Top 8 Pet New Year's Resolutions for 2017

The new year is upon us. It's time to take a look back on the past year and determine what we might want to change, do better or accomplish in 2017. For pet parents, much of this reflection applies to the lives they share with their pets.

Here are the top eight 2017 "Pet New Year's Resolutions."

1. Healthier Diet

Feeding their pets better quality food is at the top of pet parents list this year.

They've been doing their research and want to do all they can to ensure their little ones live a long, happy and healthy life.

Whether it's gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, soy-free, corn-free, raw food, unprocessed food or probiotics - pet parents are coming for you in 2017.

2. Daily Walks

Whether it's a walk through the park, a stroll around the neighborhood or a jog along hiking trails, 26 percent of pet parents surveyed plan to get outside each day and move with their pets this year.

They sited exercise, maintaining their pack leader status, and bonding as their motivation for walking their pooch more often.

3. More Outings

More car rides, doggie bakery visits, beach outings, and family vacations, are among the activities respondents said they are resolved to doing more of with their four-legged family members.

Getting out and spending some quality time with their pets to make that bond even stronger is at the top of many pet parents minds this year!

4. Socialization 

As more pet parents opt to take their pets on more outings, there comes the need to better social them.

Fifteen percent of pet parents polled are committed to helping their shy, skittish, or fearful pet become more comfortable around people, other pets, and in public places.

5. Training

A close cousin of socialization, training, comes in as the fifth-most popular pet resolution of 2017.

We all can't have the perfectly mannered pet, but a good number of pet parents plan to devote time to curb some not-so-favorable behavior.

From teaching Rover not to bark at house guests and drag you while on walks to practicing better recall (getting your dog to come when called) and training your cat to stay off kitchen counters, pet parents are ready to put on their "pet whisperer" hat!

6.  Keep Them Safe

Don’t let dogs or cats roam free because they could be hit by a car.

Sadly, more than six million pets die that way every year.

Always walk your dog on a leash and install electronic fencing like an Invisible Fence® brand system to keep pets safely at home in your yard.

7. Foster or Adopt A New Playmate

 Most pets like companionship and fostering is a great way to help a shelter pet.

Adopting a sibling for your current pet is a wonderful thing for you, the pet parent, and gives your current pet someone to live and play.

8. Show Your Love

Pets can be very loving. Fido’s tail may start thumping if you so much as look at him, while Fluffy is an expert cuddler. Show your loved ones you care!

Our pets are an integral part of our lives and helping them to be successful helps us as pet parents be successful at providing the best care possible.

Happy New Year to every pet and fur kid parent. 

May 2017 be a year of love and companionship for all pets.