The start of a new year is a great time to take inventory on pet needs – NOLA.com

These two dogs got to go home again because the owner’s name and number were clearly written on a collar.
These two dogs got to go home again because the owner’s name and number were clearly written on a collar.
Hello, 2023! The new year is a great time to take stock of what our furry friends have and may need, and to set some new goals for our pets. Let’s start the year off with our best paws forward for a happy and healthy year.
ID and microchips: Make sure all pets have current identification tags and that microchip information is up-to-date. Did the family move last year? Got a new phone number? Unfortunately, people often realize this information is outdated only after a pet goes missing.
If a pet is not already chipped, make it a priority. Tags can fall off or be removed, but the chip always will be there and it gives a lost pet the best chance of getting home. It is important to remember that getting a chip implanted is only the first step in the process. It must then be registered in order for it to be fully effective in the event that a pet gets lost.
Nutrition: How many people are planning on starting a diet this month? Humans aren’t the only ones who can gain a few extra pounds over the holidays. If pets are looking extra fluffy, now is a great time to evaluate their food, portions and the number of treats given on a daily basis. If your cat or dog needs to shed a few pounds, feeding them a balanced diet in the proper portions is a great way to get them fit and trim.
Exercise: Many of us have fitness goals for the new year, and incorporating our pets into the exercise routine is good way to stick to those goals for the long-term. The benefits are twofold: We get to enjoy quality time with our pets, and it gets everyone off the couch and moving. As we all know, it’s easier to maintain a fitness routine when we have an accountability partner! The best part: no gym membership fee!
Volunteer: If someone is reading this and doesn’t have a pet of their own, we have some great jogging and walking buddies at ARNO, who would love someone to come take them out! Now is the perfect time to set some new charitable giving goals to help the homeless pets in our community. Shelters depend greatly on the help of volunteers to care for the animals on a daily basis. It is a rewarding experience and truly makes a difference in the life of a homeless pet. Most shelters have volunteer opportunities for individuals, high school students, those needing community services hours, church groups, college groups and more.
Foster: Want to give pet ownership a test drive before making the commitment of owning a dog or cat full-time? Or would you like to give a homeless pet a break from the shelter and help them learn the ins and outs of living in a home? Consider fostering. Animal shelters and rescues need loving homes to provide safe and temporary living arrangements for pets. It’s a great opportunity for a shelter animal to learn the ropes of a home environment, and it’s the perfect way to test the waters of pet ownership. Not to mention all of the benefits of spending time with a furry friend.
Donate: If time is a factor that prevents volunteering or fostering, consider donating supplies or making a monetary donation to your local shelter or rescue. We all know how expensive it is to take care of just the pets in our households. Imagine the food and vet bills for a rescue full of cats and dogs. Cleaning supplies, newspaper, toys, food and treats are also always needed.
Adopt: Now that the hustle and bustle of the holidays is behind us and folks are getting back to their normal routines, it is a great time to welcome a new family member into the home. Shelters and rescues are busting at the seams with wonderful pets waiting for a home to call their own! 
Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer coordinator for Animal Rescue New Orleans, a nonprofit, volunteer-based, no-kill shelter. For information on ARNO, visit animalrescueneworleans.org.
Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer coordinator for Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO), a nonprofit, volunteer-based, no-kill shelter. For topic suggestions, email [email protected] or for more info on ARNO, visit www.animalrescueneworleans.org.
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