Thinking about getting a puppy or kitten for your preschooler? It might look adorable on social media, but in real life it’s often a recipe for stress, safety risks, and heartbreak.

Well-meaning parents often believe getting a pet will teach their child responsibility or help them “grow up together and bond better,” but in rescue we’ve seen those myths lead to injured pets, injured kids, heartbreaking surrenders, and even euthanasia. The truth is, kids under 5 face the highest dog bite risk, pets are easily hurt by rough handling, and family pet safety is at stake when the timing isn’t right. That’s why many rescues, including mine, don’t adopt out to families with very young children. Today I’m sharing the five big reasons why waiting is the better choice and why the "best age to get a pet for kids" is a bigger decision than most parents think.

This episode dives into real pet parenting challenges, and gives you expert pet advice you won’t find in social media myths. From understanding managing pet behavior with young kids, to the long-term pet parenting struggles families face when timing is off, I’ll help you see the bigger picture. You’ll also hear pet advice on safer, positive ways to nurture your child’s love of animals until the time is right.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:
• Why kids under 5 simply can’t manage the responsibility of pet care, no matter how “responsible” they seem
• How young children unintentionally put themselves and pets at risk, and what every parent should know about dog bite risk
• The developmental mismatch that makes “growing up together” with a puppy or kitten a dangerous myth
• How one negative early experience can shape a child or pet for life
• Safer, positive ways to nurture your child’s love of animals until the time is right—and how to decide the best age to get a pet for kids

If you’ve ever thought about getting a pet for your young child, or know someone who is, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss. It’s all about real pet parenting solutions—the kind of expert pet advice that keeps families and pets safe.

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Love the show? Please share it with a pet parent living with chaos, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review so more people can get the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free Vet Bill Survival Kit

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Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real problems with practical pet care advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money on pet food at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easy, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households in balance. We share pet advice like dog training tips, pet budgeting, managing dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and keeping your home clean with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need to stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

Is crating your dog cruel, or could it actually be one of the kindest things you do for them? Many pet parents picture their pup feeling trapped or lonely, so they avoid crates altogether. But when used the right way, a crate can become your dog’s safe space — and one of the most useful tools in your pet parenting toolbox.

In this episode, I break down 5 major benefits of crating your dog. You’ll hear why it’s about more than house training, and how the right approach can bring calm, comfort, and safety to both you and your pup.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• Why crates give dogs a sense of safety and calm
• How they make travel and emergencies easier to manage
• The surprising ways crating benefits both you and your dog’s daily life

Crating your dog should never be about punishment. When introduced responsibly, it creates comfort, structure, and peace of mind for your dog — and makes life easier for you.

LOOKING FOR A GREAT CRATE?
I didn’t name brands in this episode because I wanted to stay focused on benefits, but one of my go-to recommendations is Impact Dog Crates. They’re an investment, but built to last a lifetime of safety and security.

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with a pet parent living with chaos and leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free Vet Bill Survival Kit

Please support the show here!

Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real problems with practical pet care advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money on pet food at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easier, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households running smoothly. We also share expert tips for pet budgeting, managing dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and keeping your home clean with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need, so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com

©Ⓟ 2025 by Amy Castro

Are you at the end of your rope with your dog’s behavior, but not sure if it’s time to hire a professional dog trainer, or worried about picking the wrong one?

You’re not alone. The dog training world can feel like the Wild West. With no regulations, conflicting advice, and plenty of flashy websites, it’s hard to know who’s truly qualified to help. Choosing the wrong dog trainer can waste your money, make your dog’s behavior worse, and damage the trust between you and your pet.

That’s why in this episode, I’m joined by Bradley Phifer, professional dog trainer, behavior consultant, and Executive Director of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. With 17 years of experience, Bradley breaks down what really matters when hiring a dog trainer, how to know when it’s time to get help when you've run out of dog training tips of your own, and red flags that should send you running.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• Why waiting until there’s a “big problem” is the wrong time to call a trainer
• The surprising ways a trainer can help you before you even bring a dog home
• How to tell if a trainer is actually qualified and what credentials mean (and don’t mean)
• The red flags that signal outdated or harmful dog training methods
• How to get the most out of your relationship with a dog trainer for the life of your dog

Know someone who just got a new dog or is even thinking about it? Share this episode with them so they can avoid the stress, frustration, and wasted money that comes from hiring the wrong dog trainer.

CONNECT WITH BRADLEY PHIFER: www.bradleyphifer.com

OTHER RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW:

https://www.fetchtheanswer.com

https://www.ccpdt.org

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with a pet parent living with chaos and leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free Vet Bill Survival Kit

Please support the show here!

Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real problems with practical pet care advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money on pet food at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easy, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households in balance. We share expert dog training tips, tips for pet budgeting, managing dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and keeping your home clean with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need and so stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com

©Ⓟ 2025 by Amy Castro

That friendly, purring shelter cat you fell in love with can sometimes turn into a ghost or even a hissy ball of nerves the moment you get them home. It’s not rejection. It’s survival mode. And how you handle those first few days sets the tone for your entire relationship. Even if you don't have a cat, many aspects of these steps toward acclimating a new pet to your home would apply to dogs, birds, and other species of pets to reduce stress and make their transition easier on them.

In this episode, I share my CATS Method, a four-step approach you can put in place before your new cat ever walks through the door. These steps create safety, reduce stress, and lay the foundation for a bond built on trust.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

• How to set up a safe zone that makes your cat feel secure
• Simple adjustments that help your home feel familiar, not frightening
• Why trusting your cat’s timeline builds stronger, lasting trust
• The best way to support your cat without overwhelming them
• Give your new cat the right start, and you’ll gain not just a pet, but a confident, affectionate companion who feels at home with you for years to come.

