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.
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...
Sept. 12, 2023
Dog Training: Why Your “Trained” Dog Suddenly Stops Listening
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 you've been through dog training and 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 DIS...
Aug. 15, 2023
Lost Cat? How to Find Them Fast (and What Not to Do)
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...
July 25, 2023
5 Ways to Help Your Pet Live Longer with Dr. Gary Richter, DVM
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...