer favorites. They’re simple tools that support safety, behavior, and day-to-day management, the kind of stuff you don’t think about until you really need it.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
The overlooked pet supplies that help you handle messes, stress, and unexpected situations
Why “boring” essentials often matter more than expensive gear
How the right setup prevents small issues from becoming bigger problems
Which pet supplies are worth buying, and which ones are not
Whether you’re shopping for a last-minute gift, building a new pet checklist, or realizing your current setup has gaps, the pet advice in this episode will help you stop wasting money on the wrong stuff.
If this episode made you think, “oh wow, I don’t have that,” please share it with one pet parent who might be buying all the wrong things.
PS- we don't name a bunch of specific brands in this episode, but we do mention the FURBO Pet Camera/Pet Nanny. Get more info about the Furbo Pet Camera's mentioned in the show! (note- if you buy a Furbo product from this link, it helps support the show!)
Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.
FURBO: The Trainer's Choice Pet Cameras
Designed for pets. See, talk, and toss treats to your pets from anywhere.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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
35 min
December 14, 2025 How to Get Through the Holidays When Facing Pet Loss
Why do the holidays feel so much heavier when you’ve lost a pet, or when you know a goodbye is coming soon?
If you’re finding yourself dreading traditions, avoiding gatherings, or feeling pressure to “hold it together,” this episode is for you.
Holiday pet grief can show up in unexpected ways, especially during a first holiday without your pet or when you’re living in that anticipatory space of knowing time with your pet is limited. In this conversation, licensed clinical social worker and author Nancy Gordon helps make sense of why this season hurts more and how to move through it with compassion instead of pressure.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
If you’re grieving a pet you’ve already lost:
• Why holidays intensify pet grief, even when you think you’re coping just fine
• How to prepare emotionally for gatherings so you’re not blindsided by questions or comments
• Ways to honor your pet without forcing traditions or “last moments” to be perfect
If you’re anticipating the loss of a pet:
• What anticipatory grief looks like and why it can quietly take over the season
• How to stay present with your pet and yourself without burning out emotionally
This episode is dedicated to Rosy, Debbie’s beloved dog, and to every pet parent navigating the holidays with a missing piece of their heart.
CONNECT WITH NANCY GORDON
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (858) 952-0936
Petworks.com to schedule a session with Nancy: Discounted first session.
Website: growbeyondgrief.com
Instagram devoted to pet loss and grief: @nancy.gordon.global
OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Listen to Nancy's first appearance on the show in 2023: "The Grief Before Goodbye: Preparing For Your Pet's Final Days"
Join us in The Pet Parent Hotline Insiders group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepetparenthotlineinsiders
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
December 07, 2025 Holiday Hazards 2.0: The Risks You Didn’t See Coming
Are you sure your home is holiday-ready, or are there hidden dangers that could land your pet at the emergency vet?
Most pet parents prep for the obvious hazards, but the real risks are the sneaky ones that slip in without you noticing. In this episode, veterinarian Dr. Zoo joins me for a walk-through of the surprising holiday danger zones, from toxic treats and vintage décor to medications tucked inside bags and purses. You’ll learn what early warning signs to watch for, why timing matters more than most people realize, and what to do the moment you suspect your pet got into something they shouldn’t.

To raise awareness of common, current-day hazards, we discuss a wide range of items and substances that may appear in homes during the holidays, including some that may be legal in some places and illegal in others. No matter where you live, anything intoxicating or medicinal should always be kept securely out of reach of pets.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• How to spot subtle early signs of toxicity before they escalate
• Why some holiday substances are dangerous long before symptoms show up
• What to do immediately if you find evidence your pet got into something
• The one resource every pet parent should save in their phone for emergencies