GET THE CATS METHOD DOWNLOAD AND HAVE A STRESS-FREE TRANSITION WHEN BRINGING YOUR NEW CAT HOME: petparenthotline.com/bringinghomekitty

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with a pet parent living with chaos and leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free Vet Bill Survival Kit

Please support the show here!

Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real problems with practical pet care advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money on pet food at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easy, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households in balance. We share expert dog training tips, tips for pet budgeting, managing dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and keeping your home clean with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need and so stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com

©Ⓟ 2025 by Amy Castro

Do you feel like no matter how much you clean, your home still smells like pets and looks like a fur factory? You’re not alone!

In this episode, I’m joined by Tracy Fosterling, pet foster mom and social media favorite, to break down simple, realistic cleaning habits that actually work when you live with pets. Forget the overwhelming deep-clean weekends and the guilt over what your home “should” look like—we’re getting practical.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• How to stop pet odors before they start (without masking them)
• The key daily habits that keep fur and mess from taking over
• Smart product swaps that save time, money, and your sanity

If you’ve been drowning in pet mess and wondering if you’ll ever get ahead of it, this episode is your permission slip to finally create a clean, calm home you and your pets can enjoy.

FOLLOW TRACY OR REACH OUT:

On Insta: https://www.instagram.com/tfo300/

On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tracyfosterling

Get your two FREE Guides mentioned in the episode: The Pet Parent Cleaning Schedule & 101 Cleaning Hacks: petparenthotline.com/cleanup

Products mentioned in this show: Germ Guardian Air Purifier, KOE- Kennel Odor Eliminator, Black and Decker Dustbuster.

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with a pet parent living with chaos and leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free Vet Bill Survival Kit

Please support the show here!

Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real problems with practical pet care advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money on pet food at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easy, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households in balance. We share expert dog training tips, tips for pet budgeting, managing dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and keeping your home clean with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need and so stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com

©Ⓟ 2025 by Amy Castro

Are you tired of feeling like you need a second job just to buy pet food?

You're not alone. Prices keep climbing, and if you’ve ever stood in the pet food aisle at the pet store doing mental math and wondering what bill to skip this week, this episode is for you.

I’m breaking down six smart, realistic ways to save money on pet food without cutting corners on quality. These are the exact strategies I’ve used with my own pets, my foster pets, and shared with adopters who want to feed their pets well without draining their bank accounts.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• How to buy in bulk without wasting a dime on spoiled food
• The auto-ship trick that saves money without creating a stockpile disaster
• What to look for on food labels so you stop paying premium prices for cheap fillers
• How to rotate proteins for savings and better nutrition
• Simple portion and storage hacks that stop you from literally throwing money away
• The safe, healthy human foods that stretch your pet food budget further than you think

Trying to save money on pet food and feeding your pets well doesn’t have to feel impossible. A few small tweaks can mean big savings at the pet store for you and healthier meals for your pets.

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with a pet parent living with chaos and leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free Vet Bill Survival Kit

Please support the show here!

Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real problems with practical pet care advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money on pet food at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easy, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households in balance. We share expert dog training tips, tips for pet budgeting, managing dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and keeping your home clean with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need and so stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com

©Ⓟ 2025 by Amy Castro

Does a single vet visit feel like it could wipe out your bank account?

You're not alone and you're not doing anything wrong. Too many pet parents walk into the clinic hoping for a quick checkup and walk out hundreds of dollars poorer, without knowing how it happened or how to avoid it next time.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the real cost of veterinary care and giving you a smarter way to plan ahead, so you’re not caught off guard, financially drained, or forced to choose between your budget and your pet’s health.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• The most common budgeting mistakes pet parents make and how to avoid them
• Key questions to ask your vet before the invoice hits your inbox
• Cost-saving strategies to keep your pet healthy without sacrificing your financial sanity

You shouldn’t have to panic every time your pet needs care and with a few proactive steps, you won’t have to.

GET YOUR FREE VET VISIT BUDGETING GUIDE WITH BONUS SAVINGS TIPS!

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with a pet parent living with chaos and leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free Vet Bill Survival Kit

Please support the show here!

Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real problems with practical pet care advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money on pet food at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easy, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households in balance. We share expert dog training tips, tips for pet budgeting, managing dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and keeping your home clean with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need and so stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com

©Ⓟ 2025 by Amy Castro

Thinking about adding another pet to your family? Before you give in to those puppy-dog eyes or kitten purrs, hit pause. Because while one more pet can be wonderful, it can also turn your home upside down if the timing or reason isn’t right.

In this episode, I’m sharing 4 essential gut checks to help you decide if it’s truly the right time to expand your pack. After adopting out pets to thousands of families and taking in hundreds of owner surrenders, I’ll give you the honest questions no one else asks, but every pet parent needs to answer, before saying yes to another lifelong commitment.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• Why “what’s one more?” is a dangerous mindset for pet parents
• How to tell if your current home environment is stable enough for another pet
• The real cost, time, money, and energy of adding to your furry family
• The one reason you should never adopt, no matter how cute that face is

If you’ve ever wondered if you’re truly ready for “just one more,” this episode is your gut-check. Listen before you say yes, you and your pets will thank you.

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with a pet parent living with chaos and leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free guide: 10 Tips for Bonding With Your Pet

Please support the show here!

Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real problems with practical pet care advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money on pet food at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easier, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households running smoothly. We also share expert tips for pet budgeting, managing dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and keeping your home clean with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need, so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com

©Ⓟ 2025 by Amy Castro