The Pet Parent Hotline | Real Help for Pet Behavior, Budgets, and Everyday Stress

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Feeling overwhelmed by your pet’s behavior or the cost of keeping them healthy and cared for every day? You thought a pet would be the perfect addition to your life. Instead, your bank account’s drained, your dog won’t stop barking, your cat’s peeing everywhere, and your house is such a disaster you can’t have friends over. You’ve paid for trainers, followed your vet’s advice, and you’re still up at 2 a.m. scrolling for answers and wondering how long you can keep trying to meet everyone’s needs while ignoring your own.Many podcasts talk about caring for animals like you’ve got endless time, money, and a perfectly behaved golden retriever straight out of a Disney movie. This one doesn’t. It’s for real people who love their pets and need real help with pet behavior, their budget, and the mayhem without losing their minds or giving up.This isn’t just about helping your pets, it’s about helping you communicate clearly, set boundaries, and advocate for your pet’s needs and your own.I’m your host, Amy Castro, longtime industry pro, animal rescuer, and trusted advisor to thousands of families looking for practical pet behavior help and support. I teach pet parents the communication and advocacy skills that make everything easier, from vet visits to behavior conversations to setting boundaries at home. After fostering more than 4,000 animals and helping their people go from overwhelmed to capable and confident, I’ve learned one thing: you’re not a bad pet parent, you just haven’t gotten advice tailored to your real life.Each week, I answer your questions and break down expert insights on everything from common pet behavior mistakes and litter box trouble to saving money on vet bills and everyday expenses. On the First Wednesday of each month, I'll drop you a Pet Parent Power-Up - a short, under-10-minute episode designed to give you a quick boost of clarity, confidence, and calm. These mini episodes focus on the human side of pet parenting, helping you communicate better, advocate for your pet and yourself, and make everyday decisions with less stress and more control. Think of it as a monthly power-up for your mindset, your routines, and your sanity.You’ll walk away with bite-sized steps that actually work for your budget, your schedule, and your perfectly imperfect pets.So you can stop chasing your tail and finally enjoy your animals, and your life, again.Start with the episode that matches what you’re dealing with today, and let’s make things easier together.

Episode List

Pet Parent Power-Up: 1 Question Ends Wasted Time (Quick Fix)

Jan 7th, 2026 10:00 AM

Ever feel like you’re doing a ton for your pets, but nothing is actually getting easier? If you’re stuck repeating the same corrections, overcomplicating your routines, or carrying a low-grade stress cloud all day, this quick fix is for you. In this January Pet Parent Power-Up, I’m sharing the one question I use to snap out of autopilot and stop pouring time and energy into the wrong things: “Is this the best place to put my time and energy right now?” It’s simple, but it helps you spot what’s not working, choose a better option, and start today, so you feel relief fast.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:How to spot “time leaks” in behavior battles, routines, and worry spiralsThe 3-step reset that keeps you from overthinking the fixHow to get a quick win today, even if you’re short on timeSend 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 showPet 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 Real pet parenting gets crazy when you're faceing behavior issues, rising costs, and confusing pet advice. You need real pet care 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, emergency vet decisions, hidden hazards, 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

Why Your Pet Routine Fails By Week 2

Jan 4th, 2026 10:00 AM

Ever hit January 10 and realize your pet routine resolution is already sliding? If you’ve promised yourself 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 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 quitting Your next step: send me your one-sentence Pet Plan. Email, DM, or leave a voicemail at petparenthotline.com.CONNECT WITH ME - WEBSITE | petparenthotline.comOTHER 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 showPet 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 Real pet parenting gets crazy when you're faceing behavior issues, rising costs, and confusing pet advice. You need real pet care 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, emergency vet decisions, hidden hazards, 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

Stop Your Home From Looking Like You Have Pets

Dec 28th, 2025 10:00 AM

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 sanityIf 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.comSupport the showPet 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 Real pet parenting gets crazy when you're faceing behavior issues, rising costs, and confusing pet advice. You need real pet care 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, emergency vet decisions, hidden hazards, 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

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

Dec 21st, 2025 10:00 AM

Stop Buying Useless Pet Supplies. Here’s What You Actually Need. Most “must-have" pet supplies lists focus on gimmicks and generic basics and miss the pet essentials that actually make daily life easier and safer. You probably have the basics, 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 supplies Amy recommends to adopters to help pets succeed once they’re home. These aren’t trendy 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 showPet 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 Real pet parenting gets crazy when you're faceing behavior issues, rising costs, and confusing pet advice. You need real pet care 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, emergency vet decisions, hidden hazards, 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

How to Get Through the Holidays When Facing Pet Loss

Dec 14th, 2025 10:00 AM

Why do the holidays feel so much heavier when you’ve lost a pet, or when you know a goodbye is coming soon? If you’re finding yourself dreading traditions, avoiding gatherings, or feeling pressure to “hold it together,” this episode is for you.Holiday pet grief can show up in unexpected ways, especially during a first holiday without your pet or when you’re living in that anticipatory space of knowing time with your pet is limited. In this conversation, licensed clinical social worker and author Nancy Gordon helps make sense of why this season hurts more and how to move through it with compassion instead of pressure.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:If you’re grieving a pet you’ve already lost: • Why holidays intensify pet grief, even when you think you’re coping just fine • How to prepare emotionally for gatherings so you’re not blindsided by questions or comments • Ways to honor your pet without forcing traditions or “last moments” to be perfectIf you’re anticipating the loss of a pet: • What anticipatory grief looks like and why it can quietly take over the season • How to stay present with your pet and yourself without burning out emotionallyThis episode is dedicated to Rosy, Debbie’s beloved dog, and to every pet parent navigating the holidays with a missing piece of their heart.CONNECT WITH NANCY GORDONEmail: nancygordon7practices@gmail.comPhone: (858) 952-0936Petworks.com to schedule a session with Nancy: Discounted first session.Website: growbeyondgrief.comInstagram devoted to pet loss and grief: @nancy.gordon.global OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Listen to Nancy's first appearance on the show in 2023: "The Grief Before Goodbye: Preparing For Your Pet's Final Days"Join us in The Pet Parent Hotline Insiders Support the showPet 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 Real pet parenting gets crazy when you're faceing behavior issues, rising costs, and confusing pet advice. You need real pet care 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, emergency vet decisions, hidden hazards, 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

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