10 New Year’s Resolutions for Pet Parents

The start of a new year is the perfect time for reflection and goal-setting—and not just for us. This year, try setting resolutions for your pets.

Making New Year’s resolutions with your pet’s health and happiness in mind improves their life in the process. You don’t need to do anything drastic—many pet-centered resolutions are about making small, meaningful changes that add up to a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.

Here are 10 easy resolutions that can help make 2025 even brighter for you and your pet.

1. Prioritize Preventive Care

Use the new year as a reminder to book an annual (or biannual) wellness exam, discuss dental cleanings, and make sure your pet’s parasite prevention is up to date.

“Regular vet checkups help detect potential health issues before they become emergencies,” says Veronica Villanueva, DVM, medical director of VEG Anaheim Hills in Anaheim, California. “And staying on top of vaccinations and parasite control prevents illnesses and infections.”

But preventative care doesn’t just take place at the vet clinic. At-home practices like brushing your dog’s or cat’s teeth are the best way to prevent health issues, such as dental disease, from developing.

The same goes for year-round parasite prevention to protect pets from fleas, ticks, and heartworms. Talk to your vet about the best flea and tick medication for your cat or dog.

2. Exercise More

Exercise is key to your pet’s physical and mental well-being. For dogs, going on walks every day, playing games of fetch, or trying a new canine sport are all great ways for them to get more exercise.

Exercise also benefits cats. Playing with your cat using feather wands or string toys mimics a cat’s natural hunting instincts, giving them both physical exercise and mental stimulation. You can even train your kitty to walk outside on a harness and leash, or invest in a cat exercise wheel, which is similar to a wheel hamsters or mice use.

3. Upgrade Enrichment Time

Exercise and enrichment are closely related, and enrichment isn’t just about keeping your pet busy—it’s about proper mental stimulation and encouraging natural behaviors.

Improving enrichment can be as easy as incorporating slow feeders or puzzle toys into your pet’s mealtime routine, says pet trainer Susan Nilson, PCBC-A.

“These tools engage your dog's thinking brain by making them work for their food,” she says. “When dogs focus on solving mental challenges, they're less likely to feel scared, stressed, or anxious.”

For our feline friends, cat trees, scratching posts, and window perches provide outlets for energy and mental stimulation.

“Research tells us that most cats naturally gravitate toward vertical scratching options,” Nilson says. “But some cats prefer horizontal or diagonal scratching options, often with softer materials like cardboard or carpet.” Cat parents may need to do some trial and error to see which type of pet furniture their kitty prefers.

For multi-cat households, Nilson says a multi-level cat tree is well worth the investment. It adds vertical space and provides enough scratching real estate and resting options for everyone.

4. Add More Toys to the Mix

Toys are vital for your pet’s mental and physical well-being, and a well-chosen selection can transform your pet’s daily routine. 

For cats, toys that mimic prey behaviors, like wands and motorized toys, are particularly beneficial. “Give your cat an outlet for their natural predatory instincts by providing toys that match their unique hunting style,” says Nilson. Playing with these can keep cats sharp, content, and less prone to boredom-related issues, such as pacing, excessive meowing, and biting.

Dogs also benefit from a diverse toy selection. Try having a mix of durable chew toys, squeaky plushes, and treat-dispensing puzzles to keep your pup on their toes. These encourage problem-solving and prevent boredom, especially for high-energy breeds.

Rotate your pet’s toys every so often to keep your pet interested and engaged.

5. Improve Their Nutrition

A well-balanced diet is a top priority for your pet’s overall health, and not all pet foods are created equal.

Depending on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and health, their diet may change over the years. Senior pets may benefit from food tailored to joint health, while younger active pups may need a higher calorie content to keep up their energy levels.

Your vet is your best resource when choosing food for your dog or cat.

6. Stay On Top of Grooming

Regular grooming maintains your pet's health—not just their appearance.

Brushing your dog or cat’s coat helps promote natural oils, reduces shedding, and prevents mats from forming. And while cats are excellent self-groomers, longhaired breeds may still need help keeping their coats tangle-free. Grooming also helps prevent hairballs in cats.

Bathing is another important aspect of grooming, though the frequency depends on your pet's breed, lifestyle, health, and coat type. Dogs that love romping through muddy fields may need regular baths, while cats may only get an occasional wipe-down.

Don’t forget areas like nails, ears, and teeth, which have their own maintenance needs.

7. Prepare for Emergencies

Emergencies are unpredictable, but being prepared can make a huge difference in how you handle them. Dr. Villanueva says it’s important to have a plan.

“This can include making a pet first aid kit, familiarizing yourself with nearby emergency veterinary hospitals, and having an evacuation plan in case of natural disasters or accidents,” she says. 

Your pet emergency plan should also include your pet’s medical records, vaccination history, and microchip information. Make sure to keep your vet’s contact information handy, too, in case your pet becomes hurt or sick.

8. Pet-Proof Your Home

Making your home safe and comfortable for your pets is part of being a responsible pet parent.

“Take time to assess your living space for any potential hazards, such as toxic foods, choking hazards, or other items that could be dangerous if ingested,” Dr. Villanueva says. Safely storing these items can help prevent accidents and give you peace of mind.

Beyond safety, your home should also cater to your pet’s comfort. Cats, for example, often feel more secure when they have spaces to retreat to and relax, like covered beds.

Nilson suggests optimizing litter boxes for your cat’s comfort, too. “The right litter box makes a huge difference in your cat's comfort and willingness to use it consistently,” she says. Litter boxes should be at least 1.5 times your cat's length. For multi-cat households, Nilson says to follow the golden rule: one box per cat, plus an extra. 

Dogs also need their own safe, comfortable spaces. A designated dog bed or dog crate can act as a personal “safe zone” where they can decompress. Maybe use the new year as an excuse to update or add to their bedding.

9. Adjust for Your Pet’s Age

Senior pets have unique needs that change as they age. Adjustments like orthopedic bedding, ramps for furniture, or low-entry litter boxes can make life easier for older pets.

Older pets also benefit from more frequent veterinary checkups to watch for age-related conditions, including arthritis, dental disease, or cognitive issues.

And though aging pets may slow down, don’t let that fool you—they still need enrichment and bonding time with their humans. Spend time with them doing gentle activities, like leisurely walks or easy play sessions that aren’t too hard on older joints, to keep their minds sharp and spirits high.

10. Advocate for Your Pets

Your pet can’t tell you if something is wrong. They rely on you to be their voice, and that responsibility goes beyond their basic care.

Whether you’re visiting the vet, looking into dietary concerns, or dealing with behavior problems, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Trust your instincts. If something’s off with your furry friend, you’re often the first to notice.