Pet Resolutions : 2026
New Year, New You… For Your Pets, Too! | 2026 Edition
Every January, we talk about “New Year, New You!” — but what about your pets?
In many homes (like mine!) our pets ARE family.
They rely on us for structure, movement, safety, and love, so the start of a new year is the perfect time to refresh routines. Below are a few simple ways to give your pets a strong, healthy, happy start to 2026 —
Schedule a Wellness Check
Just like us, pets need annual exams, updated vaccines, and a chance for a professional to catch small issues before they become big problems. Many vaccines are also required for: Pet insurance, Boarding and daycare and professional pet sitters (like us!)
.
2. Review Nutrition & Treat Habits
Now is a great time to look at:
What food your pet is eating
How often treats are given
Whether their diet meets their age, breed, and health needs. Your veterinarian can help guide food choices during your wellness visit. .
Strengthen Their Social Life
Some pets love playdates. Others only love you.
For dogs who enjoy socializing, consider weekly playdates or supervised meet-ups. For dogs who prefer solo adventures, “sniff walks” in new locations help them explore safely and reduce boredom.
For cats? Let them run the show. They’ll tell you when they’re ready for interaction––and when they’re absolutely not.
.
- Boost Mental & Physical Enrichment
All pets need mental stimulation and physical activity. A few easy ideas for cats include tunnels, window perches, cat trees, laser toys, or puzzle feeders. Dogs: interactive toys, training sessions, sniff hikes, or regular neighborhood walks
A general rule of thumb for dogs is at least two 20-minute walks per day, depending on age and breed. If your schedule is tight (work, kids, life!), hiring a professional dog walker can make all the difference.
Consistent walks provide:
✔ Daily exercise
✔ Potty breaks
✔ Routine
✔ Mental stimulation
✔ Social interaction
It’s a win-win — your dog stays happy and healthy, and you get peace of mind.
Update Your Pet Care Plan
One of the most overlooked resolutions: planning for emergencies.
If something unexpected happened, who would care for your pets?
Take a moment to choose a designated caregiver,
Looking Ahead:
Let Tallahassee Lassie Support Your 2026 Goals!
If your new year includes:
More travel
Longer work hours
A busier family schedule
A plan to improve your pet’s health and happiness
We’re here to help.
Our Tallahassee Lassie team provides:
🐾 Daily dog walking
🐾 Cat care
🐾 In-home pet sitting
🐾 Potty breaks for puppies and seniors
🐾 Medication administration
🐾 Customized routines for anxious, shy, or high-energy pets
We make life easier for you — and better for your pets.
Here’s to a Happy, Healthy 2026!
Tell your pets we said hi — we can’t wait to see them!
Carla Tallahassee Lassie Pet Care
Carla McClellan is the founder and owner of Tallahassee Lassie Pet Care, and the co-founder of North Florida Association of Pet Services. She also serves her community in various capacities through volunteer philanthropy. To reach Carla directly, contact the office at 850.728.6220 or email carla @ tallylassie . com
