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

Ever walked out of the vet with a receipt and regret because you didn't ask about options, priorities, or cost? You are not the only one. Most pet parents do not stay quiet because they do not have questions. They stay quiet because they are worried about how the question will make them sound, like they are difficult, cheap, dumb, or like they are questioning the vet. In this Pet Parent Power-Up bonus episode, I am giving you one simple question to ask yourself before the appointment that helps you push past the hesitation and speak up, even when the conversation feels awkward or stressful. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:  • The real reason you hesitate to ask questions at the vet  • The one question that helps you push past the fear that keeps you quiet  • A quick 30-second prep you can do before your next appointment so you walk in ready to ask what you need to ask  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: [email protected] ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

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: [email protected] ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

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: [email protected] ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

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: [email protected] ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

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: [email protected] ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

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: [email protected] ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

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: [email protected] ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

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: [email protected] ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

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: [email protected] ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

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 perfect If 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 emotionally This 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 GORDON Email: [email protected] Phone: (858) 952-0936 Petworks.com to schedule a session with Nancy: Discounted first session. Website: growbeyondgrief.com Instagram 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 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: [email protected] ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

Are you sure your home is holiday-ready, or are there hidden dangers that could land your pet at the emergency vet? Most pet parents prep for the obvious hazards, but the real risks are the sneaky ones that slip in without you noticing. In this episode, veterinarian Dr. Zoo joins me for a walk-through of the surprising holiday danger zones, from toxic treats and vintage décor to medications tucked inside bags and purses. You’ll learn what early warning signs to watch for, why timing matters more than most people realize, and what to do the moment you suspect your pet got into something they shouldn’t.   To raise awareness of common, current-day hazards, we discuss a wide range of items and substances that may appear in homes during the holidays, including some that may be legal in some places and illegal in others. No matter where you live, anything intoxicating or medicinal should always be kept securely out of reach of pets. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:  • How to spot subtle early signs of toxicity before they escalate  • Why some holiday substances are dangerous long before symptoms show up  • What to do immediately if you find evidence your pet got into something  • The one resource every pet parent should save in their phone for emergencies Holiday chaos is stressful enough without an emergency vet visit. This episode helps you catch problems early and keep the season safer for your pets.  CONNECT WITH DR. ZOO Family Animal Hospital | Website OTHER RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:  ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 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: [email protected] ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

Do your holiday guests expect your pets to be quiet, invisible, or perfectly behaved on command? If you have friends or family visiting who are not big pet lovers, it can put pressure on you and cause a lot of confusion for your pets. This "Pet Parent Power-Up" episode breaks down simple ways to keep the peace, protect your pets’ emotional safety, and avoid the uncomfortable moments that happen when visitors expect your animals to disappear. A lot of pet parents feel guilty when guests complain about barking, hair, or normal pet behavior, but guilt leads to last-minute scrambling and stressed-out pets. You’ll learn how to set expectations, guide your guests, and prevent holiday chaos before it starts. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:  • How to set expectations with guests before they arrive  • Simple scripts that stop people from correcting or confusing your pets  • How to create a calm zone that reduces holiday stress for everyone A little planning goes a long way toward keeping your holidays calm and keeping your pets happy, safe, and understood.  ADDITIONAL RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Don't Be THAT Person: How To Be a Great Houseguest When You Bring Your Pets Along 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: [email protected] ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

Are you wondering whether your child is actually ready for a pet, or are they just deep in the “please please please” phase? Most parents hear “Can we get a dog?” on loop, but pet parenting isn’t as simple as saying yes. When kids aren’t truly ready for pet care, it can create pet behavior issues, safety concerns, and a whole lot of pet care stress for the adults. In today’s episode, parenting expert and children’s book creator Dori Durbin joins me to break down six signs of true pet readiness so families can make confident decisions before bringing a new pet home. This conversation gives you practical pet help you can actually use, especially if you want to avoid common pet behavior problems in those early weeks. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN: • Emotional Control: Why kids need to regulate big feelings and excitement before adding a new pet to the family • Respect for Boundaries: How understanding personal space and basic animal body language keeps kids and pets safe • Realistic Responsibility: What age-appropriate pet care responsibility looks like and how to tell whether your child can consistently follow through with daily pet care • Empathy: How helping kids connect a pet’s needs to real-life experiences builds long-term commitment and better pet behavior outcomes • Handling Frustration With Support: Why kids must be able to manage frustration when pets don’t cooperate, especially during training or behavior hiccups • Family Readiness: How family routine, stability, and financial capacity shape success more than your child’s excitement alone If you’re trying to decide whether your child is ready for a dog or cat, this episode gives you clear pet advice, next steps, and practical ways to prepare your home for a calmer, safer experience with family pets. CONNECT WITH DORI DURBIN Website | www.doridurbin.com Podcast | That’s Good Parenting: Episode with Amy on What Parents Should Know Before Getting a Pet 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: [email protected] ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

Are pet care costs sneaking up on you every month? Instead of scrambling when a vet or food bill hits, what would change if you planned for every common expense ahead of time? Most pet parents underestimate pet care costs because they do not track them, then feel stressed or guilty when money gets tight. In this conversation with Certified Financial Planner Joe Okaly, you'll learn simple pet cost hacks to treat pet expenses like any other recurring life cost, so you can be prepared, confident, and calm when bills arrive. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN: • The first step to get ahead of pet expenses without overwhelm • How to choose a payment approach you can stick with, insurance, self-fund, or a mix • Why “pay yourself first” works and how to automate a pet fund even on a budget to prepare for routine vet visits and even emergency vet trips • A quick annual checkup routine to adjust your plan as your pet ages Our challenge for you: Set up one automatic transfer today, even $5, into a separate “Pet Care Fund” account and rename it so you will not touch it.And hey! We want to know how you're doing, so share one small change you are making after this episode inside the Pet Parent Hotline Insiders Facebook Group to help other listeners do the same. CONNECT WITH JOE Insta:https://www.instagram.com/joe.okaly.finance/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571485276280LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-p-okaly-733b6b90/Resources: www.thefinancialpinwheel.comNew Horizons Wealth Management:www.nhwmllc.comGet Joe's Book:https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Pinwheel-Building-Perpetual-Machine-ebook/dp/B0DJG2FH3LSupport 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: [email protected] ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

When my cat disappeared suddenly, I thought I’d never see her again. Five years later, a microchip brought her home to me, but your pet's chip might not. In this episode, I share the incredible story of my barn cat, Puti, and how she found her way back to us after vanishing for five years, even though she had gone completely blind. I’ll also reveal the hard truth most pet parents don’t realize: a microchip only works if it’s registered correctly and kept up to date. You’ll hear how this tiny device made all the difference for Puti and me, and the simple steps you can take today to make sure it can do the same for you and your pet. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: • Why pet microchips don’t track your pet and what they actually do • The registration mistakes that could leave your pet untraceable • How to do a quick 5-minute “microchip checkup” to keep your info current Don’t wait until your pet goes missing to find out something’s wrong with their microchip. Take five minutes today to verify your microchip information and help another pet parent by sharing this episode. CONNECT WITH AMY thepetparenthotline.com | [email protected] OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:  • AAHA Pet Microchip Lookup: petmicrochiplookup.org • Join the Pet Parent Hotline Insiders Group on Facebook 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: [email protected] ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro