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Pet Care Basics Episodes

Every pet parent starts somewhere. These episodes cover the everyday essentials of caring for your dog, cat, or other pets—so you can build confidence, create healthy routines, and avoid common mistakes. Whether you’re a new pet parent or just want to refresh your knowledge, you’ll find simple, practical advice to keep your pets happy and healthy at home.

Topics included: feeding routines, grooming, litter box setup, crate training, cleaning and odor control, introducing new pets, daily care, and first-time pet parent tips.
Dec. 21, 2025

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 a…

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Nov. 16, 2025

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...

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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. The pe...

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Nov. 2, 2025

Choosing a Dog Boarding Facility? Watch for These Red Flags

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 do...

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Oct. 5, 2025

Crate Training Without the Stress

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 confide...

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Sept. 21, 2025

Cat Won't Use the Litter Box? 6 Rules You’re Probably Breaking

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 ...

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Aug. 31, 2025

How to Avoid Choosing the Wrong Dog Trainer

Are you at the end of your rope with your dog’s behavior, but not sure if it’s time to hire a professional dog trainer, or worried about picking the wrong one? You’re not alone. The dog training world can feel like the Wild W...

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Aug. 24, 2025

Bringing Home a New Cat? Build Trust Fast With the CATS Method

That friendly, purring shelter cat you fell in love with can sometimes turn into a ghost or even a hissy ball of nerves the moment you get them home. It’s not rejection. It’s survival mode. And how you handle those first few ...

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Aug. 10, 2025

Pet Cost Hacks: 6 Guilt-Free Pet Food Savings Ideas That Work

Are you tired of feeling like you need a second job just to buy pet food? And do the “pet food savings” ideas you’ve tried so far leave you feeling guilty, like you’re short-changing your pet’s nutrition? You’re not alone. Pr...

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Aug. 10, 2025

The Truth About Year-Round Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Meds

You’re staring at another $200 vet bill and wondering if skipping a month of flea, tick, or heartworm meds will really matter. Your dog barely goes outside. Your cat’s never seen a flea. And those preventatives are not cheap....

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