Holiday chaos is stressful enough without an emergency vet visit. This episode helps you catch problems early and keep the season safer for your pets.
CONNECT WITH DR. ZOO
Family Animal Hospital | Website
OTHER RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435
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
32 min
December 03, 2025 Set Boundaries With Pet-Complaining Guests | Pet Parent Power-Up
Do your holiday guests expect your pets to be quiet, invisible, or perfectly behaved on command?
If you have friends or family visiting who are not big pet lovers, it can put pressure on you and cause a lot of confusion for your pets. This "Pet Parent Power-Up" episode breaks down simple ways to keep the peace, protect your pets’ emotional safety, and avoid the uncomfortable moments that happen when visitors expect your animals to disappear.
A lot of pet parents feel guilty when guests complain about barking, hair, or normal pet behavior, but guilt leads to last-minute scrambling and stressed-out pets. You’ll learn how to set expectations, guide your guests, and prevent holiday chaos before it starts.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• How to set expectations with guests before they arrive
• Simple scripts that stop people from correcting or confusing your pets
• How to create a calm zone that reduces holiday stress for everyone

A little planning goes a long way toward keeping your holidays calm and keeping your pets happy, safe, and understood.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Don't Be THAT Person: How To Be a Great Houseguest When You Bring Your Pets Along
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
8 min
November 30, 2025 Is Your Child Really Ready for a Pet? 6 Signs You Can’t Ignore
Are you wondering whether your child is actually ready for a pet, or are they just deep in the “please please please” phase? Most parents hear “Can we get a dog?” on loop, but pet parenting isn’t as simple as saying yes. When kids aren’t truly ready for pet care, it can create pet behavior issues, safety concerns, and a whole lot of pet care stress for the adults.
In today’s episode, parenting expert and children’s book creator Dori Durbin joins me to break down six signs of true pet readiness so families can make confident decisions before bringing a new pet home. This conversation gives you practical pet help you can actually use, especially if you want to avoid common pet behavior problems in those early weeks.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:
• Emotional Control: Why kids need to regulate big feelings and excitement before adding a new pet to the family
• Respect for Boundaries: How understanding personal space and basic animal body language keeps kids and pets safe
• Realistic Responsibility: What age-appropriate pet care responsibility looks like and how to tell whether your child can consistently follow through with daily pet care
• Empathy: How helping kids connect a pet’s needs to real-life experiences builds long-term commitment and better pet behavior outcomes
• Handling Frustration With Support: Why kids must be able to manage frustration when pets don’t cooperate, especially during training or behavior hiccups
• Family Readiness: How family routine, stability, and financial capacity shape success more than your child’s excitement alone
If you’re trying to decide whether your child is ready for a dog or cat, this episode gives you clear pet advice, next steps, and practical ways to prepare your home for a calmer, safer experience with family pets.
CONNECT WITH DORI DURBIN
Website | www.doridurbin.com
Podcast | That’s Good Parenting: Episode with Amy on What Parents Should Know Before Getting a Pet
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
32 min
November 23, 2025Pet Bills Keep Surprising You? Here’s How to Plan
Every pet parent needs a realistic pet care plan, especially when pet care costs keep rising and surprise bills can blow up your budget fast. In this episode, we’re talking about budgeting for pets so you can plan for common expenses, stop reacting to every vet bill, food run, or last-minute cost, and feel more in control.
Most pet parents underestimate pet care costs because they do not track them, then feel stressed or guilty when money gets tight. In this conversation with Certified Financial Planner Joe Okaly, you'll learn simple pet cost hacks to treat pet expenses like any other recurring life cost, so you can be prepared, confident, and calm when bills arrive.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:
• The first step to get ahead of pet expenses without overwhelm
• How to choose a payment approach you can stick with, insurance, self-fund, or a mix
• Why “pay yourself first” works and how to automate a pet fund even on a budget to prepare for routine vet visits and even emergency vet trips
• A quick annual checkup routine to adjust your plan as your pet ages
Our challenge for you: Set up one automatic transfer today, even $5, into a separate “Pet Care Fund” account and rename it so you will not touch it.And hey! We want to know how you're doing, so share one small change you are making after this episode inside the Pet Parent Hotline Insiders Facebook Group to help other listeners do the same.
CONNECT WITH JOE
Insta:https://www.instagram.com/joe.okaly.finance/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571485276280
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-p-okaly-733b6b90/
Resources: www.thefinancialpinwheel.com
New Horizons Wealth Management:www.nhwmllc.com
Get Joe's Book:https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Pinwheel-Building-Perpetual-Machine-ebook/dp/B0DJG2FH3L
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
31 min