The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Cut The Costs, and Love Life With Your Pets Again

Amy Castro - Pet Parenting & Behavior Expert

If you’re a busy pet parent whose dog won’t stop barking, your cat is peeing everywhere, your house feels out of control, and you’re exhausted from wasting time and money trying everything to fix it, this show is for you. You thought a pet would make life better, not drain your bank account, wreck your sleep, and turn your home into a mess you’re embarrassed to let anyone see. You’ve paid for trainers, followed your vet’s advice, and still find yourself up at 2 a.m. scrolling for answers. Most pet podcasts assume you have unlimited time, unlimited money, and a perfectly behaved pet. This one doesn’t. I’m your host, Amy Castro, a longtime animal rescuer and trusted advisor to thousands of pet parents. After fostering more than 4,000 animals, I’ve learned this, you’re not a bad pet parent. You just haven’t gotten advice that fits real life. Each week, I help you make smarter decisions faster, so pet care stops dominating your whole life. We talk behavior, budget, home life, and the curveballs that make pet parenting harder than it should be. On the first Wednesday of each month, you’ll get a Pet Parent Power-Up, a short reset to help you show up with better boundaries, clearer communication, and calmer decision-making. You’ll walk away with practical pet caregiving steps that fit your schedule, your budget, and your perfectly imperfect pets, so you can stop chasing your tail and actually enjoy life with them again. Start with the episode that matches what you’re dealing with today. 

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    $10 And 2 Minutes To Help Your Pet Live Longer?

    What if a $10 purchase used 2 minutes a day could help your pet live better and longer? Most pet parents know they “should” brush their pet's teeth, but fewer than 10% actually do. So, dental disease quietly builds for years and doesn’t stay in the mouth, but instead, silently spreads bacteria throughout your pet's body impacting their organs, their health, and their longevity.  Spending just $10 on a tooth-brush kit and taking 2 minutes a day to brush your pet's teeth, you'll be investing in a better quality, longer life for your pet.   In this episode, board-certified veterinary dentist Dr. Chanda Miles explains why dental health is really about quality of life and longevity, why small dogs and cats tend to get into trouble faster, and what real prevention looks like when life gets busy.  BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:  • Why dental disease is more than a teeth problem, and how it can affect overall health  • Why small dogs and cats are higher risk, and why brushing can feel difficult to do  • What a proper dental cleaning includes, why anesthesia-free cleanings fall short, and when a veterinary dentist may be worth it  CONNECT WITH DR. CHANDA MILES VETERINARY DENTISTRY SPECIALISTS (KATY, TX) | WEBSITE  OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:  Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Accepted Products List | vohc.org  Support the show Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Pet care gets crazy when you're facing behavior issues, rising costs, and confusing pet advice. You need real pet parenting solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use every day. Each week you'll hear 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'll help you manage puppy biting, cat aggression, separation anxiety and cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and show you how to stay ahead of issues that create stress for pets and their pet parents. No fluff, no guilt, just practical pet care advice and pet cost hacks to save money, avoid pet parent guilt, and enjoy life with pets. Follow to stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

    41 min
  2. 25 JAN

    Pet Tech: How to Tell What’s Actually Worth It

    Pet tech is exploding, and a lot of it looks amazing right up until you’re the one charging it, cleaning it, troubleshooting it, and regretting the money you spent.  In this episode, AI and tech expert Debbie Richards breaks down the simplest way to decide if a pet gadget is actually worth it for your home, your budget, and your pet’s personality. We talk about the core questions to ask before you buy, what “set it and forget it” should really mean, and why the best tech is the kind that reduces stress instead of creating more. You’ll also hear a few standout trends from CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas, including preventative health tools, safer pet doors, and a smart fountain designed to make cleaning less of a part-time job. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: The decision filters that keep you from buying tech that becomes another choreHow to spot when a gadget solves a real problem vs creating a new oneWhat to check before you buy, so returns and subscriptions don’t surprise youCONNECT WITH DEBBIE  Website: https://cre8iveii.com/ OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Facial recognition cat feeder: https://cheerble.com/ Rescue Retriever and the Rescue Retriever FireTag: https://rescueretriever.com Petkit Water Fountain: https://petkit.com Satellai Health and GPS Collar: https://satellai.com Pawport Dog Doors: https://pawport.com Support the show Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Pet care gets crazy when you're facing behavior issues, rising costs, and confusing pet advice. You need real pet parenting solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use every day. Each week you'll hear 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'll help you manage puppy biting, cat aggression, separation anxiety and cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and show you how to stay ahead of issues that create stress for pets and their pet parents. No fluff, no guilt, just practical pet care advice and pet cost hacks to save money, avoid pet parent guilt, and enjoy life with pets. Follow to stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

