26 Things to Do With Your Pet in 2026

A seasonal pet bucket list full of joy, enrichment, and vet-smart habits.

A new year doesn’t have to mean a total life overhaul. Sometimes the best “new year pet resolutions” are the tiny ones: a new walking route, a better routine, a few extra minutes of play, a habit that keeps your pet healthier—and the kind of everyday moments that turn into your favorite memories.

This list is designed to be easy to follow and seasonal. You’ll find 26 things to do with your pet in 2026, organized by spring, summer, fall, and winter—with ideas for dogs, cats, and multi-pet homes. Some are adventurous, some are cozy, and many are simple enough to start today.

Friendly reminder: For changes involving medications, supplements, prevention, exercise intensity, or chronic conditions, always follow your veterinarian’s guidance.

TL;DR: 26 Things to Do With Your Pet in 2026

• A seasonal pet bucket list for 2026 – 26 fun, practical pet activities divided into spring, summer, fall, and winter so you can follow along all year.
• Start with the wellness basics – kick off your new year pet resolutions with a vet check-in, updated ID, and a consistent prevention routine.
• Keep it playful with enrichment – add simple indoor pet activities like scent games, puzzle feeding, and short training sessions to beat boredom year-round.
• Make outdoor adventures safer (and easier) – try sniffaris, day trips, and heat-safe walks—then build up to hikes or water play in summer.
• Prevention matters in every season – stay on track with flea & tick prevention and heartworm prevention based on your vet’s guidance and local risk.
• Shop essentials only when needed – grab prevention and pharmacy needs from HardyPaw's Pet Pharmacy.

Before You Begin: Your 2026 Pet Wellness Mini-Checklist

Before the fun stuff, set yourself up for an easier year. This is the boring-but-brilliant foundation that supports everything else.

·       Confirm your annual vet plan (wellness, dental questions, any labs or follow-ups).

·       Stay consistent with parasite prevention (flea/tick + heartworm), especially if your pet spends time outdoors.

·       Update your pet’s ID (tag, microchip registration, and a clear recent photo).

·       Refresh your home basics (grooming supplies, pet-safe cleaners, first-aid essentials, and a “grab and go” kit for travel).

Spring (March-May): Fresh Starts, New Smells, and Confidence Building

1) Do a “Spring Reset” wellness check-in

Spring is a natural time to evaluate what your pet needs this year—especially if winter was more sedentary. Schedule a wellness visit or simply review your pet’s routine: weight, energy, skin/coat, and any habits you want to improve (pulling on leash, anxious barking, picky eating). A quick check-in now can prevent bigger issues later—and makes it easier to enjoy the active months ahead.

2) Lock in flea & tick prevention before peak season

Spring is when parasites ramp up in many regions. The key here isn’t panic—it’s consistency. Choose the prevention plan you can maintain, and make it a predictable routine (same day each month). That simple habit protects your pet and reduces the “why is my house suddenly itchy?” stress later on.

3) Take a “sniffari” once a week

A sniffari is just a slow walk where your dog gets to explore smells at their pace (within reason). This is one of the easiest pet enrichment ideas you can do, because it’s mentally satisfying and calming—often more than a brisk walk. For cats, the equivalent is a safe window perch “watch session” with a toy reward afterwards.

4) Teach one life-skill cue that makes daily life easier

Pick a single cue to build for the year: “leave it,” “drop it,” “place,” “come,” or “carrier comfort.” Life skills reduce stress for everyone, and they’re a huge win for real-world moments—like when your dog spots something exciting on a walk, or your cat needs a vet trip without drama. Keep sessions short: two minutes a day beats one long session you won’t repeat.

5) Create a weekly enrichment rotation (so boredom doesn’t win)

Spring energy can show up as zoomies—or mischief. A rotation keeps things fresh without buying a new toy every week. Choose 3-5 activities and cycle them: puzzle toys, treat scatter, tug, training games, wand play for cats, or a licking activity that helps pets decompress.

6) Do a “spring cleaning” safety sweep—pet edition

This isn’t glamorous, but it’s the kind of pet parenting win that saves you future stress. Check for loose cords, accessible meds, toxic plants, open trash, and leftovers that could be unsafe. Spring often means open windows and more guests—so it’s also a good time to review door-dashing risks and refresh ID tags.

