Episodes

Are you giving your pet everything they need to truly thrive? In Part 2 of our series with UK veterinarian and animal welfare advocate Dr. Emma Milne, Amy Castro explores the final two of the five legally recognized pet welfare needs. These last two, companionship and the ability to express natural behavior, often go overlooked but have the greatest impact on your pet’s quality of life. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: Why social connection (or solitude) matters depending on...

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...

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 ...

Hey there! In this episode, you’ll hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk—that’s what we called it before we decided to embrace the fur, mess, and mayhem. Don’t worry, you’re in the right place for Muddy Paws and Hairballs—same great content, just with a name that fits! - Amy Wrapping up Season 1, Amy and Bev journey through your favorite episodes & theirs. We laughed, learned, and built a community around our love for pets. Looking ahead, Season 2 will bring even more enlighten...

Hey there! In this episode, you’ll hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk—that’s what we called it before we decided to embrace the fur, mess, and mayhem. Don’t worry, you’re in the right place for Muddy Paws and Hairballs—same great content, just with a name that fits! - Amy To help you get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through our debut season of Starlight Pet Talk, this quick episode gives you a preview of what to expect when we go LIVE for a final, special episode ...

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...

What makes a service dog a lifeline for veterans and first responders? What makes a service dog a lifeline for veterans and first responders? A lot of people assume service dogs are only for physical disabilities, but for trauma survivors, the right dog can change daily life in powerful, practical ways. In this episode, Amy Castro is joined by Joe Gionti, CEO of K9 Heroes 4 Heroes, to share how these dogs are trained and matched to support veterans and first responders living with PTSD, tra...

Could pet insurance keep you from having to choose between your finances and your pet’s care? In this episode, Amy talks with Kristin Lynch, Executive Director of the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), about how pet insurance really works, what it covers, what it doesn’t, and why waiting until your pet is sick or injured can leave you with fewer options. They cover accident-only vs. accident-and-illness plans, deductibles, reimbursement limits, pre-existing conditions, ...

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...

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...