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.
Jan. 23, 2024
5 Pet Needs Most Homes Miss, The Basics (Part 1)
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...
Jan. 16, 2024
10 Pet Parent Habits for a Healthier, Happier Year
Want to be a better pet parent this year—but not sure where to start? In this playful and practical kickoff to Season 2, Amy Castro and Bev share 10 powerful resolutions every pet parent should consider. Whether you’ve made your list or need a few fresh ideas, this episode offers simple, meaningful ways to improve your pet’s health, happiness, and everyday life. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: How to create a proactive wellness plan with vet care, grooming, and hygieneEasy ...
Dec. 14, 2023
Adopt Or Shop? Dog Show Judge Explains How To Choose Responsibly
Caught in the middle of the “Adopt Don’t Shop” debate? Here’s what you really need to know before getting your next dog. In this balanced and thought-provoking episode, Amy Castro sits down with AKC Judge and Siberian Husky expert Sandy Weaver to unpack the tension between rescuing dogs and buying from breeders. They explore the truth behind mixed breed rescue dogs vs. purebreds, decode the doodle craze, and share expert tips for finding a responsible breeder, so you can make the best decision f...
Dec. 5, 2023
Can’t Afford Vet Care? The Pet Cost Hacks You Need to Know
Worried about the rising cost of caring for your pet? You’re not alone. In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Wainberg, Senior VP of Synchrony Financial Services’ Pet Business, to talk about how pet parents can prepare for unexpected costs and avoid financial panic when their pets need care most. We dig into the real numbers behind vet bills and the simple pet cost hacks that help you stay ahead of expenses instead of scrambling after the fact. From smarter budgeting to understanding tools ...
Nov. 28, 2023
Why Your Pet’s Microchip Won’t Save Them Until You Do This
Think your pet’s microchip is keeping them safe? It might not be. A microchip isn’t a GPS, it doesn’t “work automatically,” and one common mistake makes it basically useless when a lost pet is found. In this episode, Amy Castro talks with Dr. Matt Goetz, DVM, MBA from Merck Animal Health, the company behind HomeAgain microchips, about what most pet parents misunderstand about microchipping, and the simple steps that actually make it work when it matters. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YO...
Nov. 21, 2023
Holiday Hazards: The Hidden Dangers That Send Pets to the ER
Could your holiday celebrations put your pet in danger? Between tempting food, breakable décor, open doors, and a house full of loud humans, the holidays can turn into a perfect storm for pet accidents and stress. In this episode, Amy Castro teams up with emergency veterinarian Dr. Tyler Sugerman-McGiffin to break down the most common holiday hazards that land pets in urgent care, plus the simple steps that prevent most of them. You’ll also learn how to set your pet up to stay cal...
Nov. 14, 2023
Pet Sitter vs Boarding: How To Choose The Right Pet Care
Leaving town and trying to decide between dog boarding or cat boarding and a pet sitter? In this episode, Amy Castro and veterinarian Dr. Aresue Shokrollahi (aka Dr. Zoo) walk through the real pros and cons of both pet care options, so you can choose based on your pet’s personality, health needs, anxiety level, and the quality and accountability of care available. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: • What planning matters either way (food, meds, routines, and house rules) • ...
Oct. 31, 2023
20 Rescue-Tested Pet Products We Swear By
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...
Oct. 24, 2023
Medicinal Mushrooms for Pets: What Works and What's Hype
Can mushrooms actually help your pet’s allergies, anxiety, or immune system, or is this just another wellness trend? In this episode, Amy Castro talks with Dr. Rob Silver, a veterinarian with expertise in herbal medicine, about what medicinal mushrooms can realistically support, which ones get overhyped, and how to choose products that aren’t basically expensive filler. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: • Which mushrooms are commonly used for calming support, allergy relief, an...
Sept. 19, 2023
Small Pets, Big Commitments: What Vets Want You to Know
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...