Simple Habits We’re Committing to in 2026

Ana Sofía Raffucci
Jan 14
4 min read

A black and brown small dog on top of a bed.

Every January, there’s pressure to reinvent everything — new routines, new systems, new goals that somehow all have to happen at once. As a dog mom, I’ve learned that this energy rarely translates into lasting change… especially when pets are involved.

So in 2026, our reset looks different.

Instead of chasing big changes, we’re committing to small habits we can actually stick to — habits that work on busy days, travel days, and the very real days when life feels anything but optimized.

This isn’t about tracking everything or building a perfect system. It’s about showing up consistently, in ways that feel doable.

Here are the simple pet wellness habits we’re sticking to this year — and why they work.

Habit 1: A Daily Check-In Moment

One habit we’re intentionally keeping simple: a daily mental check-in.

No logging. No metrics. Just asking:

How’s their energy today?
Did anything feel off?
Did anything feel especially good?

This usually happens during walks, feeding time, or play. It’s not about diagnosing — it’s about staying connected.

As pet parents, we already notice more than we think. This habit is about trusting that instinct instead of second-guessing it.

Habit 2: Refreshing Water, Not Just Refilling It

Hydration is one of the easiest habits to overlook — and one of the simplest to improve.

In 2026, we’re sticking to:

Refreshing water bowls morning and night
Cleaning bowls regularly (not just topping them off)
Moving water stations if pets seem uninterested

It takes less than two minutes, and it supports digestion, energy, and overall wellness — especially for pets that travel or live in warmer climates.

Small habit. Real impact.

Habit 3: Digestion Awareness Without Diet Overwhelm

We’re not overhauling diets this year. Instead, we’re paying attention to digestion as a quiet wellness signal.

That means casually noticing:

Stool consistency over several days
Gas or bloating patterns
Changes in skin or coat

If something feels off for more than a few days, we take note. If it resolves quickly, we move on.

This habit keeps us informed — without turning food into a source of stress.

Habit 4: Movement That Matches Real Life

In 2026, we’re letting go of the idea that movement has to look the same every day.

Some days it’s:

Longer, sniff-heavy walks
Short training refreshers at home
Structured play sessions

Other days, it’s slower — and that’s okay.

For indoor cats, enrichment counts just as much:

Rotating toys weekly
Window time for mental stimulation
Short, intentional play sessions

The habit isn’t intensity. It’s daily engagement, even in small doses.

Habit 5: Wind-Down Cues Instead of Perfect Schedules

Sleep routines don’t need to be rigid to be effective.

Instead of strict bedtimes, we’re sticking to predictable cues:

Lower lights in the evening
Calmer energy before bedtime
A consistent last walk or feeding window

These cues help pets relax — especially during busy weeks or travel — without adding pressure to our schedules. Consistency beats precision.

Habit 6: Only Tracking What Repeats

One habit we’re being intentional about this year: we only track what repeats.

If something happens once, we let it go. If it shows up again? That’s when we pay closer attention.

This keeps wellness from feeling overwhelming and ensures that when we do track something, it’s meaningful.

For trend-spotting over time — like changes in digestion, energy, or behavior — we use the Maven Pet Health Tracker. Not daily. Just consistently enough to see patterns.

Habit 7: Keeping Health Records Updated and Ready

One of the most practical habits we’re committing to in 2026 is keeping our pet’s official health records up to date and all-in-one place.

Using the PadsPass Digital Pet Passport, we make sure:

Vaccines are current
Medical records are uploaded
Documents are ready before we need them

This habit doesn’t require daily effort — but it saves so much stress when travel, emergencies, or last-minute requests come up. Being “ready” is a form of wellness too.

Habit 8: Letting Go of Perfect Pet Parent Energy

Maybe the most important habit of all: letting go of perfection.

In 2026, we’re choosing:

Consistency over intensity
Awareness over anxiety
Preparation over panic

Our pets don’t need us to do everything. They need us to pay attention, stay curious, and be prepared when it counts.

A Reset Built for Real Life

This January pet wellness reset isn’t flashy — and that’s why it works.

These habits don’t fall apart during travel. They don’t create guilt on busy days. They fit into real life, which makes them sustainable far beyond January.