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Other Pets Episodes

Not all pets have fur—or fit the mold. These episodes cover the unique needs of small animals, birds, reptiles, and other nontraditional pets, helping you create healthy, engaging environments where every species can thrive.

Topics included: small pet care, rabbit care, bird care, reptile care, habitat setup, diet and enrichment, exotic pet basics, veterinary care for small pets.
Feb. 17, 2025

Want Goats? What You Need to Know Before You Regret It

Thinking about getting goats? Don’t let Instagram fool you. Goat ownership isn’t just cute photos and fresh milk. It’s daily work, specific care, and a long-term commitment that catches a lot of new owners off guard. In this ...

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Dec. 2, 2024

Should Your Kids Keep Ants as Pets? What Parents Need to Know

Think keeping ants as pets sounds strange? You might be surprised. Ant keeping is one of the fastest-growing pet hobbies in the world, and it’s easy to see why. These tiny creatures are incredibly social, surprisingly low mai...

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Sept. 17, 2024

Are Plastics Harming Your Pet?

Could your pet’s toys, bowls, or containers be quietly harming their health? In this episode, I talk with Aidan Charron from EarthDay.org about the alarming findings in the Pets vs Plastics report—and what every pet parent ne...

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Feb. 6, 2024

Thinking About Getting a Bunny? What to Know Before You Do

Thinking about bringing home a bunny? Here’s what most people get wrong. In this eye-opening episode, Amy Castro speaks with Marcy Berman, founder of Save a Bunny Rabbit Rescue, to reveal the often misunderstood truth about rabbits as pets. From spaying and neutering to behavioral quirks, medical n…

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Jan. 30, 2024

The 2 Pet Needs Most People Overlook, But Your Pet Feels Every Day

Are you giving your pet everything they need to truly thrive? In Part 2 of our series with UK veterinarian and animal welfare advocate Dr. Emma Milne, Amy Castro explores the final two of the five legally recognized pet welfare needs. These last two, companionship and the ability to express natural…

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Jan. 23, 2024

3 Pet Needs You’re Probably Missing Without Even Realizing It

Are you meeting all 5 of your pet’s welfare needs—or just the basics? In this powerful first episode of a two-part series, Amy Castro teams up with renowned UK veterinarian and animal welfare advocate Dr. Emma Milne to explore the often-overlooked foundations of pet care. In this episode, they tack…

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Sept. 19, 2023

Thinking About a Small Pet? What Vets Want You to Know First

Curious about getting a rabbit, bird, turtle—or even a snake? In this episode, Amy Castro sits down with veteran veterinarian Dr. Linda Atkins to explore what it really takes to care for small pets. From creating safe habitats to understanding species-specific needs, this is your go-to guide for ma…

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July 18, 2023

What Skipping Playtime Is Really Costing Your Pet

Ever wonder if your pet’s behavior problems could be solved with a toy? Most pet parents don’t realize that play and enrichment aren’t just fun extras—they’re essential to your pet’s mental and emotional health. When pets don’t get enough stimulation, they act out, get stressed, or even end up surr…

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May 23, 2023

Vet Visits Don’t Have to Be Traumatizing, For You or Your Pet

Does your pet panic at the vet—or do you? Vet visits can be a major source of anxiety for pets and their people. But they don’t have to be. In this episode, Amy sits down with her friend and veterinarian, Dr. Arsue Shokrollahi-McClain (aka Dr. Zoo), to share practical tips to take the stress out of…

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