As people lock in their 2026 resolutions, pets sit nearby, wondering where their fresh start is. Between holiday treats, skipped routines and packed schedules, the new year is the perfect excuse to hit reset on pet health, from overall wellness checkups to preventive care that keeps small issues from spiraling. A clear pet resolutions checklist helps manage those goals, setting pets up for healthier days and more wagging tails ahead.
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Just like the fitness goals people swear by in January, the resolutions that work best for pets stay realistic and easy to maintain. A solid checklist prioritizes balanced daily routines, mental and physical outlets and a clear plan for curveballs, giving pet owners a smart approach that holds up once the year gets busy.
Wellness comes first
As people map out their 2026 goals, pets get a reset of their own. Dr. Ezra Ameis, emergency veterinarian and founder of Paw Priority in Los Angeles, shares a practical Pet Resolutions Checklist to help animals start the year healthy and supported.
At the top of Ameis’s checklist is wellness, beginning with routine veterinary care. Starting with a full exam gives veterinarians a clear snapshot of a pet’s health. That visit often includes a physical check, lab work and dental evaluation to catch issues early.
Exam schedules depend mainly on age. Puppies and kittens need closer monitoring during early growth, with a first visit around 6 to 8 weeks of age or soon after adoption. Follow-up tests usually continue every few weeks through the first few months, with another visit around six months. Adult pets often shift to annual exams, while some veterinarians suggest twice-yearly visits as pets near their senior stage.
Reset post-holiday nutrition
Holiday indulgence often extends to pets, and those extra treats can add up fast. In Ameis’ Pet Resolutions Checklist, trimming post-holiday weight starts with a simple nutrition reset. Enjoyment matters, but it should not outweigh what supports long-term health.
Daily calorie needs vary by size, age and activity level. A 10-pound cat needs about 200 calories per day. A 50-pound dog typically requires 700 to 900 calories, while larger dogs may need 1,350 calories or more. Paying attention to portions helps prevent gradual weight gain after the holidays.
Food quality also plays a key role. Protein supports muscle upkeep and body repair, with animal-based sources providing essential amino acids. Fats supply energy and support skin, coat and organ protection, while carbohydrates contribute energy and digestive balance. A complete diet that includes vitamins and minerals helps meet daily needs without leaning on extra treats.
Vaccines and preventive care
Protection is also vital in keeping pets healthy year-round. Vaccines help guard dogs and cats against preventable illnesses, similar to how immunizations do for people. Staying current with shots, along with flea, tick and parasite prevention, helps reduce health risks before problems start.
Veterinary guidance usually falls into two groups. Core vaccines apply to all pets because they protect against widespread threats. Non-core vaccines depend on factors such as environment, travel and daily activity. A veterinarian can recommend which protections make sense based on how and where a pet lives.
Timing matters as well. Many vaccines begin as early as six weeks of age, which makes early planning important for puppies and kittens. Working with a veterinarian to build a schedule helps ensure protection stays consistent as pets grow and routines change.
Support mind and body
A strong mind-and-body boost also appears in Ameis’ Pet Resolutions Checklist. Mental engagement supports overall health just as much as physical care. Simple routines such as puzzle toys, daily walks and quiet cuddle time help keep pets settled and engaged throughout the day.
Enrichment works best when it mirrors natural behavior. Activities that allow pets to sniff, chase, climb or play give them an outlet for curiosity and energy. Interactive toys and games that involve trial and error encourage problem-solving and prevent routines from feeling repetitive.
When pets lack enough stimulation, unwanted behaviors often appear. Chewing, barking or scratching usually means stress or frustration rather than disobedience. Regular enrichment helps reduce these issues, supports healthy movement and deepens the connection between pets and their owners.
Prepare for emergencies
Preparation can make a real difference when the unexpected happens. Emergency readiness starts with keeping a veterinarian’s contact details easy to find, along with knowing the location of the nearest 24-hour clinic. Quick access to both information saves time when every minute counts.
Organized supplies also help reduce stress. A single grab-ready kit stocked with food, water, medications and essentials keeps everything in one place. Pets also benefit from familiarity. Getting them used to carriers, crates or leashes ahead of time can make urgent situations calmer and easier to manage.
Planning extends beyond logistics. Setting aside funds for unplanned veterinary visits helps remove financial hesitation during emergencies. Services like Paw Priority support owners who want to prepare in advance for urgent care needs. The idea stays simple: prioritize safety, then handle the rest.
A healthier year with pets
Pets play a central role in daily life, which makes it natural to include them in the goal-setting that comes with a new year. Simple, realistic resolutions give owners a structure they can return to well beyond January rather than goals that fade quickly. When care plans stay easy to follow, pets benefit from steadier routines and a healthier year alongside the people who plan for themselves.
Jennifer Allen is a retired professional chef and long-time writer. Her work appears in dozens of publications, including MSN, Yahoo, The Washington Post and The Seattle Times. These days, she’s busy in the kitchen developing recipes and traveling the world, and you can find all her best creations at Cook What You Love.
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