The stockings are down. The presents have been opened. The cookies have been eaten. It’s time to really start thinking about the new year. Have you made your financial goals for 2020? How about your career goals? Have you created a few resolutions for your own health and happiness?

Did you know that over 60% of dog owners report making resolutions for their furbabies each year? It’s a great time to evaluate not only your lifestyle, but the environment in which you are raising your pet. Dog lovers are generally great at keeping up with their dog’s needs, but even still, there is always something you can improve upon, right?

New Year’s Resolutions for Dog Lovers

Donate or Volunteer Regularly

Life gets busy, but there is always a bit of time you can find if you schedule it in. Take a look at the calendar and clear an afternoon each month to head to the Humane Society or other local animal shelters to volunteer. If you cannot find the time, organizations are always in need of financial help. You can give regularly and include it in your tax filings, too.

Consider Fostering or Adopting

Animal lovers have big hearts. Many are pulled to provide a loving home to more than just one dog. If you aren’t ready for a lifelong commitment, you can apply to foster a dog or family of puppies until they are ready to be adopted.

Try a New Activity Together

The dog world has expanded into activities and sports that you may not even know about! You can register for doga (yoga with your dog), paddleboarding with your pup, kayaking, or even vacationing together. Yes, there are group vacations that include traveling with your dog! Go ahead and check a few of these items off of your bucket list next year.

Commit to Training

If your dog is not exactly the best-behaved pup, it’s time to get serious about training. Training not only helps establish you as the Alpha of the household, but it can keep your dog safe. A dog that listens is less likely to bolt through an open door, into a street, or toward an unfamiliar area. It’s also nice to know your furniture, shoes, and trash won’t be destroyed if you turn your back for 5 minutes.

Take Your Dog for a Health Screening

After puppy-hood ends, standard health screenings fall off the list of priorities to most dog owners. Most families wait until something triggers a visit to the vet, but scheduling an annual appointment can keep you ahead of the game. You can make sure your dog’s teeth and gums are clean, his stool is healthy, his weight is on track, and his overall health is good.

Check Your Dog’s Weight

Don’t just eyeball your dog’s weight, but actually have it checked and discuss any problems that could be causing under - or over-weight issues.

Add Extra Outside Time

Exercise is great for both you and your dog. Make a point to add in one extra walk each day and some frisbee or ball throwing in the backyard. You will be thanked with tail wags and sloppy kisses!

Update Toys, Bedding, and Treats

It’s the perfect time to replace any expired treats, moldy or broken toys, and shapeless beds. Spoil your pup and make sure his environment is full of things he loves and deserves.

The most important thing to include on your resolution list is to just appreciate and love your dog. Your life is richer with him in it.