Help keep the hotline alive, donate now →

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.
May 2, 2023

Think You ‘Have To’ Rehome Your Pet? Try This First

Ever heard someone say they “had to” give up their pet because they had a baby or were moving? Let’s unpack that. In this episode, Amy teams up with fellow pet podcaster and dog training expert Jessica L. Fischer to confront ...

Listen to the Episode
April 25, 2023

Thinking About Adopting a Shelter Dog? Listen to This First

Ready to open your heart and home to a shelter dog? There’s more to it than just picking the cutest pup. In this episode, Amy Castro teams up with professional dog trainer Ricky Bedient, also known as That Dog Guy , to unpack...

Listen to the Episode
April 18, 2023

Afraid to Adopt a Senior Dog? Here’s What You’re Missing

Afraid to adopt a senior dog because it feels “too sad”? You’re not alone. Many people avoid older dogs because of fears about health, longevity, or heartbreak, but what if you’re missing out on one of the most rewarding pet ...

Listen to the Episode
April 11, 2023

Is Your Pet’s Food Making Them Sick?

Is Your Pet’s Food Helping or Hurting Their Health? With nearly 900 pet food brands on the market, how are you supposed to know what’s actually good for your pet? In this episode, I’m joined by holistic veterinarian Dr. Jeff Grognet to cut through the confusion and give you real answers about pet n…

Listen to the Episode
Feb. 14, 2023

Boost Your Pet’s Nutrition Without Breaking the Bank

Think upgrading your pet’s food means draining your wallet? Think again. In this episode, Amy Castro gets expert pet advice from Kat Donatello, founder of Austin and Kat, on how to improve your dog or cat’s diet without overspending. If you’ve been struggling with pet costs, unsure which supplement…

Listen to the Episode