The Pet Parent Hotline | Fix Behavior, Cut Costs, Calm the Chaos

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 y...

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 i...

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 fe...

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 lim...

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’l...

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 y...

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...

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 re...

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 re...

 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 ...

Great dog boarding facilities can be hard to find and leaving your dog (or cat) in someone else’s care can be nerve-racking, especially when you’re not sure what goes on behind those kennel doors. In this episode, Amy sits down with Carmen Rustenbeck, Founder & CEO of the International Boarding & Pet Services Association (IBPSA), to talk about what safe, professional pet care really looks like and how to choose a boarding f...

Ever feel guilty for working too much, missing walks, or not giving your pet enough attention? You’re not alone. Pet parenting struggles like guilt, burnout, and overwhelm are more common than most people admit. But what if guilt isn’t the real problem?

In this episode, I’m joined by Sheryl Green, speaker, author of You Had Me at No, and recovering people-pleaser who helps others set healthy boundaries without drowning in guilt. Tog...

Ever searched online for pet advice and ended up more confused than when you started? One post about your dog throwing up turns into 60 conflicting comments, arguments, and fear-filled stories, and suddenly you’re spiraling.

In this episode, I reveal the hidden danger behind all that “free” expert pet advice in online groups, why it can do more harm than good, and where to actually turn for real pet parenting guidance that helps you...

Trying to save money on grooming? Whether you’ve got a dog or a cat, this episode will give you DIY dog grooming tips for beginners, and help you figure out what you can safely and confidently do at home versus what’s better left to the professionals so you can stop overpaying for grooming. 

Amy talks with Liz Hampton, Director of Grooming and Education at Fluffology, who brings more than 30 years of experience as a National Certifi...

Think crate training is as simple as putting your dog in the crate and calling it a night? That’s the biggest reason it fails.

Crate training isn’t instant. It’s a step-by-step process that builds your dog’s trust and confidence over time. Rush it, and you’ll end up with whining, accidents, or full-blown crate panic.

In this episode, I’m joined by Ruth Hegarty, multi-certified dog trainer and behavior expert, to share real pet parent...

Confused about which crate is right for your dog? With so many sizes, styles, and price points, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and to end up wasting time and money on the wrong crate for your dog. The right crate isn’t just about convenience. It’s about safety, comfort, and setting your dog up for success.

In this episode, I'm chatting with Expert Dog Trainer Ruth Hegarty of Creature Good Dog Training. Together, we share real pe...

Understanding cat litter box issues is one of the top problems cat owners face. 

You think your litter box setup is fine, yet your cat is still peeing on the bath mat or worse, on your bed!  

In this episode, I share expert pet advice and reveal the six “everybody knows” rules cat parents accidentally break and how small, practical changes in cat care can stop cat anxiety and outside-the-box accidents for good.

You’ll learn why health...

Thinking about getting a puppy or kitten for your preschooler? It might look adorable on social media, but in real life it’s often a recipe for stress, safety risks, and heartbreak.

Well-meaning parents often believe getting a pet will teach their child responsibility or help them “grow up together and bond better,” but in rescue we’ve seen those myths lead to injured pets, injured kids, heartbreaking surrenders, and even euthanasia...

Is crating your dog cruel, or could it actually be one of the kindest things you do for them? Many pet parents picture their pup feeling trapped or lonely, so they avoid crates altogether. But when used the right way, a crate can become your dog’s safe space — and one of the most useful tools in your pet parenting toolbox.

In this episode, I break down 5 major benefits of crating your dog. You’ll hear why it’s about more than house ...