7) Plan one pet-friendly day trip (short and sweet)

Spring weather is perfect for low-pressure adventures: a quiet park, a pet-friendly patio, a stroll through a new neighborhood. Keep it short, bring water, and leave while your pet is still enjoying it. That “end on a good note” habit builds confidence—and makes your pet more adaptable over time.

Summer (June–August): Big Adventures, Safe Comfort, and Outdoor Fun

8) Keep heartworm prevention consistent—especially during active months

Summer is peak outdoor time, which also means increased exposure risk in many places. If your vet recommends heartworm prevention, build it into your routine like brushing your teeth: boring, consistent, and incredibly protective.

9) Upgrade your walking setup for comfort (you’ll feel the difference)

If you’re walking more, comfort matters. A well-fitted harness, a sturdy leash, and a setup that supports safe handling can make everyday outings smoother and more enjoyable. It’s not about “gear for gear’s sake”—it’s about reducing friction so you actually go out more often.

10) Try water play—on your pet’s terms

Some dogs love splashing; others prefer watching from the shore. Either is fine. Introduce water slowly, keep sessions short, and never force it. For cats, water play might be a shallow “paw dip” in the tub with floating toys (only if they’re curious) or simply extra hydration strategies during warmer weather.

11) Do early-morning or sunset walks (and make it a tradition)

Hot pavement and high temperatures can be uncomfortable and unsafe. Shifting walks to cooler times is one of the best summer upgrades you can make. Bonus: sunset walks are the perfect “small ritual” that makes summer feel memorable. Snap one photo each week and you’ll have a whole seasonal album by fall.

12) Add a “summer brain break” every day

Summer excitement can overstimulate pets—especially if you have visitors, travel, or longer outings. A brain break is a short calming activity: a frozen enrichment treat, a chew, gentle brushing, or a quiet sniff session. These small decompression moments reduce stress and help pets settle more easily.

13) Try a new outdoor activity: hiking, beginner agility, or trail time

You don’t have to be an athlete to do this. Start small: a beginner-friendly trail, 20 minutes of exploration, plenty of breaks. If your pet is older or has joint concerns, talk to your vet and adapt the plan. The goal is shared time and novelty—not exhaustion.

14) Make one summer “social win” with your pet

This could be a polite greeting practice, a calm pet-friendly café visit, or a short parallel walk with a friend’s dog. If your pet isn’t social, that’s okay—the “win” might be calmly observing from a distance and leaving before stress builds. In 2026, progress counts, not perfection.

Fall (September–November): Cozy Routines, Confidence, and Home Comfort

15) Refresh your pet’s ID + emergency plan before the busy season

Fall often brings travel, guests, fireworks, and schedule changes. Update microchip info, replace worn tags, and keep an easy-to-find recent photo. A five-minute update now can save you from panic later.

16) Build a cozy “calm corner” at home

As routines shift, pets thrive on predictability. Set up a calm corner with a bed or blanket, a safe chew/toy, and a rule: this is the quiet spot. For cats, add vertical space or a window perch. A calm corner helps with overstimulation, guests, and general seasonal chaos.

17) Start “two-minute training” daily

Fall is ideal for small, consistent habit-building. Two minutes a day is enough to polish basics and build focus: sit-stay, leash manners, cooperative care (paws/ears), or polite doorway behavior. The payoff arrives during holiday gatherings—when you’re grateful your pet knows what to do.

18) Try scent games and “find it” challenges indoors

As weather cools, indoor enrichment becomes more important. Hide treats in simple places, then make it harder over time. This kind of mental work is fantastic for dogs—and for cats, “hunt” play (toy wand + treat reward) scratches that natural itch to stalk and pounce.

19) Do a fall grooming refresh (tiny steps, big results)

This is a great season to reset brushing, nail trims, ear care, and coat checks. Don’t try to do everything at once. Build comfort through short sessions and rewards. Your goal is a pet who tolerates care calmly—not a spa-level production.

20) Make a “rainy day plan” for indoor pet activities

Fall brings unpredictable weather. Create a go-to list you can repeat: puzzle toy, training, sniff game, gentle play, and a calm chew. Having a plan reduces boredom behaviors and makes bad-weather days feel manageable.