    33 min
  3. 18 JAN

    Seniors With Pets: The Crisis You’re Not Ready For

    Are you caring for aging parents with pets, or aging with a pet yourself, and hoping it’ll all “work out” when something changes? Because the biggest risk usually isn’t age, it’s waiting for a fall, a hospitalization, or memory issues to force a last-minute pet care scramble. In this episode, Amy Castro is joined by Kathi Miracle of Silver Tsunami Aging Info to talk about seniors and pets, and the pet care plan families avoid, the red flags that a pet’s care is slipping, and why “my family will take the pet” isn’t a plan unless it’s written down and realistic, especially when assisted living or memory care enters the picture. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: What to decide now, at any age, so your pet doesn’t become a last-minute “figure it out” problem laterThe subtle red flags that a pet is starting to lose care quality, even when the person says everything’s fineWhy “we’ll bring the pet to assisted living” often falls apart fast, and what families need to face before it doesIf you’re a senior with a pet, how to protect your independence while still protecting your pet’s safetyWhy asking for support early is not giving up, it’s the move that keeps you and your pet together longer CONNECT WITH KATHI MIRACLE  WEBSITE | mysilversunami.com - contact Kathi with your questions about seniors and pets OTHER RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Pet Parent Hotline Episode on Pet Trusts: "What Happens to Your Pet if You Don't Make It Home?"  Support the show Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Pet care gets crazy when you're facing behavior issues, rising costs, and confusing pet advice. You need real pet parenting solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use every day. Each week you'll hear 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'll help you manage puppy biting, cat aggression, separation anxiety and cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and show you how to stay ahead of issues that create stress for pets and their pet parents. No fluff, no guilt, just practical pet care advice and pet cost hacks to save money, avoid pet parent guilt, and enjoy life with pets. Follow to stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

    43 min
  4. 11 JAN

    Do Pets Grieve After a Loss? A Pet Loss Doula Explains

    Do pets actually grieve, or are they reacting to routine changes and stress in ways we don’t recognize? And how much of what we label as “grief” is really our own emotion spilling over into the way we interpret their behavior?  In this episode,  Amy talks with Kate LaSalla, a pet behavior consultant, companion animal end-of-life death doula, and certified pet loss and grief companion, about what pet grief can look like, what might just be pet care routine disruption, and what to do when your dog or cat’s behavior changes after a loss.  BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: The most common behavior changes pets show after a loss, and why the relationship mattersHow human grief and anger can affect a surviving pet’s anxiety and fearfulnessWhen “normal” changes become a medical concern, and when to loop in your vetWhy “animals understand death, not disappearance,” and what that means for households with multiple petsWhat to do if you’re grieving too, but still need to support your pet’s routines and provide good pet careCONNECT WITH KATE LASALLA WEBSITE | Rescued By Training OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Rescued By Training blog post on pets and grieving Advanced care directive “When is it time to say goodbye?” download And be sure to check out all the other fantastic posts and resources on Kate's page! Questions or a story you want to share? Leave a voicemail at Petparenthotline.com or join the Pet Parent Hotline Insiders Group. Support the show Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Pet care gets crazy when you're facing behavior issues, rising costs, and confusing pet advice. You need real pet parenting solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use every day. Each week you'll hear 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'll help you manage puppy biting, cat aggression, separation anxiety and cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and show you how to stay ahead of issues that create stress for pets and their pet parents. No fluff, no guilt, just practical pet care advice and pet cost hacks to save money, avoid pet parent guilt, and enjoy life with pets. Follow to stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

