Pet Parenting And Lifestyle Episodes
Being a great pet parent isn’t just about vet visits and training sessions—it’s about creating a home and lifestyle where pets and people truly thrive together. These episodes explore the everyday challenges and joys of life with pets, from building routines that work to keeping your home clean, calm, and pet-friendly.
Topics included: balancing life with pets, home organization, cleaning and odor control, travel with pets, family and pet routines, mental enrichment, pet parent mindset, lifestyle tips.
Topics included: balancing life with pets, home organization, cleaning and odor control, travel with pets, family and pet routines, mental enrichment, pet parent mindset, lifestyle tips.
July 3, 2023
The #1 Mistake Ruining Your Pet Photos
Ever look at your pet in real life, then look at your photo and think… who is that gremlin? Most pet photos don’t turn out “bad” because your pet won’t cooperate, they turn out bad because of one fixable mistake people make without realizing it. In this episode, pro dog photographer and rescue advocate Mindy Dutka shares simple tweaks that instantly level up your photos, whether you’re snapping memories at home or trying to help a shelter pet get noticed fast. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENIN...
June 27, 2023
Before You Start An Animal Rescue: The Truth Nobody Tells You
Most people picture the happy endings, not the daily reality that can drain your time, your money, and your emotional bandwidth faster than you ever expected. In this episode, we’re talking about what it really takes to start and sustain an animal rescue, the messy parts people don’t post online, and the decisions you need to make before you take in your first animal. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: • The biggest misconception that burns out new rescuers fast • The behind-th...
May 30, 2023
Working from Home? Stop Pets from Driving You Crazy
Ever try to lead a Zoom call while your dog is barking or your cat is walking across your keyboard? Remote work sounds like a dream, until your pets decide they're the boss. If you're tired of juggling deadlines and dog walks, this episode is for you. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: How to structure your day to meet both your pets’ needs and your professional goalsWhat routines, boundaries, and backup plans work (and what doesn’t)Why flexibility and planning are your secret...
May 16, 2023
Road Trips With Pets: Avoid Vomit, Stress and Car Chaos
Planning a road trip with your pets? Worried about how to make it safe, fun, and enjoyable? In this episode, Amy chats with pet travel expert Amy Burkert, founder of GoPetFriendly.com, to bring you the ultimate guide to hitting the road with your furry co-pilot. Whether you’re traveling cross-country or just heading out for a weekend getaway, these tips will save your sanity. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: How to prepare your pet physically and mentally for road travelWhat...
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 the most common excuses people give when surrendering their pets. Together, they challenge the myths, explore what’s really behind these reasons, and offer a candid conversation about responsibility, compassion, and commitment in pet ownership. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTEN...
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 experiences of your life? In this episode, Amy Castro sits down with Sherri Franklin, founder of Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, to challenge the myths and highlight the real joy and relief that can come from adopting older dogs. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOV...
April 4, 2023
Thinking About Fostering a Pet? Here's What You Need to Know
Ever wonder if you could be a foster hero? Fostering isn’t just about temporarily housing an animal - it’s about giving them a second chance. But it’s also one of the most rewarding ways to make a difference, even if you’re not ready for a permanent pet. In this inspiring episode, Amy Castro sits down with animal advocate Nora Burns to explore the life-saving power of pet fostering and why it’s easier (and more fulfilling) than you might think. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:...
March 28, 2023
Fake Service Dogs: How They Put Real People at Risk
Think all dogs with vests are legit service animals? Think again. In this episode, Amy Castro sits down with disability experts Elisa Hayes and Donna Mack to break down the facts—and fiction—surrounding service dogs. Together, they explore the real legal definitions under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the responsibilities of handlers, and what happens when people abuse the system. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: What truly qualifies a dog as a service animal unde...
March 14, 2023
Greyhound Rescue, Dog Dancing, and Reinventing Life Together
What happens when your life needs a second act -- and your dog leads the way? In this episode, Amy Castro talks with Joyce A. Miller, who transformed herself from a mechanical designer into an author and freestyle dog dancer after adopting retired racing Greyhounds. Joyce shares the emotional highs and lows of Greyhound rescue, the myths every pet parent should know about racing dogs, and how life with pets can inspire reinvention you never expected. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YO...
Feb. 28, 2023
Veterinary Social Workers: The Hidden Support Pet Owners Need
Ever feel like something’s lost in translation at the vet’s office? Veterinary social workers may be the solution you didn’t know existed. In this episode, Amy speaks with Emily Carveth, LCSW, to explore how these professionals support both pet parents and veterinary teams, especially in high-stress or emotional situations. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: What veterinary social workers do and why they’re essential to modern pet careThe emotional toll veterinary staff face d...