Trying to save money on grooming? Whether you’ve got a dog or a cat, this episode will give you DIY dog grooming tips for beginners, and help you figure out what you can safely and confidently do at home versus what’s better left to the professionals so you can stop overpaying for grooming. 

Amy talks with Liz Hampton, Director of Grooming and Education at Fluffology, who brings more than 30 years of experience as a National Certified Master Groomer. Liz shares pet cost hacks that will help pet parents make smart grooming decisions that keep pets comfortable, healthy, and stress-free - without spending a fortune.

Together, they break down where you can save $ by DIY grooming, the mistakes that can end up costing more in the long run, and the tools and habits that make home grooming easier and safer for both dogs and cats.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• Why grooming is about more than looks and how it impacts your pet's health        • Which dog and cat grooming tasks are safe and best to handle at home
• When professional grooming is worth the investment
• DIY dog grooming tips for beginners, including tools and techniques that make at-home grooming less stressful
• How to save money without sacrificing your pet’s comfort or safety

Whether you’re trimming nails, brushing out mats, or stretching time between visits to the groomer, you’ll walk away with practical steps to build a grooming routine that fits your lifestyle and your pet’s needs.

CONNECT WITH LIZ HAMPTON
Fluffology | [Website: https://fluffology.com/] | [Instagram: @fluffology_la]

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Pet Parent Hotline Insiders Group: facebook.com/groups/thepetparenthotlineinsiders

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 crate training is as simple as putting your dog in the crate and calling it a night? That’s the biggest reason it fails.

Crate training isn’t instant. It’s a step-by-step process that builds your dog’s trust and confidence over time. Rush it, and you’ll end up with whining, accidents, or full-blown crate panic.

In this episode, I’m joined by Ruth Hegarty, multi-certified dog trainer and behavior expert, to share real pet parenting advice that actually works. Together, we’ll walk through how to crate train the right way -- calm, consistent, and stress-free. You’ll learn when to move forward, when to slow down, and how to make the crate your dog’s favorite spot in the house.

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

• The #1 rookie mistake that makes crate training fail fast
• How to use treats, toys, and routines to build positive associations
• A simple progression to increase crate time without stress or setbacks

Crate training done right isn’t about control. It’s about creating a predictable, peaceful space where your dog feels safe and you can finally exhale.

If you’re ready for expert pet advice that cuts through the chaos and helps you manage your pet’s behavior without guilt or overwhelm, this episode’s for you.

CONNECT WITH RUTH HEGARTY
 Website | Creature Good Dog Training

PRODUCTS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Furbo Pet Camera
• DogTV
• Wagnific

CRATES WE RECOMMEND: Impact Dog Crates (we get a small commission on every sale that helps keep this show advertising free!)

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

Confused about which crate is right for your dog? With so many sizes, styles, and price points, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and to end up wasting time and money on the wrong crate for your dog. The right crate isn’t just about convenience. It’s about safety, comfort, and setting your dog up for success.

In this episode, I'm chatting with Expert Dog Trainer Ruth Hegarty of Creature Good Dog Training. Together, we share real pet parenting advice to help you confidently choose the best crate for your dog’s size, age, and behavior needs, without overspending or second-guessing your choice.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• The simple sizing rule to make sure your crate actually fits your dog
• The pros and cons of wire, plastic, and furniture-style crates
• Pet cost hacks and budget-friendly tips to find the right crate without wasting money

Because the right setup doesn’t just make life easier for you, it creates a calmer, safer space for your dog and helps prevent future pet parenting struggles.

If you’re ready for expert pet advice that saves you money, builds your confidence, and keeps your pet happy, this episode is your guide.

CONTACT RUTH: https://www.creaturegooddogtraining.com/

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:  Some of the links below may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it helps keep the show AD FREE.

Impact Dog Crates: 25% off when you use this link

Budget friendly and great quality bed/pad options:

Majestic Pet Products

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

Understanding cat litter box issues is one of the top problems cat owners face. 

You think your litter box setup is fine, yet your cat is still peeing on the bath mat or worse, on your bed!  

In this episode, I share expert pet advice and reveal the six “everybody knows” rules cat parents accidentally break and how small, practical changes in cat care can stop cat anxiety and outside-the-box accidents for good.

