Why Tip to Tail
Hi, I’m Jodi—founder of Tip to Tail, lifelong animal lover, and a firm believer that pets are family.
I started Tip to Tail to create the kind of resource I wish I’d had—real-world advice, honest conversations, and support for pet owners facing everyday challenges. From horses to fish, anxious dogs to emergency vet visits, I’ve lived the ups and downs of pet care. This site is about sharing what works, learning from each other, and helping more pets stay in the homes that love them.
My Story
I was raised on a farm surrounded by every kind of animal imaginable. My dad used to call me Ellie Mae—after the critter-loving beauty from The Beverly Hillbillies—because if something had fur, feathers, or fins, I was already trying to tame it. I befriended cattle, chickens, horses, stray cats, dogs, birds, and even fish I rescued from log jams in our creek during spring floods.
Not much has changed.
As an adult, I’m still surrounded by animals: I raise horses, have two dogs, a cat, and three different aquariums (betta, discus, and saltwater). I’ve lived the real-life highs and lows of pet ownership—wild mustangs with trust issues, dogs with anxiety and aggression, late-night emergency vet visits, heartbreaking outcomes, and the endless learning curve of pet insurance (or the lack of it).
I created Tip to Tail because I’ve been there. I know how overwhelming it can feel to care for animals through behavioral challenges, financial strain, and uncertain advice. This site is my way of sharing what I’ve learned—and building a community of pet owners who support each other with honesty, kindness, and no judgment.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re figuring it out as you go—you’re not alone. From one pet parent to another: welcome.
About Tip to Tail
What is Tip to Tail Pets?
Tip to Tail Pets is your trusted resource for everything pet-related—from choosing the right breed and budgeting for long-term care to finding quality products and exploring pet insurance options. Whether you're a first-time pet owner or a seasoned pet parent, our content is designed to support you and your furry friend through every stage of life.
Is Tip to Tail affiliated with any pet insurance or product companies?
Yes, we partner with trusted brands and insurance providers to bring you vetted recommendations. Some links on our site are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep the site running while only promoting products we genuinely support.
How can I estimate the real cost of owning a pet?
We’ve created a Pet Cost Calculator to help you understand the annual and lifetime expenses associated with pet ownership. It factors in breed size, life stage, location, and lifestyle so you can make an informed decision before bringing home a new pet.
What are the “9 Pillars of Pet Care Success”?
The 9 Pillars are our guiding framework for responsible pet ownership. They cover everything from nutrition and exercise to emergency preparedness and financial planning. You'll see these pillars woven throughout our blog, product guides, and downloadable resources.
Breed: Black domestic shorthair (rescue)
Personality: Calm, adaptable, and secretly in charge of the household.
Backstory: Orphaned young after his mother was hit by a car, Stark was bottle-raised at a rural vet clinic and came to us through a friend on Facebook.
Fun Fact: He’s lived alongside poodles, big dogs, and everything in between—always with quiet grace. Once a bold outdoor explorer, a few run-ins with a tough neighbor cat named Scrappy convinced him that beds and laps are far superior to alleyway turf wars.
What He’s Taught Us: Resilience is quiet. And sometimes the coziest life is the bravest one.