Make a New Years Resolution That Includes Your Pet

Happy New Year! For the past month and into the new year many of us have created, and are hopefully still following, our New Year’s resolutions. While we all want to promise ourselves an act of self improvement, let’s not forget to include our furry, feathered, scaled, and finned family.

1. Looking to donate your time to a good cause? Volunteer at your local humane society or rescue organization. Whether it’s an hour a day or a a few hours a week, volunteering at your local humane society can make all the difference for those animals waiting for their forever homes.

2. Want to take volunteering a step further? There are many animals that would benefit from living with a foster family, from senior dogs to baby kittens, rabbits, and ferrets. You would be surprised how many rescue organizations are in your local community. Check out www.petfinder.com to search for shelters and rescue groups near you.

3. Trying to get in shape in the new year? Check out the ‘Walk for a Dog’ app for your smartphone. Help fundraise for shelters and rescue organizations every time you walk your dog! www.wooftrax.com

4. Want to include your human children in giving back? Get crafty! Create dog and cat toys by combining your imagination and items you may have laying around the house; fabric, yarn, or recyclables. Help bring some fun into the lives of shelter animals or rescue pets. Create flashy “Adopt-Me” vests to bring attention to those pets awaiting adoption. You can check out a DIY vest tutorial here.

5. Trying to shop locally? There are may small business that cater to the animal lover in all of us. Many of them even donate a portion of their sales to local shelters and rescue organizations. Here are a list of some of our favorite local pet stores and boutiques.