You’ll learn why health issues always come first, what “clean” really means to a cat, how litter box size and placement impact success, and when the litter itself might be the problem.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:
• The health-first rule  and why medical causes should always be ruled out first
• The cleaning, size, and placement tweaks most cat parents miss
• How to choose litter your cat will actually use, and when it’s time to add another box

These real pet parenting insights will help you manage pet behavior, reduce cat anxiety, minimize your pet parenting struggles, and apply simple hacks that keep your cat happy without breaking your budget.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Get your FREE guide,  25 Litter Box Tips to Keep Your Cat Happily Using Their Litter Box . This tip sheet also includes bonus tips for understanding cat litter box issues and keeping cats going in their litter boxes and not on your bed (or rugs, or laundry...).

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 getting a puppy or kitten for your preschooler? It might look adorable on social media, but in real life it’s often a recipe for stress, safety risks, and heartbreak.

Well-meaning parents often believe getting a pet will teach their child responsibility or help them “grow up together and bond better,” but in rescue we’ve seen those myths lead to injured pets, injured kids, heartbreaking surrenders, and even euthanasia. The truth is, kids under 5 face the highest dog bite risk, pets are easily hurt by rough handling, and family pet safety is at stake when the timing isn’t right. That’s why many rescues, including mine, don’t adopt out to families with very young children. Today I’m sharing the five big reasons why waiting is the better choice and why the "best age to get a pet for kids" is a bigger decision than most parents think.

This episode dives into real pet parenting challenges, and gives you expert pet advice you won’t find in social media myths. From understanding managing pet behavior with young kids, to the long-term pet parenting struggles families face when timing is off, I’ll help you see the bigger picture. You’ll also hear pet advice on safer, positive ways to nurture your child’s love of animals until the time is right.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:
• Why kids under 5 simply can’t manage the responsibility of pet care, no matter how “responsible” they seem
• How young children unintentionally put themselves and pets at risk, and what every parent should know about dog bite risk
• The developmental mismatch that makes “growing up together” with a puppy or kitten a dangerous myth
• How one negative early experience can shape a child or pet for life
• Safer, positive ways to nurture your child’s love of animals until the time is right—and how to decide the best age to get a pet for kids

If you’ve ever thought about getting a pet for your young child, or know someone who is, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss. It’s all about real pet parenting solutions—the kind of expert pet advice that keeps families and pets safe.

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

Is crating your dog cruel, or could it actually be one of the kindest things you do for them? Many pet parents picture their pup feeling trapped or lonely, so they avoid crates altogether. But when used the right way, a crate can become your dog’s safe space — and one of the most useful tools in your pet parenting toolbox.

In this episode, I break down 5 major benefits of crating your dog. You’ll hear why it’s about more than house training, and how the right approach can bring calm, comfort, and safety to both you and your pup.

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

• Why crates give dogs a sense of safety and calm
• How they make travel and emergencies easier to manage
• The surprising ways crating benefits both you and your dog’s daily life

Crating your dog should never be about punishment. When introduced responsibly, it creates comfort, structure, and peace of mind for your dog — and makes life easier for you.

LOOKING FOR A GREAT CRATE?
I didn’t mention brands in the episode because I wanted to stay focused on the why behind crating, but one of my personal go-to recommendations is  Impact Dog Crates. They’re definitely an investment, but they’re built to last and designed with safety and security in mind. The model I use is the folding/portable version, and I’ve found it works especially well for dogs who are fearful and need a quiet retreat, as well as for dogs that have managed to injure themselves in other types of crates. (And full disclosure, if you decide to purchase through my link, I do receive a small commission.) 

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 at the end of your rope with your dog’s behavior, but not sure if it’s time to hire a professional dog trainer, or worried about picking the wrong one?

You’re not alone. The dog training world can feel like the Wild West. With no regulations, conflicting advice, and plenty of flashy websites, it’s hard to know who’s truly qualified to help. Choosing the wrong dog trainer can waste your money, make your dog’s behavior worse, escalate dog aggression problems, and damage the trust between you and your pet.

That’s why in this episode, I’m joined by Bradley Phifer, professional dog trainer, behavior consultant, and Executive Director of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. With 17 years of experience, Bradley breaks down what really matters when hiring a dog trainer, how to know when it’s time to get help when you've run out of dog training tips of your own, and red flags that should send you running.

