Thinking about bringing home a bunny? Here’s what most people get wrong.

In this eye-opening episode, Amy Castro speaks with Marcy Berman, founder of Save a Bunny Rabbit Rescue, to reveal the often misunderstood truth about rabbits as pets. From spaying and neutering to behavioral quirks, medical needs, and the real cost of care, this episode is a must-listen for anyone considering adding a rabbit to their home—or wanting to better care for the one they already have.

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

• Why rabbits are not low-maintenance or “starter” pets
• The serious health risks of skipping spay/neuter procedures
• How to tell if you’re truly ready to commit to a rabbit—and what to do instead if you’re not

CONNECT WITH SAVE A BUNNY RABBIT RESCUE
Website: saveabunny.org
Facebook: facebook.com/SaveABunny

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 someone navigating the chaos of pet parenting, and please leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet advice they need.

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

Pet parenting gets overwhelming fast, especially with behavior issues, rising costs, and conflicting advice. This show gives you pet care solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use right away.

Each week brings clear pet parenting advice plus expert guidance on dog and cat behavior, dog training, nutrition, stress free vet visits, and routines that make life easier. We also tackle issues like cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, hidden hazards, and how to stay ahead of the everyday problems that create stress for pets and their people.

No fluff, no guilt, just practical tools that save money and help you enjoy a calmer home and life with pets.

Follow so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

Are you giving your pet everything they need to truly thrive?

In Part 2 of our series with UK veterinarian and animal welfare advocate Dr. Emma Milne, Amy Castro explores the final two of the five legally recognized pet welfare needs. These last two, companionship and the ability to express natural behavior, often go overlooked but have the greatest impact on your pet’s quality of life.

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

• Why social connection (or solitude) matters depending on the species
• How preventing natural behaviors can lead to stress, boredom, and behavior problems
• What to ask yourself before bringing a new pet into your home
• Why focusing only on lifespan could be hurting your pet’s overall well-being

CONNECT WITH DR. EMMA MILNE
Website: https://www.emmathevet.co.uk/

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 someone navigating the chaos of pet parenting, and please leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet advice they need.

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

Pet parenting gets overwhelming fast, especially with behavior issues, rising costs, and conflicting advice. This show gives you pet care solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use right away.

Each week brings clear pet parenting advice plus expert guidance on dog and cat behavior, dog training, nutrition, stress free vet visits, and routines that make life easier. We also tackle issues like cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, hidden hazards, and how to stay ahead of the everyday problems that create stress for pets and their people.

No fluff, no guilt, just practical tools that save money and help you enjoy a calmer home and life with pets.

Follow so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

Are you meeting all 5 of your pet’s welfare needs—or just the basics?

In this powerful first episode of a two-part series, Amy Castro teams up with renowned UK veterinarian and animal welfare advocate Dr. Emma Milne to explore the often-overlooked foundations of pet care. In this episode, they tackle the first three of the five legally recognized animal welfare needs and how they apply to everyday pet parenting.

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

• What “proper nutrition” really means—and why most pet food isn’t enough
• How to prevent pain, illness, and injury through proactive care
• How to create an environment that supports your pet’s physical and emotional wellbeing

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll explore the final two needs: companionship and the ability to express natural behaviors.

CONNECT WITH DR. EMMA MILNE
Website: https://www.emmathevet.co.uk/

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 someone navigating the chaos of pet parenting, and please leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet advice they need.

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

Pet parenting gets overwhelming fast, especially with behavior issues, rising costs, and conflicting advice. This show gives you pet care solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use right away.

Each week brings clear pet parenting advice plus expert guidance on dog and cat behavior, dog training, nutrition, stress free vet visits, and routines that make life easier. We also tackle issues like cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, hidden hazards, and how to stay ahead of the everyday problems that create stress for pets and their people.

No fluff, no guilt, just practical tools that save money and help you enjoy a calmer home and life with pets.

Follow so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

Want to be a better pet parent this year—but not sure where to start?

In this playful and practical kickoff to Season 2, Amy Castro and Bev share 10 powerful resolutions every pet parent should consider. Whether you’ve made your list or need a few fresh ideas, this episode offers simple, meaningful ways to improve your pet’s health, happiness, and everyday life.

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

• How to create a proactive wellness plan with vet care, grooming, and hygiene
• Easy ways to boost your pet’s physical and mental health through play, training, and enrichment
• Why social time, safe spaces, and emergency plans matter more than you think

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 someone navigating the chaos of pet parenting, and please leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet advice they need.

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

Pet parenting gets overwhelming fast, especially with behavior issues, rising costs, and conflicting advice. This show gives you pet care solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use right away.

Each week brings clear pet parenting advice plus expert guidance on dog and cat behavior, dog training, nutrition, stress free vet visits, and routines that make life easier. We also tackle issues like cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, hidden hazards, and how to stay ahead of the everyday problems that create stress for pets and their people.

No fluff, no guilt, just practical tools that save money and help you enjoy a calmer home and life with pets.

Follow so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

Hey there!
In this episode, you’ll hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk—that’s what we called it before we decided to embrace the fur, mess, and mayhem. Don’t worry, you’re in the right place for Muddy Paws and Hairballs—same great content, just with a name that fits! - Amy

Wrapping up Season 1, Amy and Bev journey through your favorite episodes & theirs. We laughed, learned, and built a community around our love for pets. Looking ahead, Season 2 will bring even more enlightening content to support pet parents. We're not just here to guide you through the challenges of pet ownership; we're here to celebrate the joyous, tough, and funny sides of life with our animal companions. Join us as we continue this incredible journey, sharing stories and strategies to help create happier, healthier lives for pets and those who love them.

• Are You Feeding Your Pet the Right Food? 
• Top 20 Favorite Pet Products Every Pet Parent Must Have
• The Lifesaving Importance of Microchipping Your Pets
• Fostering Saves Lives: Why You Should Consider Becoming a Pet Foster
• The Truth About Service Dogs and How Fakes Hurt Everyone
• How a Passion for Pets Became a Pet Business With Impact
• Rescuing Kaiser: A Tale of Dedication, Recovery, and Love
• How to Choose the Right Shelter Dog for You
• Myths and Truths About Mutts and Purebred Dogs
• Navigating Pet Loss and Grief

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with someone navigating the chaos of pet parenting, and please leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet advice they need.

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

Pet parenting gets overwhelming fast, especially with behavior issues, rising costs, and conflicting advice. This show gives you pet care solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use right away.

Each week brings clear pet parenting advice plus expert guidance on dog and cat behavior, dog training, nutrition, stress free vet visits, and routines that make life easier. We also tackle issues like cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, hidden hazards, and how to stay ahead of the everyday problems that create stress for pets and their people.

No fluff, no guilt, just practical tools that save money and help you enjoy a calmer home and life with pets.

Follow so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

Hey there!
In this episode, you’ll hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk—that’s what we called it before we decided to embrace the fur, mess, and mayhem. Don’t worry, you’re in the right place for Muddy Paws and Hairballs—same great content, just with a name that fits! - Amy

To help you get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through our debut season of Starlight Pet Talk, this quick episode gives you a preview of what to expect when we go LIVE for a final, special episode of Starlight Pet Talk on Thursday, December 21st, at 6 pm Central Standard Time here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1185201876196088

Your unparalleled support has made this first season memorable, and we can't wait to revisit it with you. From around the world, your love for animals has expanded our Starlight Outreach and Rescue family and amplified our mission to enlighten pet parents.

Don't forget to join us 12/21, LIVE at the Rescue Ranch in Alvin, Texas, when my bestie Bev and I rehash our first season, share listeners' top 3 favorite episodes, share our own, take you behind the scenes to funny and stressful moments, and more! Don’t miss this heartwarming episode where we share this special moment with our Starlight family.

If you haven't voted for your favorite episode, you can do that now at: https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/qfCsQk

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with someone navigating the chaos of pet parenting, and please leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet advice they need.

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

Pet parenting gets overwhelming fast, especially with behavior issues, rising costs, and conflicting advice. This show gives you pet care solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use right away.

Each week brings clear pet parenting advice plus expert guidance on dog and cat behavior, dog training, nutrition, stress free vet visits, and routines that make life easier. We also tackle issues like cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, hidden hazards, and how to stay ahead of the everyday problems that create stress for pets and their people.

