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The best podcasts for Pet Parents

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Who am I?

I’m a foster mom to more than 4000 pets and spent over a decade running a rescue, so I’ve seen pretty much every challenge families face when they’re trying to give their pets a good life. After watching so many surrenders that could have been prevented with better guidance, I started The Pet Parent Hotline to give pet parents clear, practical advice that actually makes their daily life easier. My whole mission is helping people feel less overwhelmed, more confident, and able to keep their pets happy at home where they belong. This list comes straight out of my own experience. I’ve fostered more than 4000 pets and spent years running a rescue, so I’ve seen how quickly things can go sideways for families who are just trying to do their best. Most of the problems that lead people to give up their pets are totally fixable once they get clear, trustworthy guidance. That’s what pushed me to start The Pet Parent Hotline and why I pulled together this playlist. These are the conversations I wish every pet parent could hear before they hit that point where they feel lost or overwhelmed. If this list gives someone a little clarity or a little hope, that’s the whole reason I do what I do.

My Show

What is my podcast about and/or how does it relate to the playlist topic you chose?

The episodes on my podcast come from the real problems pet parents brought to me when I was running my rescue, Starlight Outreach and Rescue. I’d get calls from people who loved their pets but felt out of options and were on the verge of surrendering because they didn’t have support or clear answers. I also talk with trainers, vets, behaviorists, and other pet experts about the issues their clients are struggling with every day. Put together, those conversations shaped the heart of the show. Each episode tackles a problem we’ve seen again and again and gives pet parents the kind of guidance they wish they had before things ever felt overwhelming.

What is my podcast playlist about?

This playlist brings together shows hosted by people I personally know and trust, folks who really understand the challenges pet parents are facing right now. Every podcast here focuses on real problems, practical solutions, and expert guidance that actually helps families navigate life with their pets. These are the hosts whose insight I’d recommend to anyone who wants clear answers instead of guesswork.

The podcasts I picked and why

1. The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again

Why this podcast?

I added The Pet Parent Hotline because it was created to solve the exact problems real pet parents struggle with every day. The episodes come from years of rescue work, thousands of fosters, and countless calls from families who were overwhelmed and out of options. The show breaks those issues down with clear, practical guidance and expert insight, so pet parents get the support they wish they had sooner. It fits this list because it’s built around real questions, real challenges, and real solutions.

The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again
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If you’re a busy pet parent dealing with barking, accidents, behavior problems, rising costs, constant mess, or the feeling that your home revolves around your pet’s needs, you’re in the right place.

You got a pet to make life better, not to lose sleep, drain your bank account, second-guess every decision, and feel like you’re failing at something that was supposed to bring you joy.

You’ve tried trainers, asked your vet, bought the products, searched online at 2 a.m., and still feel stuck. Most pet advice focuses only on the pet. This show focuses on you, the person trying to love them well while also keeping your life, your home, your money, and your sanity intact.

This isn’t just another pet podcast. It’s a pet parent podcast, because better pet care doesn’t start with doing more. It starts with making clearer decisions, setting calmer routines, understanding what your pet actually needs, and knowing when to stop chasing every piece of advice that makes you feel worse.

I’m your host, Amy Castro, a longtime animal rescuer and trusted advisor to thousands of pet parents. After fostering more than 4,000 animals, I’ve learned one thing: you’re not a bad pet parent. You just haven’t gotten advice that fits real life.

Each week, I help you handle the real-life problems that come with loving pets, including behavior, budget, home life, vet decisions, adoption, aging pets, and the curveballs nobody warned you about. You’ll get practical guidance that helps you stop spiraling, make smarter choices faster, and create a home that works better for you and your pets.

On the first Wednesday of each month, you’ll also get a Pet Parent Power-Up, a short reset to help you show up with better boundaries, clearer thinking, and calmer decisions.

Start with the episode that matches what you’re dealing with today.

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2. The Pet Loss Companion

Why this podcast?

I chose The Pet Loss Companion because grief is one of the toughest parts of being a pet parent and most people don’t get the support they need when they’re going through it. The hosts, Ken and Nancy, bring compassion, real expertise, and practical guidance to a subject that’s often ignored or minimized. Their conversations help people feel seen and understood at a time when they usually feel very alone. I've been on their show and they've been on mine and we always get fantastic feedback on how helpful the information is for grieving pet parents and those who are dealing with anticipatory grief over the impending loss of a pet. It’s the kind of show I want pet parents to know exists before they need it.

