Starlight Pet Talk

Amy Castro, MA, CSP

Welcome to Starlight Pet Talk! I'm Amy Castro, your guide in the world of pet parenting. Join us for expert advice, heartwarming stories, and a mission-driven commitment to helping pets and their families live their best lives.As a respected voice in the pet industry, columnist for Pet Age Magazine, and president of Starlight Outreach and Rescue, I've fostered over 4000 critters and counting and record the podcast from my 7-acre "rescue ranch."With expert guests and fellow pet parents, we'll explore everything from nutrition to behavior and having fun with your pets. Expect laughs, learning, and camaraderie in every episode.Join the adventure at Starlight Pet Talk! Subscribe now and let's navigate the journey of pet parenthood together!

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

    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 spirals
    • The 3-step reset that keeps you from overthinking the fix
    • How to get a quick win today, even if you’re short on time

    Send 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

    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

    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 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

    7 January 2026, 10:00 am
  • 23 minutes 25 seconds
    Why Your Pet Routine Fails By Week 2

    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 instead
    • How to shrink any pet goal into something you will actually repeat
    • How 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.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

    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

    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 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

    4 January 2026, 10:00 am
  • 44 minutes 49 seconds
    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

    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

    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 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

    28 December 2025, 10:00 am
  • 34 minutes 23 seconds
    10 Rescue-Tested Pet Essentials We Can’t Live Without

    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 situations
    • Why “boring” essentials often matter more than expensive gear
    • How the right setup prevents small issues from becoming bigger problems
    • Which pet supplies are worth buying, and which ones are not

    Whether 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 Cameras
    Designed 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

    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

    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 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

    21 December 2025, 10:00 am
  • 37 minutes 48 seconds
    How to Get Through the Holidays When Facing Pet Loss

    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

    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

    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 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

    14 December 2025, 10:00 am
  • 31 minutes 51 seconds
    Holiday Hazards That Send Pets to the Emergency Vet

    Are you sure your home is ready for the holidays, or are there hidden dangers for your pet that could have your pet end up at the Emergency Vet?

    Most pet parents prep for the obvious hazards, but the real risks are the ones you never see coming. In today’s episode, veterinarian Dr. Zoo joins me for a walk-through of the surprising holiday hazards that slip into your home without you realizing it that land you and your pet at the emergency vet for the holidays. From toxic treats to vintage décor to medications in bags and purses, we’re breaking down the early warning signs that something is wrong and why timing matters more than most people realize.

    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 the subtle early signs of toxicity before they escalate
    • Why some holiday substances become dangerous long before symptoms appear
    • 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 a trip to the emergency vet. This episode gives you the insight you need to catch problems early and keep the season safe 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

    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

    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 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

    7 December 2025, 10:00 am
  • 7 minutes 23 seconds
    Pet Parent Power-Up: Set Boundaries With Pet-Complaining Guests (Quick Fix)

    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

    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

    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 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

    3 December 2025, 10:00 am
  • 31 minutes 56 seconds
    Is Your Child Really Ready for a Pet? 6 Signs You Can’t Ignore

    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, 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 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

    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

    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 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

    30 November 2025, 10:00 am
  • 30 minutes 44 seconds
    Pet Bills Keep Surprising You? Here’s How to Plan

    Are pet 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 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 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

    Support the show

    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

    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 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

    23 November 2025, 10:00 am
  • 17 minutes 21 seconds
    How a Microchip Brought My Pet Home After 5 Years, But Yours Might Not

    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

    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

    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 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

    16 November 2025, 10:00 am
  • 33 minutes 29 seconds
    What Happens to Your Pet If You Don’t Make It Home?

     Most pet parents never stop to ask this question until it’s too late. Every week, rescues like mine get heartbreaking calls from families who can’t take their loved one’s pets after a death, move, or medical emergency. The pets - confused, grieving, and suddenly homeless, end up in shelters that should never have become part of their story. And if you think you’re too young to worry about this, think again. We recently got a call from a sister whose 26-year-old brother passed away, and they had no idea what to do with his pets. 

    In this episode, I sit down with estate planning attorney Cecilia Amo to reveal how a Pet Trust can protect your pets’ future, even if you don’t have a will or a lot of money. We dig into what a Pet Trust really does, why it’s not just for wealthy people, and simple, affordable steps you can take today to keep your pets safe and cared for no matter what life throws at you.

    BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
    • Why a will alone won’t protect your pets or your wishes
    • How a Pet Trust creates a legal obligation to provide care
    • Smart, low-cost ways to start planning now (even on a budget)

    This is real pet parenting, planning ahead so your pets never end up in rescue because of life’s unexpected turns.

    Take one action today: write down who would care for your pets, where their vet and medical records are, and what routines or special needs they have. Email your next step to [email protected]
    .
    What part of planning felt confusing or new? Share your question in the Insiders community so we can feature it in a future episode.

    CONNECT WITH CECILIA AMO
    Website | AMO-LAW.com
    Get Cecilia's Book at a super-low cost | Your After-Credits Scene + bonuses at: AMO-LAW.com/aftercredits

    Support the show

    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

    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 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

    9 November 2025, 10:00 am
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