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 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

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 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

Thinking about bringing your dog or cat to stay in someone else’s home — whether it’s the holidays, a weekend with the in-laws, or a family trip? Before you pack the food bowl and leash, listen to this episode first.

Amy Castro teams up with master trainer Connie Archer from Barkbusters Home Dog Training in Houston to share practical, expert pet advice for making houseguest visits smoother for everyone involved. From managing pet behavior to cat care challenges in a new environment, you’ll learn how to keep stress low, avoid common mistakes, and know when it’s better to leave your pet at home.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• How to tell if your pet is truly a good fit for a multi-day stay
• Smart tips for introducing pets to a new home and household rules
• Pet parenting hacks to reduce stress and prepare a backup plan
• When it’s time to cut the visit short for everyone’s sanity

Pet parenting struggles don’t take a vacation. This episode gives you real pet parenting strategies for being a great houseguest with your pet so your host, your pet, and you can all enjoy the experience.

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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 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 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

Ever wondered if your dog has what it takes to become a therapy dog?

In this uplifting episode, Amy Castro sits down with Sandy Weaver, a therapy dog expert and professional trainer, to unpack what really goes into therapy dog work. From how dogs are chosen and trained, to the powerful emotional connections they build, you’ll learn what it takes to be part of this life-changing work—for both dogs and their humans.

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

• What makes a great therapy dog and how to know if your dog is a fit
• Why the bond between dog and handler is critical to success
• How therapy dogs bring comfort, connection, and healing in schools, hospitals, workplaces, and beyond

SHOUTOUTS IN THIS EPISODE:
R.E.A.D. Program
CAREing Paws
Center for Workplace Happiness

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 happens when a neglected dog finally finds someone who sees his worth?

In this episode, Amy Castro sits down with Mayson Zimmermann to share the emotional journey of rescuing Kaiser, a neglected dog who defied the odds. From heartbreak to healing, this story showcases what’s possible when compassion, patience, and dedication come together to give a dog a second chance.

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

• The turning point that brought Kaiser into rescue and what it took to earn his trust
• How understanding breed traits can help rehabilitate dogs with difficult pasts
• Why one person’s belief in a dog can change both of their lives forever

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

Curious about getting a rabbit, bird, turtle—or even a snake?

In this episode, Amy Castro sits down with veteran veterinarian Dr. Linda Atkins to explore what it really takes to care for small pets. From creating safe habitats to understanding species-specific needs, this is your go-to guide for making smart, informed decisions before bringing one home.

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

• What to know before adding a rabbit, bird, reptile, or turtle to your home
• How to set up the right space, diet, and environment for your small pet to thrive
• Why even low-maintenance pets need high-quality care and attention

SHOUTOUTS IN THIS EPISODE:
Valley Cottage Animal Hospital

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