Getting more exercise, losing weight, and eating a healthier diet are among the top New Year's resolutions Brits have made this year – on behalf of their pets, a study has found.
Nearly two in five pet owners have set a goal for their furry friend for the year – with over half of these (56%) made with the view to improving their animal's physical health.
And 40%, of the 2,000 adults polled, admit there is a similarity between the resolutions they have set for their pets, and those they have made for themselves – such as more exercise, and a better diet.
This is because a third of pet owners feel they are more likely to stick to their own resolutions if they do them alongside their pet.
Bella Von Mesterhazy at Petplan, which commissioned the research, said: “After the over-indulgence of the Christmas and New Year period, we know the new year is a great time to reset and focus on some resolutions for the year ahead.
“Making resolutions for your pet, to make sure they are happy and healthy, is equally as important.”
The study also found 85% of those who have set their furry friend a goal think it’s likely they will stick to their resolution, with 28% setting targets for their pet in previous years.
Half of pet owners are keen to improve their relationship with their four-legged friend this year, while 34% feel their pet's behaviour could improve – such as dogs not pulling on the lead or barking excessively, with 18% wanting their pooch to get better at walking off the lead.
Nearly a fifth (18%) put these bad habits down to needing more time to learn, while 17% said it is a behaviour common with their breed.
Despite wanting to work on these things, 82% said their pet is typically well-behaved.
Touching on their own resolutions, 42% of owners have set themselves one, with 69% claiming they will stick to it – less than when asked the same question about their pet.
However, when thinking about the year ahead, more than half (51%) of those polled, via OnePoll, believe their pet will help them become a better person.
Bella Von Mesterhazy, at Petplan, added: “We have lots of useful advice, guidance, and training tips that can help with any resolutions you decide to set them.
“The health of the nation’s animals is at the heart of everything we do, so we’re delighted to see that this is reflected by owners too.”
TOP 20 PET RESOLUTIONS FOR 2023:
- Get more exercise
- Lose weight
- Keep on top of grooming
- Learn a new command
- Eat a healthier diet
- Walk better off the lead
- Bark less
- Make new pet friends in the neighbourhood
- Reduce separation anxiety
- Travel more
- Become fully house-trained
- Get on better with other pets
- Tackle a fear of loud noises
- Be less nervous
- Be more independent/less needy
- Be more sustainable (when it comes to toys, accessories, bedding, etc.)
- Stop scratching the furniture
- Get on better with humans
- Snore less
- Sleep in their own bed
