Courtesy of Roice-Hurst Humane Society

January is a popular time to set goals for the upcoming year. Most of us set them for ourselves, but what about our furry companions? Achieving goals is easier with a buddy, so help your fur-ever friend set some for 2025! Here are 10 ideas to get you started:

Get more exercise. Not only does it help your pet stay active and fit, but also helps with mental stimulation. Walking your dog introduces them to different sights, smells and sounds than they are normally around. An added benefit—you both get fresh air! 

Check in on their diet. The start of the year is a good time to check your pet’s weight. If they aren’t at a healthy weight, talk with your veterinarian to see how much food they should be eating. Measure your pet’s food to know specifically how much they are eating.

Add more playtime. Playtime is a great way to keep your pet (and yourself) entertained. Taking time to play with your pets helps stimulate and keep them sharp. Playtime can also help build confidence and get out excess energy that may lead to behavior problems.

Visit a new place. As previously mentioned, new sights, smells and sounds can really help stimulate your dogs. Plus, it’s always fun to explore something new together. If you have a cat, consider teaching them to walk on a leash. The neighborhood may not be new to you, but it can be a whole new experience for them.

Schedule their yearly exam. Yearly exams are important to keep your pet healthy. It’s a great time to check in with their vet about their weight, teeth and overall health.

Make sure their information is up to date. If your pet isn’t microchipped, make this the year to do it! If they do have a microchip, make sure all your contact information (phone number, address, etc.) is current. Also verify that information with their veterinarian.

Create an emergency pet plan. Having a plan for what to do in case of an emergency is important. Taking care of this ahead of time helps you be prepared in the event you need it. Who would care for your pets? Do you have written instructions for their daily care? Do you have a pet first-aid kit handy? Do you have emergency vet numbers written down? 

Learn cat or dog body language. Cats and dogs don’t communicate the same way humans do. Take some time this year to learn what their body language really means. The more you understand about your pet, the stronger your bond will be.

Teach them a new trick. Try teaching your cat to sit or high-five. Maybe your dog will be great at agility courses. Teaching your pets new tricks is a great way to bond with them, plus you have learned something new to share with family and friends.

Clean out the toy box. It can be hard to remember to keep up on pet toys. Take some time to clean out toys or bedding that may have been destroyed over the years.