    32 min
  5. 7 JAN · BONUS

    One Question That Stops You From Wasting Time on Pet Care | Pet Parent Power-Up

    Ever feel like you’re doing a ton for your pets, but nothing actually feels easier? If you’re stuck repeating the same corrections, overcomplicating routines, or carrying a low-grade stress cloud all day, this Pet Parent Power-Up is for you. In this episode, I’m sharing the one question I use to snap out of autopilot and stop pouring time and energy into pet care that isn’t paying off: “Is this the best place to put my time and energy?” It sounds simple, but this question helps you spot what’s not working, choose a better option, and get relief fast, without adding more to your plate. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: How to spot hidden time leaks in behavior battles, routines, and worry spiralsA simple reset that keeps you from overthinking the fixHow to get a quick win today, even when time and energy are limitedSend me your Quick Fix question, email me, or leave a voicemail on the website, and I might use it in a future episode. OTHER RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Budgeting episode with Joe Oakley: https://www.petparenthotline.com/pet-bills-keep-surprising-you-heres-how-to-plan/ Support the show Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Pet care gets crazy when you're facing behavior issues, rising costs, and confusing pet advice. You need real pet parenting solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use every day. Each week you'll hear 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'll help you manage puppy biting, cat aggression, separation anxiety and cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and show you how to stay ahead of issues that create stress for pets and their pet parents. No fluff, no guilt, just practical pet care advice and pet cost hacks to save money, avoid pet parent guilt, and enjoy life with pets. Follow to stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

    8 min
  6. 4 JAN

    Why Your Pet Resolutions Fail By Week 2

    Ever hit January 10 and realize your pet routine resolution is already sliding? If you’ve promised yourself you'll focus on pet care - you’ll walk your dog more, train your cat, brush your pet’s teeth, or finally get consistent, and then real life blows it up, this episode is your reset. It’s not laziness, it’s a plan that was never realistic for your actual mornings. In this solo New Year kickoff episode of The Pet Parent Hotline, I’m sharing what 15 years in rescue taught me about why pet care and pet parenting goals fall apart, and how to build a tiny Pet Plan that survives messy mornings, tired evenings, and a barking dog when you cannot find the leash. You’ll leave with one repeatable action you can start this week, plus a 60-second reset you can do tonight to make tomorrow easier.   BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: Why “walk more” and “be consistent” fail in real life, and what to do insteadHow to shrink any pet goal into something you will actually repeatHow to anchor your habit, remove friction, and use a Plan B without quittingYour next step if you want more help: send me your one-sentence Pet Plan. Email, DM, or leave a voicemail at petparenthotline.com. CONNECT WITH ME - WEBSITE | petparenthotline.com OTHER RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Don’t miss our monthly Pet Parent Power-Up bonus episode dropping Wednesday, January 7, on the one question you can ask yourself to protect your time and energy, and choose what’s actually worth your effort. Your next step: send me your one-sentence Pet Plan. Email, DM, or leave a voicemail at petparenthotline.com. Support the show Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Pet care gets crazy when you're facing behavior issues, rising costs, and confusing pet advice. You need real pet parenting solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use every day. Each week you'll hear 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'll help you manage puppy biting, cat aggression, separation anxiety and cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and show you how to stay ahead of issues that create stress for pets and their pet parents. No fluff, no guilt, just practical pet care advice and pet cost hacks to save money, avoid pet parent guilt, and enjoy life with pets. Follow to stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

