Would you be able to cover a $5,000 emergency vet bill today? In this episode, Amy Castro talks with Kristin Lynch, Executive Director of the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), about how pet insurance can help protect both your finances and your pet's life when unexpected medical costs arise. They explain the types of coverage available, how pricing varies based on species, breed, and age, and why enrolling early matters. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVE...
Think your pet’s microchip is keeping them safe? It might not be. In this episode, Amy Castro talks with Dr. Matt Goetz, DVM, MBA from Merck Animal Health, the company behind HomeAgain microchips, to reveal what most pet parents don’t realize about microchipping. From missing registrations to false assumptions about collars and tags, this conversation will change how you think about pet safety. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: Why collars and tags aren’t enough to protect yo...
Could your holiday celebrations put your pets in danger? In this festive and essential episode, Amy Castro teams up with emergency veterinarian Dr. Tyler Sugerman-McGiffin to share practical ways to protect your pets during the holidays. From dangerous foods and décor to managing loud guests and fireworks, you’ll learn how to keep your pets safe, calm, and comfortable all season long. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: The top hidden holiday dangers that could harm your petHow...
Not sure who should care for your pet while you're away? In this episode, Amy Castro teams up with veterinarian Dr. Aresue Shokrollahi-McClain (aka Dr. Zoo) to explore the pros and cons of hiring a pet sitter versus using a boarding facility. They break down what matters most when deciding—your pet’s needs, your travel plans, and the quality of care available. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: The biggest differences between sitters and boarding facilitiesKey questions to ask...
Tired of Wasting Money on Pet Products That Don’t Work? If you’ve ever bought a pet bed your dog wouldn’t touch or a cleaner that didn’t stand a chance against cat pee, this episode is for you. In this episode, I’m sharing the top 20 must-have pet products that have made life at Starlight Outreach and Rescue easier and improved the lives of the pets we care for every day. These are the tried-and-true items we actually use, love, and recommend. 🎧 By the time you finish listening, you’ll discov...
Can mushrooms really help with your pet’s allergies, anxiety, or immune issues? In this enlightening episode, Amy Castro chats with Dr. Rob Silver, veterinarian and expert in herbal medicine, to explore the growing field of medicinal mushrooms for pets. You’ll learn how natural remedies like reishi, chaga, and Lion’s Mane are being used to support common pet health concerns—and why many conventional vets may not yet be aware of their benefits. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER...
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...
Feel like your dog’s forgotten everything they’ve ever learned? In this episode, Amy Castro sits down with canine cognitive behavioral expert Billy Groom to explore why perfectly trained puppies often become disobedient “teenagers”—and what to do about it. If your dog suddenly won’t come when called, ignores commands, or starts acting out, the problem isn’t a lack of discipline—it’s how their brain is changing. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: The science behind why adolesce...
What would you do if your cat went missing and the advice you found online wasn’t working? Most people panic, print flyers, and shake a treat bag, but today’s guest says that’s exactly what not to do. In this episode, Amy sits down with lost cat expert and pet detective Kim Freeman, who shares what really helps bring lost cats home. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: The critical mistake most pet parents make in the first 24 hoursHow understanding cat behavior can transform yo...
What if a few simple changes could add years to your pet’s life? If you've ever worried about whether you're doing enough to keep your pet healthy, you're not alone. In this episode, Amy talks with holistic veterinarian Dr. Gary Richter, founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition, to uncover the everyday choices that can make a major difference in your pet’s longevity. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: How vaccinations and parasite prevention affect long-term wellnessThe truth about p...