Shows / The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
You love your pets. But sometimes, living with them is a lot.From behavior and training struggles to pet health, nutrition, vet decisions, rising costs, constant mess, and the everyday chaos of sharing your home with animals, The Pet Parent Hotline helps you figure out what actually matters and what to do next.You got a pet to make life better, not to lose sleep, drain your bank account, second-guess every decision, or feel like you’re failing at something that was supposed to bring you…
Episodes
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
The Hardest Goodbye: Why In-Home Euthanasia Is Kinder
Facing the end of your pet’s life and unsure how to make it peaceful and meaningful?Many pet parents struggle with how to honor their pet’s final chapter while…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Found A Litter Of Kittens? Here’s What To Do First
Not sure what to do when you stumble on a litter of kittens?Every spring, well-meaning people rush to “rescue” kittens they stumble across who may not need…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
End-Of-Life Pet Photos: Why You’ll Be Glad You Did It
Ever wish you had more meaningful photos of your pet, especially near the end? A lot of pet parents don’t think about it until the final days hit, then they…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Special-Needs Pet Care: The Reality and the Reward
Ever wonder what life really looks like after your pet gets a serious diagnosis? A chronic illness like diabetes doesn’t just change your pet’s routine, it…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Mission K9 Heroes: Reuniting Working Dogs With Their Handlers
What happens to working dogs after their service ends?Most people don’t think about what happens to military and police dogs once they’re retired, but they…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Dog Owner Etiquette: Big Mistakes Everyone Notices
Ever feel like taking your dog out in public turns into chaos, side-eyes, and stress?Most “bad dog” moments are really people problems, like using too much…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Resource Guarding: Why It Gets Worse Fast
Is your dog growling over food, toys, the couch, or even you? Resource guarding usually doesn’t start as a big, dramatic moment; it starts small, and most pet…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
From Intake to Adoption: A Rescue Cat’s Journey
Ever wonder what life is really like for a cat in a rescue or shelter?In this behind-the-scenes episode, Amy Castro takes you through a day in the life of a…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
From Intake to Adoption: A Rescue Dog’s Journey
What’s it really like for a dog living in a rescue or shelter?In this eye-opening episode, Amy Castro is joined by Donna Ball of Ranger’s Reach to reveal what…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Thinking About Getting a Bunny? What No One Warns You About
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…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
5 Pet Needs Most Homes Miss, The Next Level (Part 2)
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…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
5 Pet Needs Most Homes Miss, The Basics (Part 1)
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…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
10 Pet Parent Habits for a Healthier, Happier Year
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…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Season 1 Live Finale: The Best Moments, Biggest Lessons
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…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Sneak Peek: The LIVE Season Finale
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…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Adopt Or Shop? Dog Show Judge Explains How To Choose Responsibly
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…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
How Service Dogs Help Veterans and First Responders Heal
What makes a service dog a lifeline for veterans and first responders?What makes a service dog a lifeline for veterans and first responders?A lot of people…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Can’t Afford Vet Care? The Pet Cost Hacks You Need to Know
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…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Why Your Pet’s Microchip Won’t Save Them Until You Do This
Think your pet’s microchip is keeping them safe? It might not be.A microchip isn’t a GPS, it doesn’t “work automatically,” and one common mistake makes it…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Holiday Hazards: The Hidden Dangers That Send Pets to the ER
Could your holiday celebrations put your pet in danger?Between tempting food, breakable décor, open doors, and a house full of loud humans, the holidays can…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Pet Sitter vs Boarding: How To Choose The Right Pet Care
Leaving town and trying to decide between dog boarding or cat boarding and a pet sitter?In this episode, Amy Castro and veterinarian Dr. Aresue Shokrollahi…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Bringing Your Pet for the Holidays? Don’t Be THAT Houseguest
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…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
20 Rescue-Tested Pet Products We Swear By
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…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Medicinal Mushrooms for Pets: What Works and What's Hype
Can mushrooms actually help your pet’s allergies, anxiety, or immune system, or is this just another wellness trend?In this episode, Amy Castro talks with Dr…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Pawlytics: How Lizz Whitacre Built Rescue Software to Save Lives
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…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
What It Really Takes to Run a Rescue: CAMO’s Story of Grit and Grace
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…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Is Your Dog Therapy Dog Material?
