Other Pets Episodes

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 episode, I talk with goat expert and homesteader Deborah Niemann, host of the For the Love of Goats podcast, who pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to raise goats the right way. From fencing to vet care to the emotional lives of goats, she covers it all with hone...

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 maintenance, and full of behaviors that will blow your mind. In this episode, I talk with Zachary Liu, a myrmecologist from McGill University and founder of Canada Ant Colony. We explore what makes ants such fascinating animals and how to get started if you’re curious about add...

Could your pet’s toys, bowls, food bags, or even clothes be adding plastic exposure that builds up over time? In this episode, I’m joined by Aidan Charron from EARTHDAY.ORG to unpack the Pets vs Plastics report and why plastic is not just an environmental issue, it’s a pet health issue. We break down how plastics and additive chemicals can enter your pet’s body (even through chewing and licking), why oversight in pet products and pet food can be shockingly weak, and the easiest swaps that reduce...

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 needs, and the real cost of care, this episode is a must-listen for anyone considering adding a rabbit to their home—or wanting to better care for the one they already have. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LI...

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 behavior, often go overlooked but have the greatest impact on your pet’s quality of life. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: Why social connection (or solitude) matters depending on...

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 tackle the first three of the five legally recognized animal welfare needs and how they apply to everyday pet parenting. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: What “proper nutrition” really...

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 making smart, informed decisions before bringing one home. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: What to know before adding a rabbit, bird, reptile, or turtle to your homeHow to set up th...

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 surrendered to shelters. In this episode, you’ll discover: How play impacts your pet’s brain and behaviorThe surprising link between toy selection and fewer training issuesSimple ways to prevent boredom...

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 vet appointments—from pre-visit prep to payment at checkout. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: What to do before the appointment to help your pet stay calmHow your energy can make ...