New Year's Resolutions For Your Pet!

We may not know exactly what our pets have planned for the next 12 months, but as humans we can do our part to help them achieve better mental and physical well-being this year. Here's a list of healthy New Year's resolutions for cats and dogs alike in 2026, plus tips for pet owners to make them happen.

1. Catch up on veterinary care

Most dogs and cats aren't exactly stoked to go to the vet, but we all know that routine visits are vital for their health and wellbeing. Now's a great time to review your pal's health history and ensure they're current on checkups and vaccines. If it's been a while since their last wellness appointment or you can't remember when they're due for another one, go ahead and call their veterinarian to ask.

While you're at it, consider getting pet health insurance if you haven't done so already. Having a good plan in place helps to ensure your pet can receive the best treatment in the event of unexpected illnesses and injuries (by protecting your pet with insurance, you also protect your budget for their health care).

Learn how often to take pets to the vet.

2. Try a new activity

Cats and dogs often thrive on routine, but that doesn't mean they can't get bored! Shaking things up every once in a while helps pets of all ages stay active and engaged in both body and spirit.

So, this year, try exploring new places and/or teaching your pet new tricks. Engage your pal's mind with a new activity, whether it's navigating a homemade obstacle course or scavenger hunt, checking out a new puzzle toy, or exploring a park they've never been to before. There are so many possibilities!

3. Shed the extra fluff

Looking to reach a healthier weight in the New Year? Consider including your dog or cat. Losing weight is consistently one of the most common New Year's resolutions among humans, but it can be just as beneficial for pets. The truth is that carrying excess weight puts animals at increased risk of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and a wide range of other illnesses.

If you're concerned about your pet's pounds, it's a good idea to set up an appointment with their veterinarian to discuss what a healthy weight is for their frame and breed, and how to help them reach it safely. The good news is that there are far less gimmicks and "fad diets" promising weight loss for dogs and cats than there are for humans. Instead of navigating through a sea of dieting products and programs, the best course of action to help pets lose weight is usually quite simple: adopting the right amount of daily exercise and food portion control.

4. Focus on dental health

Pet oral health has been increasingly shown to play a vital role in the overall well-being of our furry companions. Dental issues in pets can lead to severe health problems, including infections, pain, and a decline in their quality of life. Routine dental care for dogs and cats is essential for preventing conditions such as periodontal disease, gingivitis, and tooth decay.

Pet owners can promote oral health by incorporating regular brushing into their pets' routines, providing veterinarian-approved dental treats and toys, and scheduling professional dental cleanings with your vet team. Prioritizing pet dental health in 2026 is an investment in your pal's overall health and longevity for years to come.

5. Make new friends

Setting up puppy playdates and visits to the local dog park are great for dogs who enjoy socializing. Just make sure they're current on their vaccines first, and be sure to supervise all interactions for safety.

While cats can enjoy kitty playdates, never force socialization on those who are unaccustomed to it. For cats who prefer being solo, meet their enrichment needs by playing with them more often and introducing some new toy “friends” to your home.

6. Take many naps

Snooze time is a major part of life for cats and dogs alike, and there's little doubt your pet will want to spend a good chunk of 2026 catching up on some zzz's. Just as with humans, quality sleep is vital for a pet's mental and physical health. You can help by setting up plenty of clean, cozy spots around the house for your pal to curl up in.

Wondering how much sleep dogs and cats actually need? According to veterinarians, dogs sleep an average of 12 hours a day while cats snooze an average of 15. Your pet's age and breed type will also factor in to how much sleep they need day-to-day.

7. Earn all the treats

If pets could talk, they'd almost certainly say, “I'm going to get all the treats this year.” While we'd love to help them fulfill their wild dreams, it's important to ensure they're staying healthy. Ask their vet how many treats a day is okay for your dog or cat, and keep in mind that dietary requirements also depend on breed, age, and size. For healthy pet treats, look for ones that have minimal ingredients (no grain fillers, for example) and are low in calories.

8. Get tons of playtime

When it comes to pets, playtime is the best time! And it's not just about fun — regular playtime provides an important outlet for energy and stress in pets. In doing so, hours of play every day also helps dogs and cats be calmer and better behaved.

Pets often engage themselves in play, but human participation means quality time for both you and your pal. Be sure to set aside time every day to play with your pet, whether it's throwing a toy around for them, starting a game of chase, challenging them in tug o' war, etc.

9. Stay fresh and clean

Okay, so maybe your pet thinks they smell great even when your nose tells you otherwise. But whether they appreciate it fully or not, regular grooming contributes to a pet's overall wellness. Routine baths and combing help keep your pal's skin and coat clear of dirt, dust, chemicals, fungus, and other things that may be detrimental to their health.

While dogs tend to receive rinses more often, cats sometimes need baths as well. If you've never bathed your kitty before, asking your veterinarian for some tips is a great place to start.

10. Clean out old toys

Pets can have clutter build up too! And beyond just creating a mess, old and broken toys can result in injury to your pet. Having too many toys out at once can likewise cause unnecessary stress for dogs and cats, making it tough for them to decide which one to play with at a time or even just relax in the home.

Now's a great time to go through your pal's possessions and toss anything that's broken or just isn't getting used. If something is in great condition but your pet just doesn't have any interest, consider donating to a local animal shelter or animal welfare organization.

11. Update pet ID info

A pet's ID information is one of the best tools for helping them return home when lost. If you've moved at all since welcoming your pal into your life, take this time to double check their identification information and ensure it is up to date. If your pet isn't microchipped yet, consider doing so as physical tags and collars can be easily taken off. If you're planning on taking any trips with your pet this year, having updated identification for them will be even more necessary.