The Pet Parent Hotline Podcast Episodes
Real-Life Pet Parenting Solutions, One Episode at a Time
The Pet Parent hotline is where real pet parents get practical advice, expert insights, and support for everyday challenges with pets, so that pets STAY in great homes like yours and don't end up in shelters or rescues.
Explore a curated selection of our most popular episodes
below, or listen to all the episodes now:
These are some of our most-loved episodes, chosen because they solve real pet parenting problems, answer the questions pet parents ask most, and give you practical help you can use right away. Whether you’re dealing with behavior issues, health decisions, or daily challenges at home, start with these listener favorites.
Is Your Pet’s Food Making Them Sick?
Most pet parents have no idea what’s actually in their pet’s food, and many common ingredients quietly create long-term health issues. This episode breaks down the hidden problems in processed kibble, what to watch for on labels, and simple upgrades that make a huge difference without blowing your budget.
Worried About Pet Vaccines? What Most Vets Won’t Tell You
Most pet parents have no idea what’s actually in their pet’s food, and many common ingredients quietly create long-term health issues. This episode breaks down the hidden problems in processed kibble, what to watch for on labels, and simple upgrades that make a huge difference without blowing your budget.
Why the "No-Kill" Movement Hurts More Than It Helps
"No kill" sounded like a solution, but inside shelters across the country, it’s created overcrowding, unsafe conditions, and heartbreaking outcomes. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on what’s really happening, why well-meaning policies backfired, and what actually helps animals, staff, and communities.
Dog Driving You Nuts? 5 Behavior Fixes That Work
Jumping, barking, pulling, ignoring commands - most of these problems come from the same handful of mistakes. This episode walks through five simple behavior fixes that start working immediately, without complicated training plans. If your dog feels “out of control,” start here.
Cat Won’t Use the Litter Box?
6 Rules You’re Probably Breaking
Litter box issues are one of the top reasons cats are surrendered. In this episode, we dig into the six common mistakes cat parents make, why they matter, and the fixes that almost always solve the issue. Perfect for anyone dealing with accidents, stress, or a cat suddenly refusing the box.
How I Keep My Home Fresh and Fur-Free… Even with 8 Pets
Pet hair, smells, muddy paws, and messes — they add up fast. Amy shares her real-life routines and budget-friendly tools for keeping your home clean and guest-ready, even with multiple pets. If you feel like you’re constantly battling fur and odors, this episode gives you sanity-saving shortcuts.
About The Pet Parent Hotline podcast
The Pet Parent Hotline is a practical pet parenting podcast created to help keep pets in loving homes and out of rescues and shelters.
Launched as part of Starlight Outreach and Rescue’s education mission, the show gives pet parents real solutions for common challenges, including pet behavior problems, affordable pet care, budgeting for pets, home life with multiple animals, and keeping pets healthy and safe.
Hosted by Starlight Outreach and Rescue Founder and President Amy Castro, each episode breaks down clear, actionable advice that helps you solve problems, prevent issues before they start, and feel confident in your daily pet care. If you're looking for trustworthy pet parenting tips you can actually use, this podcast gives you the guidance you need to enjoy life with your pets, not stress over it.
Never miss an episode!
Get weekly pet parenting tips, episode alerts, and pet-saving advice straight to your inbox.