What makes a service dog a lifeline for veterans and first responders?

In this powerful episode, Amy Castro is joined by Joe Gionti, CEO of K9 Heroes 4 Heroes, to explore how service dogs are changing lives for trauma survivors. From PTSD to physical injury, these dogs are trained to support and empower those who’ve served on the front lines—without charging them a penny.

Joe shares what makes the match between dog and recipient so important, how K9 Heroes 4 Heroes selects and trains its dogs, and how everyday people can help make a difference through support, awareness, and compassion.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• How service dogs are trained to meet the specific needs of veterans and first responders
• Why the bond between dog and handler is central to healing
• How to support this mission—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.

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with a pet parent living with chaos and leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free guide: 10 Tips for Bonding With Your Pet

Please support the show here!

Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real problems with practical pet care advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money on pet food at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easier, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households running smoothly. We also share expert tips for pet budgeting, managing dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and keeping your home clean with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need, so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 by Amy Castro

Would you be able to cover a $5,000 emergency vet bill today?

In this episode, Amy Castro talks with Kristin Lynch, Executive Director of the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), about how pet insurance can help protect both your finances and your pet's life when unexpected medical costs arise.

They explain the types of coverage available, how pricing varies based on species, breed, and age, and why enrolling early matters.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• What pet insurance covers and what it doesn’t
• Why so many pet parents delay coverage until it’s too late
• How to find a plan that fits your pet and your budget

SHOUTOUTS IN THIS EPISODE:
NAPHIA Pet Insurance Finder
USAA Pet Insurance

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.

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with a pet parent living with chaos and leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free guide: 10 Tips for Bonding With Your Pet

Please support the show here!

Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real problems with practical pet care advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money on pet food at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easier, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households running smoothly. We also share expert tips for pet budgeting, managing dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and keeping your home clean with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need, so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 by Amy Castro

Think your pet’s microchip is keeping them safe? It might not be.

In this episode, Amy Castro talks with Dr. Matt Goetz, DVM, MBA from Merck Animal Health, the company behind HomeAgain microchips, to reveal what most pet parents don’t realize about microchipping. From missing registrations to false assumptions about collars and tags, this conversation will change how you think about pet safety.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• Why collars and tags aren’t enough to protect your pet
• What makes a microchip useless and how to fix it
• Simple steps to make sure your pet can always find their way home

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.

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with a pet parent living with chaos and leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free guide: 10 Tips for Bonding With Your Pet

Please support the show here!

Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real problems with practical pet care advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money on pet food at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easier, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households running smoothly. We also share expert tips for pet budgeting, managing dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and keeping your home clean with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need, so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 by Amy Castro

Could your holiday celebrations put your pets in danger?

In this festive and essential episode, Amy Castro teams up with emergency veterinarian Dr. Tyler Sugerman-McGiffin to share practical ways to protect your pets during the holidays. From dangerous foods and décor to managing loud guests and fireworks, you’ll learn how to keep your pets safe, calm, and comfortable all season long.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• The top hidden holiday dangers that could harm your pet
• How to prepare a stress-free space for your pet during celebrations
• What to do if your pet eats something they shouldn’t

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.

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with a pet parent living with chaos and leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free guide: 10 Tips for Bonding With Your Pet

Please support the show here!

Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real problems with practical pet care advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money on pet food at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easier, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households running smoothly. We also share expert tips for pet budgeting, managing dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and keeping your home clean with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need, so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 by Amy Castro

Not sure who should care for your pet while you're away?

In this episode, Amy Castro teams up with veterinarian Dr. Aresue Shokrollahi-McClain (aka Dr. Zoo) to explore the pros and cons of hiring a pet sitter versus using a boarding facility. They break down what matters most when deciding—your pet’s needs, your travel plans, and the quality of care available.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• The biggest differences between sitters and boarding facilities
• Key questions to ask before trusting someone with your pet
• How to reduce anxiety and prepare your pet for time apart

COMMENT ON THIS EPISODE:
Have thoughts or questions? Email 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. Don’t worry, you’re in the right place.

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with a pet parent living with chaos and leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free guide: 10 Tips for Bonding With Your Pet

Please support the show here!

Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real problems with practical pet care advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money on pet food at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easier, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households running smoothly. We also share expert tips for pet budgeting, managing dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and keeping your home clean with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need, so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 by Amy Castro

Planning to bring your pet along for an overnight visit for the holidays or any time?

In this episode, Amy Castro is joined by master trainer Connie Archer from Barkbusters Home Dog Training in Houston to share must-know strategies for staying at someone else’s home with your pet. Whether it’s a weekend with the in-laws or a weeklong family gathering, you’ll learn how to make the experience smoother for your host, your pet, and yourself.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• How to know if your pet is truly a good fit for a multi-day visit
• Tips for introducing your pet to a new home and household rules
• How to reduce stress, prepare a backup plan, and know when it’s time to head home

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.

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with a pet parent living with chaos and leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free guide: 10 Tips for Bonding With Your Pet

Please support the show here!

Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real problems with practical pet care advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money on pet food at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easier, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households running smoothly. We also share expert tips for pet budgeting, managing dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and keeping your home clean with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need, so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 by Amy Castro

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.

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with a pet parent living with chaos and leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free guide: 10 Tips for Bonding With Your Pet

Please support the show here!

Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real problems with practical pet care advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money on pet food at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easier, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households running smoothly. We also share expert tips for pet budgeting, managing dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and keeping your home clean with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need, so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 by Amy Castro

Can mushrooms really help with your pet’s allergies, anxiety, or immune issues?

In this enlightening episode, Amy Castro chats with Dr. Rob Silver, veterinarian and expert in herbal medicine, to explore the growing field of medicinal mushrooms for pets. You’ll learn how natural remedies like reishi, chaga, and Lion’s Mane are being used to support common pet health concerns—and why many conventional vets may not yet be aware of their benefits.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• Which mushrooms are best for calming anxiety, fighting allergies, and boosting immunity
• What to look for in mushroom supplements to avoid cheap or ineffective products
• How to start the conversation with your vet about integrating holistic care

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.

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with a pet parent living with chaos and leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free guide: 10 Tips for Bonding With Your Pet

Please support the show here!

Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real problems with practical pet care advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money on pet food at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easier, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households running smoothly. We also share expert tips for pet budgeting, managing dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and keeping your home clean with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need, so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 by Amy Castro

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.

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with a pet parent living with chaos and leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free guide: 10 Tips for Bonding With Your Pet

Please support the show here!

Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real problems with practical pet care advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money on pet food at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easier, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households running smoothly. We also share expert tips for pet budgeting, managing dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and keeping your home clean with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need, so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 by Amy Castro

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.

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with a pet parent living with chaos and leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free guide: 10 Tips for Bonding With Your Pet

Please support the show here!

Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real problems with practical pet care advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money on pet food at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easier, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households running smoothly. We also share expert tips for pet budgeting, managing dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and keeping your home clean with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need, so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 by Amy Castro