No fluff, no guilt, just practical tools that save money and help you enjoy a calmer home and life with pets.

Follow so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

Caught in the middle of the “Adopt Don’t Shop” debate? Here’s what you really need to know before getting your next dog.

In this balanced and thought-provoking episode, Amy Castro sits down with AKC judge and Siberian Husky expert Sandy Weaver to unpack the tension between rescuing dogs and buying from breeders. They explore the truth behind mixed breed rescue dogs vs. purebreds, decode the doodle craze, and share expert tips for finding a responsible breeder, so you can make the best decision for your family and your future pet.

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

• Common myths about rescue dogs and purebred pups
• How to evaluate breeders and red flags to avoid
• What to consider before bringing home your next dog, from lifestyle to long-term care

SHOUTOUTS IN THIS EPISODE:
American Kennel Club (AKC)
Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
Embark Dog DNA Testing

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 someone navigating the chaos of pet parenting, and please leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet advice they need.

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

Pet parenting gets overwhelming fast, especially with behavior issues, rising costs, and conflicting advice. This show gives you pet care solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use right away.

Each week brings clear pet parenting advice plus expert guidance on dog and cat behavior, dog training, nutrition, stress free vet visits, and routines that make life easier. We also tackle issues like cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, hidden hazards, and how to stay ahead of the everyday problems that create stress for pets and their people.

No fluff, no guilt, just practical tools that save money and help you enjoy a calmer home and life with pets.

Follow so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

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 someone navigating the chaos of pet parenting, and please leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet advice they need.

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

Pet parenting gets overwhelming fast, especially with behavior issues, rising costs, and conflicting advice. This show gives you pet care solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use right away.

Each week brings clear pet parenting advice plus expert guidance on dog and cat behavior, dog training, nutrition, stress free vet visits, and routines that make life easier. We also tackle issues like cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, hidden hazards, and how to stay ahead of the everyday problems that create stress for pets and their people.

No fluff, no guilt, just practical tools that save money and help you enjoy a calmer home and life with pets.

Follow so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

Worried about the rising cost of caring for your pet? You’re not alone.
 In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Wainberg, Senior VP of Synchrony Financial Services’ Pet Business, to talk about how pet parents can prepare for unexpected costs and avoid financial panic when their pets need care most.

We dig into the real numbers behind vet bills and the simple pet cost hacks that help you stay ahead of expenses instead of scrambling after the fact. From smarter budgeting to understanding tools like pet insurance, CareCredit, and nonprofit support, Jonathan shares practical, no-fluff advice to protect both your wallet and your pet’s health.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
 • What most pet parents don’t expect when it comes to healthcare costs
 • How to budget for routine and emergency care
 • Which tools can ease financial pressure and when to use them

You’ll also learn how breed-specific needs, vet relationships, and advance planning can help you stay ahead of costs and give your pet the care they deserve without unnecessary stress . . . all with a few proactive pet cost hacks that make a real difference.

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 someone navigating the chaos of pet parenting, and please leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet advice they need.

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

Pet parenting gets overwhelming fast, especially with behavior issues, rising costs, and conflicting advice. This show gives you pet care solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use right away.

Each week brings clear pet parenting advice plus expert guidance on dog and cat behavior, dog training, nutrition, stress free vet visits, and routines that make life easier. We also tackle issues like cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, hidden hazards, and how to stay ahead of the everyday problems that create stress for pets and their people.

No fluff, no guilt, just practical tools that save money and help you enjoy a calmer home and life with pets.

Follow so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 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 someone navigating the chaos of pet parenting, and please leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet advice they need.

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

Pet parenting gets overwhelming fast, especially with behavior issues, rising costs, and conflicting advice. This show gives you pet care solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use right away.

Each week brings clear pet parenting advice plus expert guidance on dog and cat behavior, dog training, nutrition, stress free vet visits, and routines that make life easier. We also tackle issues like cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, hidden hazards, and how to stay ahead of the everyday problems that create stress for pets and their people.

No fluff, no guilt, just practical tools that save money and help you enjoy a calmer home and life with pets.

Follow so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro