Explore every episode of the podcast The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 DIY Pet Health Checks to Do Every Month | 06 Sep 2026 | 00:21:31 | |
You see your pet every day, which means you’re in the best position to notice when something starts to change. The problem? Seeing them every day can also make gradual changes surprisingly easy to miss. In this episode of The Pet Parent Hotline, Amy walks through eight simple at-home pet health checks you can do about once a month to get more familiar with what’s normal for your pet and spot changes that may be worth mentioning to your veterinarian. This isn’t about diagnosing your pet at home or replacing regular veterinary care. Think of it as a 10-to-15-minute monthly check-in where you slow down, actually look at your pet, put your hands on them where it’s safe to do so, and pay attention. You’ll learn to check:
Amy also shares how accidentally discovering a badly broken tooth in one of her own dogs made her realize just how much pet parents can miss when we’re not deliberately looking. The goal isn’t to catch everything. It’s to know your pet well enough that when something changes, you’re more likely to recognize that it’s new and give your veterinarian useful information about when it started. In This Episode
Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| Is Your Pet Acting Differently? 3 Questions to Ask | Pet Parent Power Up | 02 Sep 2026 | 00:08:17 | |
This month’s Pet Parent Power Up is a little different: no intro music, minimal editing, and recorded on the fly to follow up on an important question from Sunday’s episode. What should you do when you notice your pet doing something differently? Maybe your dog suddenly hesitates before jumping into the car, your cat starts sleeping somewhere new, or a pet who used to love a certain activity seems less interested. Before you panic or write it off as “just getting older,” Amy shares three questions that can help you decide whether you’re seeing a simple preference, a pattern worth watching, or a change that deserves a conversation with your veterinarian:
You’ll also learn why knowing your individual pet’s normal matters, how videos and a few simple notes can help your veterinarian, and why aging, moving, stress, or other life changes shouldn’t automatically be used to explain away new behavior. This episode builds on Sunday’s conversation about treating pets as individuals and paying attention to what each animal actually needs. Veterinary Disclaimer: The Pet Parent Hotline is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian or another qualified pet-care professional about questions or concerns related to your individual pet’s health, behavior, diet, mobility, or care. Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| Fair Isn’t Equal: What Your Pet Really Needs | 30 Aug 2026 | 00:19:26 | |
Treating your pets fairly doesn’t mean treating them all the same. In this episode, Amy looks at how age, health, mobility, personality, behavior, and even personal preferences can mean very different needs for pets living under the same roof. From secret extra meals for a skinny senior cat to different exercise, rules, accommodations, and attention, the goal isn’t perfect equality. It’s paying attention to the individual animal in front of you. And this isn’t just for people with a houseful of animals. Whether you have one pet or six, it’s about recognizing what that pet needs instead of comparing them to other animals or even to who they used to be. She also tackles a harder question: Are you giving your pet what they actually enjoy and need, or trying to turn them into the pet you imagined having? Plus, try this week’s simple Pet Parent Hotline challenge to learn something new about your own pet. Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| A New Home With Pets: I Need Your Help! | 23 Aug 2026 | 00:16:25 | |
What happens when the person who usually answers the Pet Parent Hotline needs help from the listeners? Amy is finally in her new house (new to her, but built in 1957), but "moved in" might be a generous description. Most of the furniture and pet gear are still in storage, the floors and painting aren't done, she needs a new roof, and she's currently recording from an echoey bedroom furnished with a semi-deflated air mattress. More importantly, the pets are adjusting too. So this week, Amy is turning the tables and asking fellow pet parents for the practical, real-life solutions they've discovered through experience. In this episode, Amy wants to hear from you about:
This isn't about replacing expert advice. It's about those little things another pet parent figured out because they were standing in the exact same situation. Amy really does want your help. If you've dealt with even one of these challenges, share what worked, what didn't, or what you wish you'd known sooner. Comment on the episode if your listening platform allows it, find The Pet Parent Hotline on Facebook or Instagram, or reach out at PetParentHotline.com. If enough of you respond, Amy may share the best listener advice in a follow-up episode. Because sometimes the answer you need is already sitting in another pet parent's house. Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| Before Fall Gets Busy: Get Your Pet Care in Order | 16 Aug 2026 | 00:21:06 | |
Summer has a way of knocking routines loose and pushing pet care tasks to “later.” Before fall gets busy, this is a good time for dog, cat, and other pet parents to catch up on the things that have quietly slipped down the list. In this solo episode, Amy covers the pet care tasks worth handling now, from vet appointments and grooming to pet boarding, pet sitting, holiday travel, and changing routines. The goal isn’t to create another giant checklist. It’s to take care of a few things now that could save you time, money, and stress later. In this episode:
Need help figuring out what your pet needs, what to prioritize, or how to make it all work with your life? Learn more about a Pet Parent Hotline consultation at petparenthotline.com/consult. Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| What Your Pet Food Label Is Really Telling You | 09 Aug 2026 | 00:56:05 | |
Pet food labels are packed with reassuring words like real chicken, high protein, complete and balanced, and superfoods. But what do those words actually tell you about the food inside the bag? Dr. Angie Boyer, founder of Grain & Grace Consulting and a trained multi-species nutritionist, returns to help us work through a pet food label from front to back to identify what's really in our pet food. In this episode, we cover:
The goal isn’t to find one perfect pet food. It’s to understand enough of the label to make a more informed choice for the pet in front of you. Guest: Dr. Angie Boyer, founder of Grain & Grace Consulting And if you missed our August Pet Parent Power Up on specialty diets like sensitive stomach, urinary care, and hairball control, listen to that episode for even more help interpreting what pet food packaging is promising. As always, talk with your veterinarian about your individual pet’s medical and nutritional needs before making changes to their diet. Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| Do Special Pet Diets Do What They Claim? | Pet Parent Power Up | 05 Aug 2026 | 00:09:47 | |
Sensitive stomach. Weight management. Hairball control. Urinary care. Pet food labels make these diets sound highly specific, but not every claim on the package means the same thing. In this Pet Parent Power Up, Dr. Angie Boyer explains the difference between formulas built around certain ingredient choices and claims that require more testing and scientific support. You’ll learn:
Note: Always talk with your veterinarian about your individual pet’s medical and nutritional needs before changing foods, especially when managing a diagnosed health condition. Dr. Angie Boyer is the founder of Grain & Grace Consulting and a trained multi-species nutritionist whose work spans livestock, companion animals, and horses. Angie returns in the next full episode to help us read a pet food package from the claims on the front to the label on the back. Learn more about Dr. Angie Boyer and Grain & Grace Consulting:
Get Your Free Pet Food Guides! Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| Is Doggy Daycare Helping or Hurting Your Dog? | 02 Aug 2026 | 00:39:37 | |
Doggy daycare can give dogs exercise, enrichment, social time, and a much-needed outlet for their energy. But a dog coming home exhausted does not automatically mean they had a great day, and not every dog enjoys or benefits from a group daycare environment. In this episode, Amy talks with pet care professional Rich Schlatter, CPACP, about how to tell whether your dog truly likes daycare, what a proper evaluation should look like, and how to choose a facility that is equipped to keep your dog safe. They discuss the difference between healthy tiredness and signs that daycare may be overwhelming your dog, why group size and play style matter more than simply separating dogs by size, and what pet parents should notice during facility tours. You’ll also learn:
Doggy daycare should offer more than a place to leave your dog while you work. The right program should match your dog’s temperament, age, health, energy level, and social needs. The goal is not simply to bring home a dog who is too exhausted to move. It is to give your dog an experience that leaves them happy, comfortable, and able to return to their normal life at home. Connect With Rich Schlatter Email: RichSchlatter@gmail.com Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| Buying a House With Pets: What I Never Thought to Check | 26 Jul 2026 | 00:26:27 | |
I thought buying a house with pets meant finding enough space, a decent yard, and hopefully a fence. Then I started walking through houses with three dogs and three cats in mind. Now I’m looking at how close the road is, whether Gunny can manage the stairs as she gets older, whether my blind cat could fall through an open staircase, and how much it would cost to make a beautiful property truly safe and manageable for all of us. In this episode, I’m sharing what has surprised me during the house-hunting process and why the house with the most land, the prettiest floors, or the lowest price may not be the house that works best when pets are part of the decision. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
Have you ever chosen, changed, or ruled out a home because of your pets? Send me a message or leave a comment and share what surprised you or what you learned the hard way. Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| What Really Happened Moving 2,200 Miles With Six Pets | 19 Jul 2026 | 00:34:42 | |
What Really Happened Moving 2,200 Miles With Six Pets Moving six pets from Texas to Massachusetts in an RV sounded manageable on paper. Then came the delayed departure, Houston rush-hour traffic, tire-pressure warnings, a check-engine light, a crying cat, an unexpected campground wedding and a bulldog who created two separate crime scenes. In this follow-up to the lessons-from-the-road episode, Amy sits down with her friend Bev Brooks and daughter Kelsey Castro to share what actually happened during the trip, including the moments no amount of planning could have prevented. You’ll hear:
The goal was never a perfect road trip. It was getting three dogs, three cats and two humans safely from Texas to Massachusetts. Despite everything that went wrong, they made it. Great Places and Resources Mentioned
Listen to the previous episode for the practical lessons, preparation tips and supplies that helped Amy move six pets more than 2,000 miles. Always talk with your veterinarian before giving your pet medication for travel. Follow the prescribed dosage and ask about testing the medication before a long trip. Thanks for listening to The Pet Parent Hotline. Share this episode with someone preparing to move or take a long road trip with pets. Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| Moving Cross-Country With 6 Pets: Lessons From 2,200 Miles | 12 Jul 2026 | 00:22:32 | |
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 completely out of their normal routine. Amy talks about why stopping constantly may not be the best plan for every pet, how to think through travel medication before the trip begins, why cleaning supplies need to be reachable instead of packed away, and why every pet needs a secure space of their own. She also shares why arrival order matters, especially when setting up an RV or temporary space, and why your travel equipment needs to be tested before the real trip. If you are planning a move, evacuation, long road trip, or major life change with pets, this episode will help you think through the parts most people do not consider until something has already gone sideways. In this episode:
Need help planning a move or long road trip with pets? Get in touch with Amy for help thinking through the route, setup, supplies, stopping strategy, and backup plans before you’re already in the middle of it: https://www.petparenthotline.com/consult/ Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| When a Pet Is Loved, But Not Safe: Understanding Behavioral Euthanasia | 05 Jul 2026 | 00:46:17 | |
Behavioral euthanasia is one of the hardest and most misunderstood decisions a pet parent may ever face. While most people think of euthanasia as something reserved for pets who are elderly, sick, or physically suffering, serious behavior problems can also become quality-of-life and safety issues. In this episode of The Pet Parent Hotline, board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Lore Haug explains what behavioral euthanasia actually means, why it is not only about aggression, and why a pet who appears physically healthy may still be suffering mentally or behaviorally. This conversation looks at the realities families face when a pet’s behavior becomes frightening, unsafe, overwhelming, or unmanageable. Dr. Haug discusses severe anxiety, storm phobia, separation distress, compulsive behaviors, self-injury, aggression, rehoming concerns, and the emotional toll these situations can take on both pets and people. This episode is not a decision guide and is not a substitute for working directly with a veterinarian, veterinary behaviorist, or qualified behavior professional. The goal is to help pet parents better understand behavioral euthanasia, reduce stigma around the topic, and recognize why families facing this decision need support, not judgment. IN THIS EPISODE: Get in touch with Dr. Haug: https://www.texasvetbehavior.com/ RESOURCES MENTIONED: American College of Veterinary Behaviorists: International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants: Karen Pryor Academy: Pet Professional Guild: FINAL THOUGHT: If a pet’s behavior has become frightening, unsafe, or overwhelming, the first step is to consult a veterinarian to discuss possible medical causes, pain, medication options, behavior support, and qualified professional help. Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| Why Isn't Training Working for My Dog? | 28 Jun 2026 | 00:50:54 | |
If you’ve ever said, “We tried training, and it didn’t work,” this episode is for you. This week, Amy talks with Em Breslin, host of the podcast The Dog Who Asked for More, about why dog training sometimes fails and what pet parents may be missing when they feel stuck. Em is a dog trainer, Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist, and retired veterinary technician with more than 20 years of experience in veterinary medicine, behavior support, enrichment, and nutrition. This conversation is not about blaming the dog or the pet parent. It’s about getting curious. Sometimes the method doesn’t fit the dog. Sometimes the environment is too distracting. Sometimes stress, pain, poor nutrition, unmet needs, or inconsistent communication get in the way. In this episode, we talk about: • Why “training didn’t work” doesn’t always mean your dog is untrainable Listen to The Dog Who Asked for More or get in touch with Em here: https://thedogwhoaskedformore.com/ Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| When the Life You Built No Longer Fits: Pets, Grief, and Moving Forward | 21 Jun 2026 | 00:22:53 | |
What do you do when the life you built around your pets, your purpose, and your plans no longer fits the life you're actually living? In this raw, personal episode, Amy talks about leaving the seven-acre Texas property she bought with her husband less than two years before he died of COVID. What once felt like a dream built around rescue, animals, space, and a future together eventually became more than she could keep carrying on her own. This is not another episode about why Amy stepped back from rescue, you can listen to that here, it is about what happens after a major loss, when the routines and responsibilities that kept you going also start keeping you stuck. It is about grief, capacity, identity, and the hard truth that something can matter deeply and still no longer be sustainable. Amy also talks about bringing her own pets through this transition, the guilt that comes when animals are affected by our life decisions, and the mindset helping her right now: stop trying to make everything perfect and focus on making things less hard. If you are caring for pets while navigating a major life change, questioning what you can keep carrying, or trying to make a responsible decision that still hurts, this episode will meet you there. IN THIS EPISODE: • Why this episode is intentionally less polished than usual MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: • Pet Acting Different? Ask This Before You Blame Them | Pet Parent Power-Up KEY TAKEAWAY: Responsible pet parenting is not about destroying yourself to prove that you care. Sometimes it is about making the hard changes so that you and your pets can have a life that actually works. Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| What Your Vet Wishes You Understood About Them | 14 Jun 2026 | 00:32:19 | |
Most pet parents see veterinarians during some of the most stressful moments of pet ownership: when a pet is sick, injured, aging, or facing an expensive medical decision. But what many people never see is the pressure veterinarians themselves are carrying into those conversations. In this episode, Amy sits down with equine veterinarian, stand-up comedian, and author Dr. Matt Evans to talk about the human side of veterinary medicine and why communication between pet parents and vets can sometimes feel so emotionally loaded. They discuss:
Dr. Evans also shares how stand-up comedy became an unexpected outlet for the stress of veterinary medicine and talks about his upcoming book, Chomping at the Bit, a humorous and honest look at becoming a horse veterinarian without growing up around horses. This episode is not about telling pet parents not to advocate for their pets. It’s about recognizing that everyone in the room is human, and that better communication often leads to better care for the animals we love most. Learn more about Dr. Matt Evans, his comedy, and his book at: MattEvansComic.com Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| Found Kittens? Don’t Assume the Shelter Will Save Them | 07 Jun 2026 | 00:37:56 | |
Most people who find tiny kittens think the shelter is the safest place to take them. But when kittens are newborns or bottle babies, the shelter may not have the staff, fosters, supplies, or overnight care needed to keep them alive. In this episode of The Pet Parent Hotline, Amy talks with Deborah Felin-Magaldi of Helen Sanders CatPAWS about what really happens during kitten season when neonatal kittens enter an already overwhelmed shelter system. This conversation picks up after the “wait and see if mom comes back” step of finding kittens. If kittens truly need help and the mother cat is not returning, the next question is not just “where can I take them?” It's “what do these kittens need to survive until a shelter or rescue can safely help?” Deborah explains why bottle-baby kittens need around-the-clock care, why many shelters can't provide that level of support, and how CatPAWS’ DIY Kitten Kit program gives shelters a practical way to help everyday people care for found kittens temporarily instead of simply turning them away. Amy and Deborah also talk about the bigger community cat problem behind kitten season, including spay/neuter access, Trap-Neuter-Return, short-term fostering, neighborhood support, and how people can help even if they can't personally bottle-feed kittens. In this episode, you’ll hear:
Resources mentioned: If you'd like to donate to help- go to the Helen Sanders CatPAWS website, or donate to Amy's rescue Starlight Outreach and Rescue If you find newborn kittens, don't assume the shelter can automatically save them. Ask questions, get support, and find out what role you can play in helping them survive. Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| Pet Acting Different? Ask This Before You Blame Them | Pet Parent Power-Up | 03 Jun 2026 | 00:10:06 | |
Is your pet suddenly acting clingy, anxious, restless, messy, or just “off”? BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:
If your pet’s behavior has changed and you’re not sure whether it’s stress, health, routine disruption, or something else, book a Pet Parent Hotline consultation at petparenthotline.com/consult. OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| When Pet Parenting Feels Like Too Much | 31 May 2026 | 00:23:56 | |
Do you love your pet, but secretly feel worn out by the constant responsibility Pet-parent fatigue can sneak up on you when every decision, routine, behavior issue, vet concern, or guilty feelings start to feel like one more thing you have to carry. And the harder you try to be a “good” pet parent, the easier it is to lose sight of your own needs. In this episode, Amy walks through 7 questions to help you recognize when pet care has started taking over your life, why guilt and overthinking make everything harder, and how to start making life with your pet more sustainable. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:
If you’re struggling with routines, overwhelm, multipet stress, or trying to figure out what’s reasonable in your home, schedule a one-on-one Pet Parent Hotline consult at petparenthotline.com/consult OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| 6 Reasons Good Pets Get Returned After Adoption | 24 May 2026 | 00:24:54 | |
Thinking about adopting a pet, or already wondering if you made the right decision after bringing one home? A lot of people think the hard part of adoption is choosing the pet. But, that’s usually the easy part. The hard part often starts a few days or weeks later, when routines get disrupted, resident pets are stressed, the new dog suddenly has endless energy, or the cat that hid under the bed still hasn’t come out. In this episode, I’m breaking down six of the biggest reasons good pets get returned after adoption, including unrealistic expectations, rushed introductions, transition chaos, and why the pet you meet during adoption may not be the same pet you’re living with a few weeks later. If you’re considering adoption, fostering, or currently struggling with a new pet transition, this episode may help you avoid some of the most common mistakes that quietly set adoptions up to fail. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:
If you’re struggling with a new adoption and want personalized guidance, you can submit a question or book a one-on-one Pet Parent Hotline consult at PetParentHotline.com/consult Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| Stop Nighttime Pet Chaos With the SETTLE Routine | 17 May 2026 | 00:19:55 | |
Does your dog whine at the door, your cat climb on you, or all your pets suddenly demand attention the second you sit down at night? You are not imagining it, and your pets probably are not plotting against your peace. In this episode, Amy breaks down why pets, especially dogs and cats, often get needier at night, why evening pet behavior can feel so overwhelming, and how a simple routine can help calm the chaos before it starts. If your pets seem perfectly fine all day but suddenly need everything from you at night, this episode will help you understand what is really going on and how to handle it differently. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:
Grab the free SETTLE Routine Guide, a simple evening reset checklist to help calm nightly pet chaos before it starts:
Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| Should You Go to the Emergency Vet or Wait? | 10 May 2026 | 00:43:58 | |
If your pet suddenly seems “off,” how do you know whether it’s a true emergency or something that can safely wait until morning (or Monday)? That decision is one of the most stressful parts of being a pet parent, especially when emotions, cost, uncertainty, and fear of overreacting all collide at once. In this episode, veterinarian Dr. Linda Atkins joins me to talk about how pet parents can think through those moments more clearly, what situations tend to get worse fast, and why “waiting and seeing” is still a decision that comes with risk. We also talk about the subtle signs people miss, why knowing your pet’s normal matters so much, and how documenting symptoms with photos and videos can help you and your veterinarian make better decisions. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:
CONNECT WITH DR. LINDA ATKINS: Valley Cottage Animal Hospital OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center If this episode helped you feel more confident about how to think through a possible emergency, share it with another pet parent who may need it someday. Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| Get Out The Door Faster in a Pet Emergency | Pet Parent Power-Up | 06 May 2026 | 00:09:57 | |
If your pet needed emergency care tonight, would you be ready to get out the door quickly? In this Pet Parent Power-Up, you’ll learn simple ways to prepare before there’s a crisis, so you can stay calmer, move faster, and make better decisions when your pet needs help. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:
OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| After Pet Loss, When Is It Time To Get Another Pet? | 03 May 2026 | 00:33:51 | |
After losing a pet, how do you know when it’s time to get another one, if at all? For some people, opening their heart to another pet feels like part of healing. For others, waiting feels right. And for many, the hardest part is not knowing whether the hesitation means they are not ready, they are being thoughtful, or they are just afraid of what it might mean. That is what makes this decision so complicated. In this episode, I’m joined by Carla Bosacki, host of A Dog’s Devotion, who shares her personal experience after losing her dog Max and how she ultimately decided to bring another dog into her life. Together, we talk through what may really be driving your yes, no, or not yet, and how to make that decision without guilt, comparison, or pressure from other people. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: • Why there is no universal timeline for getting another pet after loss This is one of those decisions that deserves honesty, not pressure. CONNECT WITH CARLA BOSACKI Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/adogsdevotion1/ Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| Pet Tattoos: Tribute, Celebration, or Something More? | 26 Apr 2026 | 00:39:38 | |
Thinking about getting a tattoo of your pet, or wondering why so many people do? For some, it’s a way to celebrate a pet they love right now. For others, it’s about holding onto a memory, a moment, or a bond that changed their life. In this episode, tattoo artist Bailey Hyde shares what she sees every day working with clients who want to honor their pets in a lasting way, from full dog or cat portraits to symbolic pet tattoo designs like paw prints, nose prints, or even something as unexpected as a favorite object. We talk about what drives people to get pet tattoos, how those decisions are made, and the emotional side of it that most people don’t think about in advance. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
If you’re considering a dog tattoo, cat tattoo, memorial pet tattoo, or another way to honor your pet, this conversation may change how you think about it. CONNECT WITH BAILEY HYDE, owner/artist Ink Therapy Abilene OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Pet Parent Hotline Consults: https://petparenthotline.com/consult Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| 7 Simple Things That Instantly Improve Your Pet’s Life | 19 Apr 2026 | 00:25:08 | |
Feeling like you’re not doing enough for your pet, no matter how much you try? You’re buying the toys, reading the advice, trying to do everything “right”… but it still feels like something’s missing. In this episode, I break down 7 simple pet care tips that can instantly improve your pet’s life, support better dog behavior and cat behavior, and help you feel more confident, without spending more money, adding more to your schedule, or overcomplicating things. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or unsure what your next move should be, start here. Pick one thing from this episode and do it today. And if you want help figuring out what actually matters in your specific situation, you can book a one-on-one session with me, and we’ll map out clear next steps that make sense for you and your pet: https://petparenthotline.com/consult OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Book a consult: https://petparenthotline.com/consult Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| In-Home Pet Euthanasia: What to Know Before You Need It | 15 Apr 2026 | 00:11:24 | |
What does a peaceful goodbye at home actually look like, and what should you know before you ever need to make that call? Hospice and end-of-life veterinarian Dr. Jack Murray explains how in-home euthanasia works, how it differs from a clinic or ER setting, and why many families find it calmer and less stressful for both pets and people. We also talk about why it helps to think through a few key decisions ahead of time, from who you want there to aftercare choices like ashes and paw prints, so you are not trying to make every decision in the middle of an already heartbreaking day. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN: If you have not heard the full conversation with Dr. Jack Murray about how to know when it’s time to let your pet go, listen to that episode next. CONNECT WITH DR. JACK MURRAY OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| Are You Waiting Too Long to Let Your Pet Go? | 12 Apr 2026 | 00:30:41 | |
How do you know when it’s time to let your pet go, especially when you keep hoping for one more sign? In this episode, hospice and end-of-life veterinarian Dr. Jack Murray shares a candid, pet-centered perspective on why this decision so often feels impossible, why certainty may never come, and what it can cost a pet when families wait too long. We talk about the signs people misread, the emotional reasons they hold on, why “they’re still eating” is not the whole picture, and what Dr. Murray means by a compassionate window. We also get into caregiver fatigue, financial limits, and why those realities matter too. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN: If this episode hits close to home, be sure to listen to the companion bonus episode on what a peaceful goodbye at home can actually look like. Coming Wednesday, 4/15/26. CONNECT WITH DR. JACK MURRAY OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| Remove Pet Smell: Why Your House Still Smells Like Pets After Cleaning | 04 Apr 2026 | 00:40:19 | |
Does your house smell like your pets, and you’re the only one who doesn’t notice it anymore? If the smell keeps coming back no matter how much you clean, you may be treating the wrong problem. If you have ever left home for a few days, walked back in, and immediately noticed a funky smell, you are not imagining it. And you are not alone. One of the biggest frustrations for pet parents is thinking they have handled the problem, only to realize the odor is still there. In this episode, I sit down with Ed Quinlan, president of Chem-Dry, to break down what is really causing pet odors in your home, why dog and cat smells can linger long after you clean, and what most people get wrong about pet odor removal. We talk about why odors seem to come back, why some cleaning methods only mask the problem, and why the spot you see is often not the full problem you need to treat. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN: • Why your house can smell worse after you have been away If you are tired of scrubbing, spraying, and wondering why your house still smells like pets, this episode will help you understand what is really going on. CONNECT WITH ED QUINLAN Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| Say No to Family Pet Sitting, Set Boundaries Without Guilt | Pet Parent Power-Up | 01 Apr 2026 | 00:10:26 | |
Do friends and family assume you’ll watch their pet just because you’ve said yes before? In this episode, I break down how to figure out your limits, why too much explaining usually backfires, and how to respond in a way that is clear, respectful, and hard to argue with. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN: If you know someone who keeps getting stuck as the family or friend group go-to pet sitter, please send them this episode. Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| Cat Aggression Signs: Why Cats Swat, Bite, and Lash Out | 29 Mar 2026 | 00:35:41 | |
If your cat is biting, swatting, attacking another cat, or suddenly having litter box issues, it may not be happening out of nowhere. In this episode, certified cat behavior consultant Marilyn Krieger joins me to break down the real causes of cat aggression, what different aggressive behaviors can mean, and how to spot the subtle signals that your cat is stressed, overstimulated, fearful, or reacting to conflict in the home. We also talk about aggression between cats, why litter box issues can be an overlooked sign of tension or stress, and why medical issues should always be ruled out before assuming it is just a behavior problem. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN: • The most common causes of cat aggression If your cat is showing signs of cat aggression, acting differently around people or other pets, or suddenly having litter box issues, this episode will help you understand what may be driving the behavior and what to do next. CONNECT WITH MARILYN KRIEGER Website: thecatcoach.com OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: If you missed our last episode about introducing a new cat to avoid problems, be sure to check that out too! Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| New Cat? Stop Rushing Introductions Before It Turns Into A Fight | 22 Mar 2026 | 00:34:10 | |
Bringing home a new cat and hoping your pets will just figure it out? That’s one of the fastest ways to create tension, hissing, and fights. In this episode, we walk through what your cats are reacting to, how to set up your home before they ever meet, and the step-by-step process for introducing them the right way. If you’ve been guessing, rushing, or hoping for the best, this will show you what actually works. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: • Why “just let them work it out” almost always backfires If you’re thinking about adding another cat or already dealing with cats that don’t get along, don’t skip ahead and be sure to listen to the whole episode. The later steps build on the earlier ones, and rushing is exactly what causes the problem in the first place😬! If this episode helped you, send it to someone before they bring home a new cat and learn the hard way. Marilyn Krieger is a Certified Cat Behavior Consultant and author of Naughty No More!. She works with pet parents worldwide through The Cat Coach, helping them solve behavior issues using force-free methods, clicker training, and practical strategies. Website: thecatcoach.com OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| Is Someone At Home Allergic to Your Pet? Now What? | 15 Mar 2026 | 00:42:03 | |
If you’re panicking and wondering whether your dog or cat has to go because someone at home seems to be allergic, take a breath before you make a heartbreaking decision. In this episode, I’m joined by board-certified pediatrician Dr. Tori Niemynski to talk about what pet allergies can look like, what symptoms may point to something else, what to track before you jump to conclusions, and what steps to take before assuming your pet is the problem. While this conversation focuses on kids, the process of paying attention to symptoms, asking better questions, and exploring practical next steps can help anyone in the household. We also discuss when it makes sense to try simple changes at home, when to involve a primary care doctor, or allergist, and why rehoming your pet shouldn't be the automatic first step. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN: If this episode helps, send it to someone who needs it. CONNECT WITH DR. TORI NIEMYNSKI OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| Leash Reactive Dog? Stop Feeling Guilty, Understand It | 08 Mar 2026 | 00:37:04 | |
Does walking your dog feel like you’re on high alert every second, bracing for the next blow-up? If Spot's behavior looks like dog aggression on walks, but doesn’t feel that simple, you’re not alone. Many dogs labeled as aggressive are actually dealing with leash reactivity, and that’s a very different problem. If you’re dealing with leash reactivity, you’re not failing, and you’re not “doing it wrong.” What’s happening usually isn’t aggression, it’s a dog having a hard time. In this episode, dog trainer and behavior expert Stephanie Bennett breaks down what leash reactivity really is, how it’s often mistaken for dog aggression, why it can look scary even when a dog isn't dangerous, and the mindset shift that helps you stop spiraling into embarrassment, frustration, and guilt. We also talk about the common mistakes that accidentally make reactivity worse, and why getting the right kind of help matters. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: If you’re ready to stop feeling judged every time your dog reacts, this one will help you take a breath, reset how you see the problem, and figure out your next step. CONNECT WITH STEPHANIE Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| 5 Steps to Break Up With Your Vet | Pet Parent Power-Up | 04 Mar 2026 | 00:08:22 | |
Wondering if it’s time to leave your vet, and you want to do it without making it weird? In this Pet Parent Power-Up monthly bonus episode, I’m walking you through five practical steps to make the call and switch clinics the right way, including what to say, what order to do things in, and how to handle records and prescriptions so nothing slips through the cracks. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: CTA: Pick one step from this episode and do it today, even if it’s small. For most people, the best first move is lining up the next clinic or requesting records so you’re not scrambling later. AND If you’ve ever switched vets, message me and tell me what finally made you decide. I’m always curious what that moment looks like for different pet parents. Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| Don’t Choose A New Vet Until You Know These 7 Things | 01 Mar 2026 | 00:30:28 | |
Are you about to choose a new vet? Because the worst time to realize you picked the wrong one is when your pet is sick, you’re scared, and no one is clearly explaining what’s happening. In this episode, I’ll walk you through seven things to look for that reveal whether a clinic is truly the right fit, with strong leadership, a healthy team culture, and communication you can rely on, so you feel heard, understand the plan, and can make confident decisions when it matters most. Most pet parents don’t realize they chose wrong until they’re already in a high-stress moment. These are the patterns that shape your experience long before a crisis hits. Once you know what to look for, you can choose wisely now instead of second-guessing yourself later. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: • The 7 specific things to check before you commit to a new vet Choosing a vet isn’t about finding perfection. It’s about choosing a system that lets you think clearly, ask questions confidently, and make decisions that support your pet’s health. If you want extra support on paying for vet visits, especially when you’re stressed and making big decisions, grab the Vet Bill Survival Kit at PetParentHotline.com/vetkit and while you're there, grab our Vet Visit Question Guide: petparenthotline.com/vet-visit-questions OTHER LINKS AND EPISODES MENTIONED: Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| 5 Puppy Raising Mistakes That Backfire Later | 22 Feb 2026 | 00:35:55 | |
Are you dealing with “normal puppy behavior,” or early warning signs of a bigger problem? Some of the most common puppy behaviors, like fear reactions, growling over a toy or food, and mouthiness, can look harmless. But the way they’re handled early can be the difference between a phase and a serious problem, like reactivity or resource guarding that escalates into a bite. In this episode, I’m joined by multi-certified dog trainer Ruth Hegarty of Creature Good Dog Training to break down five puppy-raising mistakes you’ll want to catch early. This is not about perfection. It’s about awareness. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: CONNECT WITH RUTH
Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| Should You Get A Dog For Your Dog, Or Is It a Big Mistake? | 15 Feb 2026 | 00:29:06 | |
Should you get a dog for your dog… or are you about to double your stress, noise, behavior issues, and vet bills? Many pet parents see a bored, clingy, or “lonely” dog (or other pet) and assume the solution is a companion, a boyfriend, girlfriend, sibling, or built-in best friend. But adding another dog doesn’t automatically make life easier. It can just as easily increase barking, trigger resource guarding, amplify anxiety, and create daily management problems you didn’t have before, especially if you don’t actually know why your dog is acting that way in the first place. In this episode, veterinary psychiatrist Dr. Rachel Malamed, DVM, DACVB, CABC, MBA, breaks down when getting a second dog truly helps, when it backfires, and how to tell whether your dog actually needs a companion or just better enrichment, structure, or training, or time with their favorite person - you! BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: If you are even considering adding another pet to the family, especially dog number two, pause and listen to this first. CONNECT WITH DR. RACHEL MALAMED Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| Ask These Questions Before You Say Yes At The Vet | 08 Feb 2026 | 00:16:39 | |
