Small changes that make a big difference for our pets
by Wendi Piscia | January 5th, 2026 | 11:49 am
As we ease into a new year, many of us are setting goals to feel healthier, more organized and more prepared for whatever 2026 brings. While our pets cannot write down resolutions themselves, they benefit greatly when we make thoughtful changes on their behalf. A few simple habits can greatly improve a pet’s health, happiness and safety. January is the perfect time to take a fresh look at what our dogs, cats, and rabbits need from us and how small adjustments can pay off all year long.
Keep pets moving with daily exercise
Many pets naturally slow down in winter. Yet regular movement is one of the most powerful tools we have to keep them healthy. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention found that more than half of dogs and cats in the United States are overweight or obese, which significantly raises the risk of joint problems, diabetes, heart disease and reduced quality of life. Daily activity helps keep pets fit and mentally engaged.
For dogs, consider adding an extra walk each day or varying routes to keep the world interesting. Puzzle feeders, sniffing games and short indoor training sessions are great for days when the weather is uncooperative. Cats benefit from short but frequent bursts of play. A wand toy, a crinkly tunnel or a simple cardboard box can spark healthy exercise. Rabbits also need safe space to hop, stretch and explore. Even a bunny proofed hallway can make a big difference in their physical and mental wellbeing.
The goal is not perfection. The goal is consistency. When we choose small, steady steps, our pets thrive.
Schedule an annual health exam
If your pet has not seen a veterinarian in the past year, now is the time to schedule that visit. Annual exams help identify health conditions early, when they are often easier and less costly to treat. A study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association showed that regular veterinary checkups significantly increase the chances of catching issues such as kidney disease, dental disease and cancers in their early stages.
These visits are also when pets stay up to date on their vaccinations, receive dental assessments, get parasite prevention, and have their weight and overall condition evaluated. Many pet owners are surprised to learn that dental disease is one of the most common health issues veterinarians see. The American Veterinary Dental Society reports that most dogs and cats show signs of periodontal disease by age three. Early action helps prevent pain and costly treatment later.
At Napa Humane, our preventive care clinics help make essential wellness services more accessible to local pet owners. These clinics provide vaccinations, microchips, flea prevention, nail trims and other important care. If you have been putting off a routine checkup, January is an excellent time to commit to your pet’s health.
Refresh training and behavior skills
Every dog, regardless of age or history, benefits from training. Training builds communication, strengthens the human-animal bond and helps reduce stress for everyone in the household. Training also helps prevent behavior issues that are among the top reasons dogs are surrendered to shelters.
Positive reinforcement training is not just for puppies. Older dogs enjoy learning new skills too. Even five minutes a day can help keep a dog mentally sharp and more confident in the world. If your dog struggles with pulling on leash, reactivity or basic manners, consider enrolling in a class this year. Our Napa Humane training program offers small group classes and private lessons that use humane, evidence-based methods. A well-trained dog is a safer, happier and more included member of the family.
Check your pet’s microchip information
Microchips only work when the contact information attached to them is current. The American Veterinary Medical Association states that microchipped dogs are returned to their owners at more than double the rate of unchipped dogs. For cats, the return to owner rate increases more than twentyfold when they have a microchip. Yet these success rates depend entirely on accurate registration.
If you moved, changed phone numbers or adopted a pet whose microchip registration was never transferred, take 10 minutes this month to check the information. You can look up any microchip number at petmicrochiplookup.org to find the registry and update your information.
It is also a good time to check your pet’s collar and ID tags. Tags tend to fade, scratch or fall off over time. Replacing a worn tag is a small task that can prevent heartbreak.
Review your disaster preparedness plan
Wildfire season has made disaster planning a necessary part of life in Napa County. Pets rely on us completely in an emergency. Start the new year by making sure your plan is up to date.
Every household should have a pet go-bag that includes food, water, medications, a sturdy leash, a carrier, vaccination records, and a current photo of your pet. Know where you can go with your animals if you need to evacuate. If your pet takes medication, make sure you always have at least a one-month supply on hand.
Local organizations like Napa CART offer excellent resources and training to help pet owners prepare before a disaster strikes. Their volunteers specialize in animal evacuation and emergency response. Reviewing their guidance is a smart, proactive step for any household with pets.
Preparedness is not about expecting the worst. It is about ensuring that our pets stay safe and calm during moments when everything else feels uncertain.
A fresh start for you and your pets
New Year’s resolutions do not have to be grand declarations. The best ones are simple commitments that fit into real life. A few extra minutes of movement, a wellness exam on the calendar, a refreshed training routine, updated ID information and an organized emergency kit can set our pets up for a healthier and safer year.
Our animals give us companionship, comfort and unconditional love. Taking these small steps is a meaningful way to honor the trust they place in us every single day.
If you would like help getting started with preventive care, training or microchipping, Napa Humane is here to support you. Together we can make 2026 a year of healthy habits and strong connections with the pets who share our homes and hearts.
The topics discussed in this feature are part of a larger conversation about animal welfare in Napa County. Want to learn more? Explore the entire series at https://bit.ly/NVRNapaHumane
