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.
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.
April 16, 2024
Spring and Summer Pet Safety: The Risks Nobody Warned You About
Worried about keeping your pets safe during the warmer months? From allergies and pests to heatstroke and toxic plants, spring and summer bring a new set of challenges for pet parents. In this episode, Amy is joined by Dr. Zoo from Family Animal Hospital to share essential seasonal safety tips that every dog or cat owner needs to hear. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: • How to protect your pet from seasonal allergies, pests, and plant toxins • Simple ways to keep your pet ...
April 9, 2024
The Hardest Goodbye: Why In-Home Euthanasia Is Kinder
Facing the end of your pet’s life and unsure how to make it peaceful and meaningful? Many pet parents struggle with how to honor their pet’s final chapter while navigating guilt, fear, and overwhelming grief. In this episode, Amy talks with Dr. Mary Gardner from Lap of Love about how in-home hospice and euthanasia services can transform this emotional time into one of comfort, dignity, and love. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: • How in-home euthanasia offers a peaceful, fa...
April 2, 2024
Found A Litter Of Kittens? Here’s What To Do First
Not sure what to do when you stumble on a litter of kittens? Every spring, well-meaning people rush to “rescue” kittens they stumble across who may not need saving. In this episode, Amy breaks down what you need to know before stepping in—so you don’t accidentally do more harm than good. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: How to assess if the kittens are healthy or in dangerSimple ways to tell if the mother cat is still caring for themWhat signs indicate it’s time to intervene...
March 19, 2024
Special-Needs Pet Care: The Reality and the Reward
Ever wonder what life really looks like after your pet gets a serious diagnosis? A chronic illness like diabetes doesn’t just change your pet’s routine, it changes yours, every single day. And it can get overwhelming fast, emotionally, logistically, and financially. In this episode, I talk with pet podcaster Julie Marty Pearson about her diabetic cat, Charlie, and what it really takes to manage long-term illness without falling apart in the process. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DIS...
March 5, 2024
Dog Owner Etiquette: Big Mistakes Everyone Notices
Ever feel like taking your dog out in public turns into chaos, side-eyes, and stress? Most “bad dog” moments are really people problems, like using too much leash, missing body language cues, or pushing a dog into situations they’re not ready for yet. In this episode, I talk with Nancy Hassel, founder of American Pet Professionals, about real-world dog etiquette, the kind that keeps your dog safer and makes everyone’s life easier, from your neighborhood walks to the vet to the park. BY THE TI...
Feb. 27, 2024
Resource Guarding: Why It Gets Worse Fast
Is your dog growling over food, toys, the couch, or even you? Resource guarding usually doesn’t start as a big, dramatic moment; it starts small, and most pet parents miss the early red flags until it escalates. Then the internet chimes in with advice that can make it worse fast. In this episode, I’m joined by nationally recognized dog behavior and dog training expert Will Bangura, to break down what resource guarding really is, why it happens, and what to do next so you can handle it safely an...
Feb. 20, 2024
From Intake to Adoption: A Rescue Cat’s Journey
Ever wonder what life is really like for a cat in a rescue or shelter? In this behind-the-scenes episode, Amy Castro takes you through a day in the life of a rescue cat—from the moment they arrive to the moment they’re ready for a forever home. You’ll get an inside look at the challenges, the heartwarming milestones, and everything it takes to prepare these cats for adoption. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: What rescue cats experience from intake to adoption dayHow behavior...
Feb. 12, 2024
From Intake to Adoption: A Rescue Dog’s Journey
What’s it really like for a dog living in a rescue or shelter? In this eye-opening episode, Amy Castro is joined by Donna Ball of Ranger’s Reach to reveal what life is like for dogs inside a rescue—from intake and daily care to rehabilitation and adoption prep. You’ll hear the real, unfiltered stories of dogs working their way toward a second chance. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: What a typical day looks like for a dog living in a rescueThe medical, emotional, and behavio...
Feb. 6, 2024
Thinking About Getting a Bunny? What No One Warns You About
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...
Jan. 30, 2024
5 Pet Needs Most Homes Miss, The Next Level (Part 2)
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...