Travel With Pets And Pet Care When Away Episodes

Moving cross-country with pets is not the same as taking your dog for a quick ride around town. In this episode of The Pet Parent Hotline, Amy shares the practical lessons she learned from a 2,200-mile move with one other adult and six pets. This is not a perfect travel checklist or a generic pet travel episode. It is the real-life stuff that matters when you’re on the road for days, juggling multiple animals, an RV, a car, overnight stops, messes, medication timing, and pets who are complete...

Great dog boarding facilities can be hard to find and leaving your dog (or cat) in someone else’s care can be nerve-racking, especially when you’re not sure what goes on behind those kennel doors. In this episode, Amy sits down with Carmen Rustenbeck, Founder & CEO of the International Boarding & Pet Services Association (IBPSA), to talk about what safe, professional pet care really looks like and how to choose a boarding facility (for your dog OR cat) that meets your standards for quality and c...

Worried your cat will freak out in the car? You’re not alone. Whether you’re planning a move or just need to get your cat to the vet without a meltdown, cat travel can feel overwhelming. But with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, I’m sharing practical pet travel tips for cats with Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist LeeAnna Buis, including what to do before, during, and after the ride to reduce anxiety and set your cat up for success. BY THE TIME YOU ...

What happens to a pet when their military family is suddenly deployed? In this episode, I talk with Alisa Sieber-Johnson, co-founder of Dogs on Deployment, a nonprofit that connects military members and first responders with volunteer pet boarders across the country. Born out of her own experience as a dual-military family with no options for pet care, Alisa turned a personal challenge into a national movement—ensuring no pet has to be surrendered due to deployment. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTE...

What happens when you hit the road with a rescue dog, and everything goes wrong? In this episode, I share the story of my 1,672-mile journey from Texas to New York with my best friend Bev and a sweet rescue dog named Bonnie. From a hurricane reroute to car trouble, sketchy hotel rooms, and a surprise stop in Memphis during Elvis Week, this adoption road trip was anything but smooth, but absolutely unforgettable. And yes, buried in the chaos are some real pet travel tips you can steal for your o...

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 ...

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...

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) • ...

Thinking about bringing your dog or cat to stay in someone else’s home — whether it’s the holidays, a weekend with the in-laws, or a family trip? Before you pack the food bowl and leash, listen to this episode first. Amy Castro teams up with master trainer Connie Archer from Barkbusters Home Dog Training in Houston to share practical, expert pet advice for making houseguest visits smoother for everyone involved. From managing pet behavior to cat care challenges in a new environment, you’ll learn...

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...