Have you ever walked out of the vet thinking, I should’ve asked more… but it happened so fast? This episode is for the moment you’re sitting in the exam room, your brain goes blank, and the vet is moving on to the next step before you’ve processed what you just heard. In this episode, I’m giving you real, usable phrases to ask about priorities, timing, options, and cost, plus what to say when you need to pause or say no, without sounding rude, cheap, or like you don’t care. You’re not “being difficult,” you’re trying to leave with a plan you understand, can afford, and can actually follow through on. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: • The exact questions that turn a long recommendation list into clear priorities • What to say when you need options, a lower-cost path, or time to think • How to pause, hold off, or say no without overexplaining Grab the Vet Visit Question Guide so you don’t have to remember any of this in the moment: petparenthotline.com/vetvisitquestions OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: • Vet Visit Question Guide: petparenthotline.com/vet-visit-questions Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| One Question That Helps You Speak Up at the Vet | Pet Parent Power-Up | 04 Feb 2026 | 00:08:16 | |
Ever walked out of the vet with a receipt and regret because you didn't ask about options, priorities, or cost? You are not the only one. In this Pet Parent Power-Up bonus episode, I am giving you one simple question to ask yourself before the appointment that helps you push past the hesitation and speak up, even when the conversation feels awkward or stressful. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| $10 And 2 Minutes To Help Your Pet Live Longer? | 01 Feb 2026 | 00:41:14 | |
Every pet parent needs a realistic pet care plan, and what if a $10 purchase used 2 minutes a day could help your pet live better and longer? Most pet parents know they “should” brush their pet's teeth, but fewer than 10% actually do. So, dental disease quietly builds for years and doesn’t stay in the mouth, but instead, silently spreads bacteria throughout your pet's body impacting their organs, their health, and their longevity. Spending just $10 on a tooth-brush kit and taking 2 minutes a day to brush your pet's teeth, you'll be investing in a better quality, longer life for your pet. In this episode, board-certified veterinary dentist Dr. Chanda Miles explains why dental health is really about quality of life and longevity, why small dogs and cats tend to get into trouble faster, and what real prevention looks like when life gets busy.
CONNECT WITH DR. CHANDA MILES
Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| Pet Tech: How to Tell What’s Actually Worth It | 25 Jan 2026 | 00:32:38 | |
For many pet parents, their pet care plan includes pet tech and a lot of it looks amazing right up until you’re the one charging it, cleaning it, troubleshooting it, and regretting the money you spent. In this episode, AI and tech expert Debbie Richards breaks down the simplest way to decide if a pet gadget is actually worth it for your home, your budget, and your pet’s personality. We talk about the core questions to ask before you buy, what “set it and forget it” should really mean, and why the best tech is the kind that reduces stress instead of creating more. You’ll also hear a few standout trends from CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas, including preventative health tools, safer pet doors, and a smart fountain designed to make cleaning less of a part-time job. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
CONNECT WITH DEBBIE OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Facial recognition cat feeder: https://cheerble.com/ Rescue Retriever and the Rescue Retriever FireTag: https://rescueretriever.com Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| Seniors With Pets: The Crisis You’re Not Ready For | 18 Jan 2026 | 00:43:00 | |
Are you caring for aging parents with pets, or aging with pets yourself, and hoping it will all just work out when something changes? Because the biggest risk usually is not age, it is waiting for a fall, a hospitalization, or memory issues to force a last-minute pet care scramble. That is when seniors and pets both suffer, especially when dementia and pets create new challenges around feeding, routines, safety, and day-to-day care. In this episode, Amy Castro is joined by Kathi Miracle of Silver Tsunami Aging Info to talk about aging with pets, the pet care plan families avoid, the warning signs a pet’s care is slipping, and why “my family will take the pet” is not a plan unless it is written down and realistic, especially when assisted living or memory care becomes part of the conversation. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
CONNECT WITH KATHI MIRACLE OTHER RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| Do Pets Grieve After a Loss? A Pet Loss Doula Explains | 11 Jan 2026 | 00:32:23 | |
Do pets actually grieve, or are they reacting to routine changes and stress in ways we don’t recognize? And how much of what we label as “grief” is really our own emotion spilling over into the way we interpret their behavior? In this episode, Amy talks with Kate LaSalla, a pet behavior consultant, companion animal end-of-life death doula, and certified pet loss and grief companion, about what pet grief can look like, what might just be pet care routine disruption, and what to do when your dog or cat’s behavior changes after a loss. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
CONNECT WITH KATE LASALLA OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| One Question That Stops You From Wasting Time on Pet Care | Pet Parent Power-Up | 07 Jan 2026 | 00:08:00 | |
Ever feel like you’re doing a ton for your pets, but nothing actually feels easier? If you’re stuck repeating the same corrections, overcomplicating routines, or carrying a low-grade stress cloud all day, this Pet Parent Power-Up is for you. In this episode, I’m sharing the one question I use to snap out of autopilot and stop pouring time and energy into pet care that isn’t paying off: It sounds simple, but this question helps you spot what’s not working, choose a better option, and get relief fast, without adding more to your plate. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
Send me your Quick Fix question, email me, or leave a voicemail on the website, and I might use it in a future episode. OTHER RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Budgeting episode with Joe Oakley: https://www.petparenthotline.com/pet-bills-keep-surprising-you-heres-how-to-plan/ Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| Why Your Pet Resolutions Fail By Week 2 | 04 Jan 2026 | 00:23:25 | |