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

• Why waiting until there’s a “big problem” is the wrong time to call a trainer
• The surprising ways a trainer can help you before you even bring a dog home
• How to tell if a trainer is actually qualified and what credentials mean (and don’t mean)
• How to choose the right trainer for your dogs needs, from basic puppy training to dealing with dog aggression
• The red flags that signal outdated or harmful dog training methods
• How to get the most out of your relationship with a dog trainer for the life of your dog

Know someone who just got a new dog or is even thinking about it? Share this episode with them so they can avoid the stress, frustration, and wasted money that comes from hiring the wrong dog trainer.

CONNECT WITH BRADLEY PHIFER: www.bradleyphifer.com

OTHER RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW:

https://www.fetchtheanswer.com 

https://www.ccpdt.org

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

That friendly, purring shelter cat you fell in love with can sometimes turn into a ghost or even a hissy ball of nerves the moment you get them home. It’s not rejection. It’s survival mode. And how you handle those first few days sets the tone for your entire relationship. Even if you don't have a cat, many aspects of these steps toward acclimating a new pet to your home would apply to dogs, birds, and other species of pets to reduce stress and make their transition easier on them. 

In this episode, I share my CATS Method, a four-step approach for new cat care you can put in place before your new cat ever walks through the door. These steps create safety, reduce stress, and lay the foundation for a bond built on trust. 

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

•  How to set up a safe zone that makes your cat feel secure
•  Simple adjustments to your cat care routine that help your home feel familiar, not frightening
•  Why trusting your cat’s timeline builds stronger, lasting trust
•  The best way to support your cat without overwhelming them
•  Give your new cat the right start, and you’ll gain not just a pet, but a confident, affectionate companion who feels at home with you for years to come.

GET THE CATS METHOD DOWNLOAD AND HAVE A STRESS-FREE TRANSITION WHEN BRINGING YOUR NEW CAT HOME: petparenthotline.com/bringinghomekitty 

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

Do you feel like no matter how much you clean, your home still smells like pets and looks like a fur factory? You’re not alone!

In this episode, I’m joined by Tracy Fosterling, pet foster mom and social media favorite, to break down simple, realistic cleaning habits that actually work when you live with pets. Forget the overwhelming deep-clean weekends and the guilt over what your home “should” look like—we’re getting practical.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• How to stop pet odors before they start (without masking them)
• The key daily habits that keep fur and mess from taking over
• Smart product swaps that save time, money, and your sanity

If you’ve been drowning in pet mess and wondering if you’ll ever get ahead of it, this episode is your permission slip to finally create a clean, calm home you and your pets can enjoy.

FOLLOW TRACY OR REACH OUT: 

On Insta: https://www.instagram.com/tfo300/

On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tracyfosterling

Get your two FREE Guides mentioned in the episode: The Pet Parent Cleaning Schedule & 101 Cleaning Hacks: petparenthotline.com/cleanup

Products mentioned in this show: Germ Guardian Air Purifier, KOE- Kennel Odor Eliminator, Black and Decker Dustbuster. 

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 tired of feeling like you need a second job just to buy pet food? 

You're not alone. Prices keep climbing, and if you’ve ever stood in the pet food aisle at the pet store doing mental math and wondering what bill to skip this week, this episode on pet food savings and pet cost hacks is for you.

I’m breaking down six smart, realistic pet cost hacks to save money on pet food without cutting corners on quality. These are the exact pet food savings strategies I’ve used with my own pets, my foster pets, and shared with adopters who want to feed their pets well without draining their bank accounts.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• How to buy in bulk without wasting a dime on spoiled food
• The auto-ship trick that saves money without creating a stockpile disaster
• What to look for on food labels so you stop paying premium prices for cheap fillers
• How to rotate proteins for savings and better nutrition
• Simple portion and storage hacks that stop you from literally throwing money away
• The safe, healthy human foods that stretch your pet food budget further than you think

Trying to save money on pet food and feeding your pets well doesn’t have to feel impossible. A few pet cost hacks and pet savings hacks can mean big savings at the pet store for you and healthier meals for your pets.

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