Pet related resolutions and goals for 2026. 6 tips on sticking to your goals for a happier and healthier year - for both you and your pets.

We’re coming up on the end of January, which makes it the perfect time to check in on those New Year’s resolutions. If you started strong, great! If not, now is a great time to focus on habits that benefit you and your pets. 

Do any of your new year’s resolutions include your pets?

Pets are a huge part of our lives, yet they’re often overlooked when it comes to New Year’s goals. At FurAmor, we believe some of the best goals and resolutions are the ones that support both your and your pet’s health, happiness, and daily routine. Missed the typical January 1st start date for a 2026 resolution? Don't worry! It's never too late to start implementing goals for the year.

Want to set a goal for you and your pets but don’t know where to start? Here are a few pet-friendly resolution ideas:

• More daily exercise and enrichment. Regular dog walks, interactive playtime for cats, or enrichment activities for small pets help keep them physically and mentally healthy.

• Better mental stimulation. Sniff walks for dogs, puzzle feeders for cats, and engaging environments for small pets reduce boredom and stress and make for a happier and more relaxed home for the whole family.

• Consistent routines. Reliable feeding times, potty breaks, walks, and check-ins help pets feel secure and confident.

• More quality time. Being intentional about daily interaction, whether it’s a walk, play session, or cuddle, strengthens the bond between you and your pet.

• Teach your dog new tricks. Teaching your dog new tricks not only improves their behavior, but it is also great mental stimulation and will improve your bond with your pet. 

• Prioritize your pet's health. And we're not just talking physical activity! Maybe you want to better prioritize regular vet visits this year, or would like to be more consistent with teeth cleaning. There are numerous ways other than just exercise to improve your pet's physical health.

Tips for sticking with pet-related resolutions all year

1. Be specific. Have a plan. Rather than saying “I want to get more exercise for myself and my dog this year,” you can set a goal to walk at least 2 miles daily with your pup. 

2. Focus on progress, not perfection. Missed days happen. What matters is getting back into the routine and continuing forward. Don’t become discouraged. Cut yourself some slack if you miss a day or don’t reach a goal. Life happens. Just get back at it when you can!

3. Start small. If you and your dog are not used to regular exercise, setting a goal of walking 5 miles a day is likely a bit unrealistic. But that doesn’t mean you can’t work up to it. Maybe set a goal to start with 1 mile a day for 2 months, and move up after that. 

4. Reward yourself! Give yourself something to look forward to when you reach your goal. If you complete your goal for the first month, take yourself to your favorite restaurant or take your pup to their favorite park!

5. Create routines you can maintain. Choose times and habits that fit naturally into your lifestyle. If you’re not a morning person, it may not be best to set a goal of a 5am walk every morning! 

6. Bring a friend! Having an accountability partner is a great way to help you stick to your goals. Reach out to a friend and ask if they'd like to join you in your goals this year. Make a plan to do at least one weekly walk together. Having a friend by your side is great motivation.

Didn’t Start a Resolution on January 1? That’s Okay.

One of the biggest myths about New Year’s resolutions is that they only count if they start on January 1. They don’t. Any day is the right day to start healthier habits for you and your pets.

Small changes like scheduling consistent walks or regular pet check-ins can make a big difference over time.

Let FurAmor Help You Reach Your Pet Care Goals

At FurAmor, we provide professional dog walking and pet sitting (for cats and most domestic pets) services in Illinois. Whether your goal this year is more exercise for your dog, we’ll be there with our dog walking shoes on, ready to help you reach that goal. Or maybe you have a goal to travel more often in 2026. We’ve got your back on that one too! We will be there for your dogs and cats while you’re on vacation.

It’s never too late to start a new goal. Especially one that leads to happier, healthier pets!