    23 min
  7. 28/12/2025

    Stop Your Home From Looking Like You Have Pets

    Want a pet friendly home that still looks good, feels organized, and is comfortable to live in? In this episode, award-winning designer Pamela O’Brien shares practical home design tips for living with pets, without your space feeling taken over by fur, clutter, or constant wear and tear. You’ll hear simple, real-life upgrades, from pet proof flooring and durable fabrics to entryway organization, feeding station setups, and storage ideas that actually stick. This is for pet parents who want a home they feel good inviting people into, while keeping pets part of the family. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:  • Which fabrics and flooring hold up best in real homes with pets  • How to organize entryways and feeding areas so clutter doesn’t take over  • Simple design upgrades that protect your furniture, rugs, and sanity If you’ve ever hesitated to invite people over because of fur, mess, or wear and tear, this episode will help you feel more confident in your home without pushing your pets out of the picture. CONNECT WITH PAMELA O’BRIEN Website | PamelaHopeDesigns.com Support the show Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Pet care gets crazy when you're facing behavior issues, rising costs, and confusing pet advice. You need real pet parenting solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use every day. Each week you'll hear 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'll help you manage puppy biting, cat aggression, separation anxiety and cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and show you how to stay ahead of issues that create stress for pets and their pet parents. No fluff, no guilt, just practical pet care advice and pet cost hacks to save money, avoid pet parent guilt, and enjoy life with pets. Follow to stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

    45 min
  8. 21/12/2025

    10 Rescue-Tested Pet Essentials We Can’t Live Without

    Stop Buying Useless Pet Care Supplies. Here’s What You Actually Need. Most “must-have" pet care supply lists focus on gimmicks and generic basics, missing the pet-care essentials that actually make daily life easier and safer.  You probably have the basics for pet care, like bowls and a bed, but in this episode, Amy Castro and Bev Brooks share 10 rescue-tested pet essentials they can’t live without, five dog essentials and five cat essentials, plus a few bonus items pulled from decades of real-world rescue and pet parenting. These are the same practical pet care supplies Amy recommends to adopters to help pets succeed once they’re home.  These aren’t trendy pet care products or influencer favorites. They’re simple tools that support safety, behavior, and day-to-day management, the kind of stuff you don’t think about until you really need it.   BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: The overlooked pet supplies that help you handle messes, stress, and unexpected situationsWhy “boring” essentials often matter more than expensive gearHow the right setup prevents small issues from becoming bigger problemsWhich pet supplies are worth buying, and which ones are notWhether you’re shopping for a last-minute gift, building a new pet checklist, or realizing your current setup has gaps, the pet advice in this episode will help you stop wasting money on the wrong stuff.  If this episode made you think, “oh wow, I don’t have that,” please share it with one pet parent who might be buying all the wrong things. PS- we don't name a bunch of specific brands in this episode, but we do mention the FURBO Pet Camera/Pet Nanny. Get more info about the Furbo Pet Camera's mentioned in the show! (note- if you buy a Furbo product from this link, it helps support the show!) FURBO: The Trainer's Choice Pet CamerasDesigned for pets. See, talk, and toss treats to your pets from anywhere.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Pet care gets crazy when you're facing behavior issues, rising costs, and confusing pet advice. You need real pet parenting solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use every day. Each week you'll hear 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'll help you manage puppy biting, cat aggression, separation anxiety and cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and show you how to stay ahead of issues that create stress for pets and their pet parents. No fluff, no guilt, just practical pet care advice and pet cost hacks to save money, avoid pet parent guilt, and enjoy life with pets. Follow to stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

    34 min

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About

If you’re a busy pet parent whose dog won’t stop barking, your cat is peeing everywhere, your house feels out of control, and you’re exhausted from wasting time and money trying everything to fix it, this show is for you. You thought a pet would make life better, not drain your bank account, wreck your sleep, and turn your home into a mess you’re embarrassed to let anyone see. You’ve paid for trainers, followed your vet’s advice, and still find yourself up at 2 a.m. scrolling for answers. Most pet podcasts assume you have unlimited time, unlimited money, and a perfectly behaved pet. This one doesn’t. I’m your host, Amy Castro, a longtime animal rescuer and trusted advisor to thousands of pet parents. After fostering more than 4,000 animals, I’ve learned this, you’re not a bad pet parent. You just haven’t gotten advice that fits real life. Each week, I help you make smarter decisions faster, so pet care stops dominating your whole life. We talk behavior, budget, home life, and the curveballs that make pet parenting harder than it should be. On the first Wednesday of each month, you’ll get a Pet Parent Power-Up, a short reset to help you show up with better boundaries, clearer communication, and calmer decision-making. You’ll walk away with practical pet caregiving steps that fit your schedule, your budget, and your perfectly imperfect pets, so you can stop chasing your tail and actually enjoy life with them again. Start with the episode that matches what you’re dealing with today. 

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