Pet insurance is something that was almost unheard of 20 years ago. Even if it was around, who would buy it anyway? Times have changed, with pet insurance being more popular than ever, and with more options available every day. Actually, pet insurance was started back in 1890! At that time, it was mostly for cattle, horses, and livestock. The first dog insured wasn't until 1924 in Sweden. The first U.S. dog insured was, of course, Lassie, the star of her own TV show.

It’s the time of year for snow, ice, and freezing days. While we may appreciate the chance to go sledding and building snowmen, our pets outside time gets limited. It can also mean a lot of time cooped up together looking for new things to do. It’s important to remain active during the winter months for your pets mental and physical well being.

Walking your dog can be a relaxing and beneficial time for both you and your pooch. This includes stronger muscles, healthier bones and lower blood pressure for you. In dogs, dog walking has been shown to reduce obesity, and mentally stimulates your dog as well. With a few simple considerations, you can avoid potential hazards and common mistakes. We’ve put together a checklist of things to consider before you head out on a walk with your dog.

Ask yourself where you prefer to spend the night; a hotel or the comfort of your own home and bed? Put yourself in your pet’s place and envision where they would be most comfortable. Just like us humans, our pets have their own personalities and preferences. 

Googling pet groomers in Springfield brings up a long list, so how do you know who to choose?  Start by asking friends and family for any recommendations and have an idea of what you want before you start your search.  Does your pet simply need a bath to get the dirt off and get them smelling so fresh or do they need a haircut? Maybe your pet has skin allergies or other skin complications and you need to find a pet esthetician or you enjoy giving them a bath at a self-service dog wash.

As a pet parent, you know how crucial it is to have a veterinarian you know, like, and trust. Your fur babies are family and you want a vet who knows that too. Springfield is blessed to have many qualified, highly reviewed, and reputable veterinarians. Check the vet’s credentials for licensing in your state. A DVM is a doctor of veterinary medicine. A RVT is a registered veterinary technician who assists a licensed veterinarian in lab tests, medicine application, surgeries and other health related procedures.

Dog training can conjure up a lot of different images: from learning “sit” and “stay” to advanced problem solving and agility work. Taking your dog “to the trainer” has a lot more tied up in it than we often suspect. Training not only benefits the dog; it helps ensure his welfare. It will help protect him from danger and give him a strong bond with you. The better behaved your dog is, the more places he can go with you and with less stress on both of you. Training will help you better understand your dog and his needs, making you a better owner. 

Cats are curious by nature. They also like high places. It’s in their DNA and stems from instincts to protect themselves. The higher up they are, the more they can see the world below them, and feel safer. Plus, cats are tree climbing creatures. Early cats were hunters and climbed trees for safety, or to lay in wait for prey. Kitchen counters hold a lot of interesting things and they smell good. Your cat likes to jump from place to place, so the counter is alluring to them.

Does your dog like baths? It’s a common stress of many dog owners. While people often think the fear comes from water, even dogs who love to swim may be skittish around the bathtub. For some dogs, it’s the loss of control and feeling helpless. For others, it may trigger memories of a bad experience, the dog may not like being handled, or confined to a small space.

We recently cared for a sweet Corgi puppy that was going to be a surprise Christmas gift. Many people get a puppy as a gift for Christmas and if you did, congratulations! Taking responsibility for a new puppy is very rewarding but does have its challenges. We have compiled a list to help you be equipped to provide the best life for you and your new pup. These tips not only apply to new puppies but also to any new adopted dog in your life.

The official start of Winter is only a few days away! As we bundle up to keep warm, make sure your dog is well protected too.

Going out to grab a coffee or get dinner can be the best part of the day, so why not share those moments with our furry friends? When deciding on where to eat out with your pet, there are several things you should consider for both you and your pup!

With the holidays here, we can look forward to tasty, delicious home-cooked meals: turkey, mashed potatoes, casseroles, and pies galore. With all this great food, why not share the wealth with our pets? Below are some delicious and nutritious recipes for our pets that’ll fill your house with purring kittens and wagging tails, and maybe help get rid of all of those Holiday leftovers!

As the holidays are upon us, thinking of traveling with your beloved pet can pose some serious considerations. Let’s look into a few of these to get you started. 

Hard to believe that Halloween is this weekend! There are plenty of things to do and the weather looks like it will at least be somewhat cooperative. While it can be a great time to celebrate with friends and family, there are several precautions we need to take when accounting for our furry family members.

Picking the right leash for your dog is an essential part of ownership. A leash is more than just something to keep them close to you, it’s a two way communication device. It builds trust and confidence between you and your dog. It is also something you’re likely to have for years and years. So it’s a choice that should be done with a lot of thought and consideration.

Does your dog chew everything? If they do, you’re not alone. Chewing is totally normal behavior for a puppy as they explore their surroundings. Chewing helps young dogs relieve pain from incoming teeth. Older dogs still need to chew as a way to keep their jaws strong and teeth clean. Regardless of age, chewing is a way for your dog to prevent themselves from becoming bored and relieve anxiety or frustration.

Retrieving Freedom is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to training service dogs to help people. Their primary focuses are training dogs to serve the needs of Veterans and children with Autism. We’re proud to have them in Sedalia and the impact they’re having on the Nation.

When we started pet sitting 10 years ago, we were running our business at the edge of our seats. We had no clue what we were doing or that a decade later we’d still be doing it. Growing our services in Sedalia, MO has been yet another whirlwind of lessons and blessings. Part of those lessons has been how we envision Funky Bunch Pet Care looking for the next decade. For us, that means continuing service in Sedalia while also expanding services to new areas that need quality pet care in Missouri. 

We are quickly approaching the first day of Fall (September 22nd). With that comes not just cooler weather and beautiful trees, but also many activities you can do with your dog! As always, call ahead to any place you visit to make sure they still allow dogs or are open for the times you’re interested in attending. Here are 5 great things to try this fall.