Ever wondered if your dog has what it takes to become a therapy dog?A lot of pet parents assume therapy work is just about having a sweet, friendly dog, but…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Neglected to Thriving: Kaiser’s Unforgettable Rescue Story
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…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Small Pets, Big Commitments: What Vets Want You to Know
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…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Dog Training: Why Your “Trained” Dog Suddenly Stops Listening
Feel like your dog’s forgotten everything they’ve ever learned?In this episode, Amy Castro sits down with canine cognitive behavioral expert Billy Groom to…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Want to Foster or Volunteer for Pets? What to Know First
Ever wonder if you could really make a difference in a rescue animal’s life?In this episode, Amy Castro shares what it’s like to volunteer with animal shelters…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Your Dog Feels Your Stress, Here’s What To Do
Ever notice your dog acting anxious, reactive, or unsettled, even when nothing obvious is happening?Chances are, they’re picking up on you.Your dog isn’t just…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Keeping Pets and People Together: The Mission of PAWS NY
What happens when pet owners face challenges so overwhelming they might have to give up the animals they love?In this powerful episode, Amy Castro sits down…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Lost Cat? How to Find Them Fast (and What Not to Do)
What would you do if your cat went missing and the advice you found online wasn’t working?Most people panic, print flyers, and shake a treat bag, but today’s…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Emergency Vet Visits: What to Do Before You Go
Do you know what to do before walking into the emergency vet?Most pet parents don’t think about it until they’re in the moment, stressed, scared, and trying to…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Living with the World’s Most Difficult Cat
Ever watched one of those TV shows about extreme cat behavior and thought, no way a real cat is actually like that? Well meet Cuzzy.In this episode, Amy sits…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
5 Ways to Help Your Pet Live Longer with Dr. Gary Richter, DVM
What if a few simple changes could add years to your pet’s life?If you've ever worried about whether you're doing enough to keep your pet healthy, you're not…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
What Skipping Playtime Is Really Costing Your Pet
Ever wonder if your pet’s behavior problems could be solved with a toy?Most pet parents don’t realize that play and enrichment aren’t just fun extras—they’re…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Thinking About a Pet? 10 Questions to Ask First
Thinking about adding a pet to your life, but not sure if it is the right time or the right decision?Every year, pets end up surrendered because their humans…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
The #1 Mistake Ruining Your Pet Photos
Ever look at your pet in real life, then look at your photo and think… who is that gremlin?Most pet photos don’t turn out “bad” because your pet won’t…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Before You Start An Animal Rescue: The Truth Nobody Tells You
Most people picture the happy endings, not the daily reality that can drain your time, your money, and your emotional bandwidth faster than you ever…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
What to Do (and Not Do) When You Find Wildlife
Ever come across a wild animal and freeze, unsure of what to do?Whether it's a baby bird on the ground or a raccoon in your attic, most of us want to help, but…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Pet Grooming Secrets from Hollywood’s Top Groomer Jess Rona
Think grooming is just about a haircut? Think again.Most pet parents have no idea what their groomer really goes through, or what makes a grooming session a…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Understanding Dog Aggression: An Expert’s Warning Signs
Ever feel like dog aggression comes out of nowhere?You’re not alone. The truth is, most pet parents miss the early warning signs of dog aggression until things…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Working from Home? Stop Pets from Driving You Crazy
Ever try to lead a Zoom call while your dog is barking or your cat is walking across your keyboard?Remote work sounds like a dream, until your pets decide…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Vet Visits Don’t Have to Be Traumatizing, For You or Your Pet
Does your pet panic at the vet—or do you?Vet visits can be a major source of anxiety for pets and their people. But they don’t have to be.In this episode, Amy…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Road Trips With Pets: Avoid Vomit, Stress and Car Chaos
Planning a road trip with your pets? Worried about how to make it safe, fun, and enjoyable?In this episode, Amy chats with pet travel expert Amy Burkert…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Common Cat Care Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Think you’ve nailed cat parenting? You might be making mistakes that are putting your cat’s health and happiness at risk.In this episode, Amy sits down with…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Think You ‘Have To’ Rehome Your Pet? Try This First
Ever heard someone say they “had to” give up their pet because they had a baby or were moving? Let’s unpack that.In this episode, Amy teams up with fellow pet…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Thinking About Adopting a Shelter Dog? Listen to This First
Ready to open your heart and home to a shelter dog? There’s more to it than just picking the cutest pup.In this episode, Amy Castro teams up with professional…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Afraid to Adopt a Senior Dog? Here’s What You’re Missing
Afraid to adopt a senior dog because it feels “too sad”? You’re not alone. Many people avoid older dogs because of fears about health, longevity, or…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Is Your Pet’s Food Making Them Sick?
Is Your Pet’s Food Helping or Hurting Their Health?With nearly 900 pet food brands on the market, how are you supposed to know what’s actually good for your…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Thinking About Fostering a Pet? Here's What You Need to Know
Ever wonder if you could be a foster hero? Fostering isn’t just about temporarily housing an animal - it’s about giving them a second chance. But it’s also one…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Fake Service Dogs: How They Put Real People at Risk
Think all dogs with vests are legit service animals? Think again. In this episode, Amy Castro sits down with disability experts Elisa Hayes and Donna Mack to…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Greyhound Rescue, Dog Dancing, and Reinventing Life Together
What happens when your life needs a second act -- and your dog leads the way?In this episode, Amy Castro talks with Joyce A. Miller, who transformed herself…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Cat Acting Out? Here’s What’s Really Going On
Ever feel like your cat is trying to ruin your life with litterbox messes or shredded furniture?You’re not alone and you’re not failing. Understanding cat…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Veterinary Social Workers: The Hidden Support Pet Owners Need
Ever feel like something’s lost in translation at the vet’s office?Veterinary social workers may be the solution you didn’t know existed. In this episode, Amy…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Stop Misreading Your Pet: What Their Behavior Is Really Saying
What Is Your Pet Trying to Tell You—And Are You Listening?What if your pet’s “bad” or unwanted behavior isn’t bad at all... but a message you’re missing?Most…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
Boost Your Pet’s Nutrition Without Breaking the Bank
Think upgrading your pet’s food means draining your wallet? Think again.In this episode, Amy Castro gets expert pet advice from Kat Donatello, founder of…
- The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
The Grief Before Goodbye: Preparing for Your Pet’s Final Days
What No One Tells You About Losing a PetDo you feel like you're already grieving your pet… even though they're still here?That heartbreak has a name and in…