Ever hit January 10 and realize your pet routine resolution is already sliding? If you’ve promised yourself you'll focus on pet care - you’ll walk your dog more, train your cat, brush your pet’s teeth, or finally get consistent, and then real life blows it up, this episode is your reset. It’s not laziness, it’s a plan that was never realistic for your actual mornings. In this solo New Year kickoff episode of The Pet Parent Hotline, I’m sharing what 15 years in rescue taught me about why pet care and pet parenting goals fall apart, and how to build a tiny Pet Plan that survives messy mornings, tired evenings, and a barking dog when you cannot find the leash. You’ll leave with one repeatable action you can start this week, plus a 60-second reset you can do tonight to make tomorrow easier. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
Your next step if you want more help: send me your one-sentence Pet Plan. Email, DM, or leave a voicemail at petparenthotline.com. CONNECT WITH ME - WEBSITE | petparenthotline.com OTHER RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Your next step: send me your one-sentence Pet Plan. Email, DM, or leave a voicemail at petparenthotline.com. Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| Make Your Home Pet-Friendly Without Looking Like A Kennel | 28 Dec 2025 | 00:44:49 | |
Love your pets but hate what they do to your house? In this episode, award-winning designer Pamela O’Brien shares smart, practical pet-friendly home design tips to help you create a space that looks good, feels organized, and stands up to real life with pets. We cover everything from pet proof flooring and durable furniture fabrics to pet odor, clutter control, feeding station design, and the small upgrades that make your home easier to live in every day. If you are tired of fur, mess, scratched floors, and a house that feels like it is being run by your pets, this conversation will help you build a home that feels stylish, comfortable, and actually manageable. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN: If you have ever avoided inviting people over because of fur, pet odor, or the general state of your house, this episode will help you take back your space without making your pets feel less at home. CONNECT WITH PAMELA O’BRIEN Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| 10 Rescue-Tested Pet Essentials We Can’t Live Without | 21 Dec 2025 | 00:34:23 | |
Stop Buying Useless Pet Care Supplies. Here’s What You Actually Need. Most “must-have" pet care supply lists focus on gimmicks and generic basics, missing the pet-care essentials that actually make daily life easier and safer. You probably have the basics for pet care, like bowls and a bed, but in this episode, Amy Castro and Bev Brooks share 10 rescue-tested pet essentials they can’t live without, five dog essentials and five cat essentials, plus a few bonus items pulled from decades of real-world rescue and pet parenting. These are the same practical pet care supplies Amy recommends to adopters to help pets succeed once they’re home.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
Whether you’re shopping for a last-minute gift, building a new pet checklist, or realizing your current setup has gaps, the pet advice in this episode will help you stop wasting money on the wrong stuff. If this episode made you think, “oh wow, I don’t have that,” please share it with one pet parent who might be buying all the wrong things. PS- we don't name a bunch of specific brands in this episode, but we do mention the FURBO Pet Camera/Pet Nanny. Get more info about the Furbo Pet Camera's mentioned in the show! (note- if you buy a Furbo product from this link, it helps support the show!) Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. FURBO: The Trainer's Choice Pet CamerasDesigned for pets. See, talk, and toss treats to your pets from anywhere. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| How to Get Through the Holidays When Facing Pet Loss | 14 Dec 2025 | 00:37:48 | |
Why do the holidays feel so much heavier when you’ve lost a pet, or when you know a goodbye is coming soon? Holiday pet grief can show up in unexpected ways, especially during a first holiday without your pet or when you’re living in that anticipatory space of knowing time with your pet is limited. In this conversation, licensed clinical social worker and author Nancy Gordon helps make sense of why this season hurts more and how to move through it with compassion instead of pressure. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: If you’re grieving a pet you’ve already lost: If you’re anticipating the loss of a pet: This episode is dedicated to Rosy, Debbie’s beloved dog, and to every pet parent navigating the holidays with a missing piece of their heart. CONNECT WITH NANCY GORDON Phone: (858) 952-0936 Petworks.com to schedule a session with Nancy: Discounted first session. Website: growbeyondgrief.com Instagram devoted to pet loss and grief: @nancy.gordon.global OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Join us in The Pet Parent Hotline Insiders group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepetparenthotlineinsiders Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| Holiday Hazards 2.0: The Risks You Didn’t See Coming | 07 Dec 2025 | 00:31:51 | |
Are you sure your home is holiday-ready, or are there hidden dangers that could land your pet at the emergency vet? To raise awareness of common, current-day hazards, we discuss a wide range of items and substances that may appear in homes during the holidays, including some that may be legal in some places and illegal in others. No matter where you live, anything intoxicating or medicinal should always be kept securely out of reach of pets. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: Holiday chaos is stressful enough without an emergency vet visit. This episode helps you catch problems early and keep the season safer for your pets. CONNECT WITH DR. ZOO OTHER RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||
| Set Boundaries With Pet-Complaining Guests | Pet Parent Power-Up | 03 Dec 2025 | 00:07:23 | |
Do your holiday guests expect your pets to be quiet, invisible, or perfectly behaved on command? A lot of pet parents feel guilty when guests complain about barking, hair, or normal pet behavior, but guilt leads to last-minute scrambling and stressed-out pets. You’ll learn how to set expectations, guide your guests, and prevent holiday chaos before it starts. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: A little planning goes a long way toward keeping your holidays calm and keeping your pets happy, safe, and understood. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Don't Be THAT Person: How To Be a Great Houseguest When You Bring Your Pets Along Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats. From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions. No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com | |||