The Pet Loss Companion

The Pet Loss Companion

Kenneth Dolan-Del Vecchio & Nancy Saxton-Lopez

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Hosted by family therapists Nancy Saxton-Lopez and Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio, authors of the bestselling book The Pet Loss Companion: Healing Advice from Family Therapists Who Lead Pet Loss Groups, this podcast shares experiences, recommendations, and reflections that help listeners with the loss of their animal companions. Ken and Nancy help listeners celebrate the gifts and navigate the challenges that come when we share our lives with beloved pets. Contact us at nsaxtonlopez@csmpc.com and kenddv@gmail.com. https://www.amazon.com/Pet-Loss-Companion-Healing-Therapists/dp/1484918266/ref=sr_1_3?dch

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3. The Dr. Molly Says Podcast

Why this podcast?

I added The Dr. Molly Says Podcast because Dr. Molly gives pet parents the kind of honest, practical veterinary insight that’s so hard to find. She breaks down tough health topics in a way that’s clear and calming, not overwhelming, and she’s not afraid to talk about the real issues pet owners face every day. It fits this list because her guidance comes straight from hands-on experience with pets and the people who love them, and her goal is the same as mine: helping families make confident, informed decisions for their pets.

The Dr. Molly Says Podcast

The Dr. Molly Says Podcast

Dr. Molly Brinkmann

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Hey friends! I’m Dr. Molly Brinkmann (@drmollysays), a small animal veterinarian, lifelong animal lover, and your go-to source for all things pet health. Welcome to The Dr. Molly Says Podcast! I’m probably already obsessed with your pet, and I want to help you understand veterinary medicine in a way that’s fun, relatable, and actually makes sense.

Each week, I’ll break down important pet care topics, debunk common myths, and give you a behind-the-scenes look at life as a vet. Because let’s be real—life is hard, but dogs help... and so does knowing how to take the best care of them. Grab your coffee (or tea), snuggle your pup (or cat, I guess), and join me every Wednesday at 9 AM EST on all platforms (and YouTube)!

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4. Research Bites Podcast

Why this podcast?

I added Research Bites because Dr. Spaulding does something most pet parents desperately need: she translates real animal-behavior research into clear, usable guidance. Instead of opinions or quick tips, she focuses on what the science actually says about how our pets think, learn, and behave. Her episodes make complex topics feel simple and practical, and they help pet parents understand the “why” behind their pet’s behavior.

Research Bites Podcast

Research Bites Podcast

Kristina Spaulding, PhD, CAAB

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The goal of Research Bites is to bring the science of applied animal behavior to non-scientists. In each episode, Dr. Kristina Spaulding interviews an animal behavior researcher and talks about how we apply science and research to working and living with dogs. Research Bites members get access to full-length episodes, as well as monthly webinars and chats about current research in dog behavior. Visit https://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bites for more details or to become a member.

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5. Your New Puppy: Dog Training and Dog Behavior Lessons to Help You Turn Your New Puppy into a Well-Behaved Dog

Why this podcast?

I included Your New Puppy because it’s one of the clearest, calmest resources for people trying to survive the chaos of puppyhood. The host breaks down the tough stuff like biting, potty training, and sleepless nights in a way that feels doable, not overwhelming. And here’s the real truth I’ve seen in rescue: when puppyhood is handled well, you’re far less likely to end up with a two-year-old dog who’s out of control and headed for surrender. This show gives new dog parents the guidance they need right from the start, which is exactly why it belongs on this playlist.

Your New Puppy: Dog Training and Dog Behavior Lessons to Help You Turn Your New Puppy into a Well-Behaved Dog

Your New Puppy: Dog Training and Dog Behavior Lessons to Help You Turn Your New Puppy into a Well-Behaved Dog

Debbie Cilento: Dog Trainer | Dog Behavior Consultant | Owner of Playtime Paws | Belly Rub Specialist

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Your host, Debbie, is a positive trainer with a passion for dogs, their behavior and helping you create a well behaved dog. This is a dog training and behavior podcast that with help you and your new puppy build good healthy habits right from the start. It will also help you understand your dog’s behavior and build a strong, fulfilling, and fun relationship for years to come.

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