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The Pet Parent Hotline
The Pet Parent Hotline
The Pet Parent Hotline is your lifeline when pet parenting feels overwhelming. If you thought bringing home a dog or cat would bring joy, but instead you’re scrubbing accidents at midnight, stressing over rising vet bills, or juggling multiple pets while putting your own needs last, you’re not alone, and you’re in the right place. Hosted by pet industry expert and animal rescue veteran Amy Castro, this podcast delivers real talk and practical pet parenting advice to help you handle dog training challenges, cat behavior struggles, and the stress of managing a multi-pet household on a budget. With 4,000+ foster pets under her care and 15+ years of guiding overwhelmed pet parents, Amy knows what works in real life, not just in polished Instagram posts. Every episode gives you: Practical tips to solve common dog and cat behavior problems Relief from the pressure to be the “perfect” pet parent Smart strategies for saving money on pet care and vet visits Tools to reclaim your time, energy, and sanity without sacrificing your pets’ well-being You love your pets. You deserve to love your life, too. New episodes every week.
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The Pet Parent Hotline

The Pet Parent Hotline: Real Talk and Expert Advice for Life with Pets

The Pet Parent Hotline is your lifeline when loving your pets starts to feel like losing your mind. If you thought bringing home a pet would add joy but now find yourself scrubbing pee at midnight, budgeting around $400 vet bills, and skipping self-care (again) because no one else remembers to walk the dog, you’re in the right place.

Hosted by pet industry expert and animal rescue veteran Amy Castro, this podcast is here to help you stop chasing your tail and start creating a life with pets that actually works. No judgment. No fluff. Just real talk, expert strategies, and practical solutions that fit your real life—not the one shown in curated Instagram grids.

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DOG TRAINING PODCASTS ADOPTION PODCASTS # 5 OF TOP 100 CAT PODCASTS #6 OF TOP PET PODCASTS

Recent Episodes

Nov. 9, 2025

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. And th...
Nov. 2, 2025

Choosing a Pet Boarding Facility? Watch for These Red Flags

Leaving your pet 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 B...
Oct. 26, 2025

Feeling Pet Parent Guilt? Here’s How to Let It Go for Good

Ever feel guilty for working too much, missing walks, or not giving your pet enough attention? You’re not alone. But what if guilt isn’t the real problem? In this episode, I’m joined by Sheryl Green , speaker, author of You H...
Oct. 19, 2025

Stop Getting Pet Advice from Social Media: Here’s Why It’s Hurting Your Pet

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. ...
Oct. 12, 2025

Stop Overpaying for Grooming: What You Can DIY vs Leave to the Pros

Stop overpaying for grooming! Trying to save money on grooming? Whether you’ve got a dog or a cat, this episode will help you figure out what you can safely and confidently do at home, and what’s better left to the profession...

About the Host

Amy P. Castro, MA, CSP Profile Photo

Amy P. Castro, MA, CSP

Host

Amy Castro is a professional speaker, author, trainer and consultant, and columnist for Pet Age Magazine. She's the founder and president of Starlight Outreach and Rescue (www.StarlightOutreachandRescue.org), a Houston, Texas area 501c3 nonprofit animal rescue whose mission is to rescue animals from the community, support shelters in providing medical treatment for at-risk pets, community outreach for pet owners in need, and educating pet parents to help keep pets in homes and off the streets.

Amy started the Starlight Pet Talk Podcast in 2023 as an extension of the rescue's education efforts to be able to reach more pet parents and help them solve their biggest problems so they can live their best lives with the pets they love.

Amy is also a proud USAF veteran and has personally fostered more than 3000 animals during her time in animal rescue.

Reviews

Im Obsessed!

"I am totally obsessed with this podcast! Amy the host, is amazing and so knowledgeable about everything pets. She brings such a warm and genuine vibe to every episode, making it a must-listen I tell …"

Alex | June 13, 2024

Pet Parent Therapy!!

"Amy’s advice is practical, her stories are hilariously relatable, and she reminds you that no pet parent has it all figured out (and that’s totally okay)!"

PodLaunchHQ.com | Jan. 26, 2025