Ten Fun New Year’s Resolutions for Pet Owners and Pets

We learn so much from our pets every day. So, what if we started thinking about those daily life lessons as resolutions that we can carry into the New Year? Easy! Start by thinking up a list of New Year’s resolutions for your pets. Then, take that list and think about how to turn it into New Year’s resolutions for pet owners, too! 

Now, we don’t mean that you, as a pet owner, should make it a New Year’s resolution to stop digging through the trash (unless that’s something you need to stop doing).  What we mean is that a new year is a perfect time for self-reflection and positive change, and there is nobody better to have by your side or more supportive of your goals than your beloved furry companion.

Here’s a list of some simple resolutions that guarantee you a healthy and happy New Year with your pets:

Resolution #1: Make New Friends. 

The best life lesson you can learn from a pet is that a person’s background plays no part in whether or not they’ll make great, lifelong friends. Be social while remaining safe and socially distant, and expand both your and your pet’s social network. Get some fresh air, hit the dog park, head out for a hike. You never know who you’ll meet along the way. 

Resolution #2: Say Sorry. 

Maybe this is more of a New Year’s resolution for pet owners but it’s relevant nonetheless. The best way to right our wrongs is with a heartfelt apology. It’s easy to be headstrong, but it’s easier to own up to our errors and make amends as necessary. When things get a little tense on the road, or you’ve had a rough day at work, say sorry. And when your pet goes to lift his leg on the furniture or carries your favorite shoes outside, he’ll look up at you with round, sweet eyes and do the same. 

Resolution #3: Exercise.

Boredom combined with excess energy leads to bad choices for people and pets. Exercising is guaranteed to be less boring with a friend–a four-legged one to be exact. It’s easy to categorize exercise as a chore, but regardless, it’s good for the mind, body, and soul and can make a world of difference to our outlook in 2021.

Resolution #4: Be Carefree. 

Maybe your pet runs a little funny, or rolls around outside until he’s covered in grass, or plops his legs out behind him like a goofball when he lays down but does any of that slow him down? If pets have taught us anything it’s that it’s okay to be unapologetically ourselves, that letting loose and living in the moment is the fastest route to loving life.

Resolution #5: Nap Often. 

Naps are the best way to refresh yourself and clear your mind. There’s absolutely no shame in a cat nap…why do you think your cats are always so relaxed? Because they give their minds and bodies the time that it needs to unplug, unwind, and just veg out a little. Enjoy a nice, quiet night in on New Year’s Eve with your pets and catch up on some much-needed sleep! [Your cat approves this message.]

Resolution #6: Change Perspectives.

It never hurts to look at things from a different angle. Seeing things in a new way might open up your mind in ways you didn’t know you needed. Grab your pup pal or feline friend and lay down, hang your head off the end of the couch, even stick your tongue out if it feels right, and just look at things from a new perspective. 

Resolution #7: Smile Often.

This is best done as a team. After all, there’s really nobody better at making you smile than your pet and vice versa, nobody makes your pet happier than you. Ring in the New Year with your pets and spend some extra time enjoying the little things with your littles, be they people or pets. 

Resolution #8: Up Your Social Media Game.

This isn’t just a great excuse to share a happy New Year pet photo but it’s another great way to expand your network and a chance to enjoy some downtime with your furry friends. Pet-stagrams are a hit so we say go for it. You want to show them off, they want to show off, and we definitely want to see them – so what’s stopping you from treating us to some sweet pics on social media in 2021? Get ‘gramming!

Resolution #9: Learn Something New.

A new year is the best time to pick up a new hobby or learn something new. Get crafty in 2021, take on new DIY projects, do some much-needed home repairs, try out some new baking recipes for your pet. Impress them with some homemade treats then use them to reward your pets for learning some new tricks or commands. It’s a good year to try some things outside of your comfort zone. 

Resolution #10: Give and Take.

This seems to come so easily for our pets but we, too, must remember the importance of giving. Express gratitude for those around us whether it’s in words or acts of kindness. And just a reminder to the pets out there: if you want a treat, you give a kiss. We don’t make the rules. 

Nothing guarantees a happy New Year with pets like setting goals for yourself along with some funny pet New Year’s resolutions. There’s no telling what the future holds but after a wild year, everyone deserves to make some plans they can look forward to and set some goals they know they can achieve in 2021!