21) Do one community or “give back” moment

Donate supplies, support a rescue wishlist, or volunteer in a pet-friendly way. It’s good for your community—and it turns fall into a season that feels meaningful, not just busy.

Winter (December–February): Comfort, Health Habits, and Memory-Making

22) Create a winter “routine anchor” (especially for indoor weeks)

When it’s colder and darker, routine matters more. Pick one anchor habit you do every day—like a short training session after breakfast or a puzzle toy after dinner. Pets settle better when they can predict what happens next.

23) Do “cooperative care” practice to make grooming and vet trips easier

Cooperative care is teaching your pet to calmly accept handling: paw touches, ear checks, brushing, gentle restraint. Keep it positive and short. This is one of the most underrated ways to improve your pet’s quality of life—because it reduces stress during necessary care.

24) Plan a cozy indoor “spa day” (without overdoing it)

A winter spa day can be as simple as brushing, a warm towel rubdown, and a little paw care. If your pet enjoys baths, keep it calm and reward-heavy. If they don’t, focus on what they tolerate and build gradually.

25) Capture your year: one photo a week + a “best moments” reel

Winter is ideal for reflection. Start an album titled “Pet Bucket List 2026” and add one photo each week. At the end of the year, you’ll have a ready-made highlight reel—and a reminder that the best moments were often the small ones.

26) Do a year-end health and happiness check (and set a gentle 2027 goal)

In late winter, do a simple review: What made your pet happiest? What reduced stress? What routines did you actually keep? Choose one gentle goal for the next year—like more enrichment, improved leash manners, or staying consistent with prevention.

If you need help staying stocked on essentials as you build routines, HardyPaw’s pharmacy collection can be useful for refills and preventatives.

Wrap-Up: Make 2026 the Year of “More Yes”

More yes to the walk you almost skipped. More yes to the five-minute play session. More yes to routines that keep your pet healthy and calm. Those small choices add up—and by the end of 2026, you’ll have something better than a checklist: you’ll have a year full of shared moments.

2026 Pet Bucket List Checklist

• Spring
• Spring reset wellness check-in
• Start flea & tick prevention early
• Weekly sniffari
• Teach one life-skill cue
• Start an enrichment rotation
• Spring-clean your home for pet safety
• Plan one pet-friendly day trip
• Summer
• Stay consistent with heartworm prevention
• Upgrade your walking setup
• Try water play safely
• Make sunrise/sunset walks a tradition
• Add a daily “brain break” 
• Try a new outdoor activity
• Create one “social win”
• Fall
• Update ID + emergency plan
• Create a calm corner
• Two-minute training daily 
• Indoor “find it” scent games
• Fall grooming refresh
• Build a rainy-day 
• Give back once
• Winter
• Set a winter routine anchor 
• Practice cooperative care
• Plan a cozy indoor spa day
• One photo a week
• Year-end review + gentle goal

FAQs

Q: What are the best things to do with your pet in 2026 if you’re short on time?

A: Stick to small, repeatable pet activities: a 5-minute training cue, a quick sniff game, or a food puzzle. Consistent daily enrichment matters more than long sessions.

Q: What are the best indoor pet activities for rainy days or extreme heat/cold?

A: Try puzzle feeders, treat scavenger hunts, short trick-training sessions, and structured play (wand play for cats). Rotating a few options keeps indoor enrichment interesting.

Q: How do I choose activities based on my pet’s age (puppy/kitten vs. senior)?

A: Younger pets do well with short bursts of play and training. Seniors often prefer gentler walks, sniffaris, and brain games. If your pet has joint or health concerns, check with your vet before increasing exercise.

Q: Are sniffaris actually good enrichment, or are they just slow walks?

A: They’re great enrichment. Sniffing is mentally stimulating and calming, and it can reduce stress while meeting your dog’s natural instincts.

Q: Do I need flea & tick or heartworm prevention year-round?

A: It depends on your region and lifestyle. Many vets recommend consistent prevention, especially for pets that go outdoors or interact with other animals. Ask your vet what’s best for your pet.

Q: How can I help my pet stay safe and comfortable in summer heat?

A: Walk early or after sunset, avoid hot pavement, bring water, and watch for heavy panting or slowing down. Keep adventures shorter and build up gradually.

Q: What’s the easiest “new year pet resolution” I can actually stick to?

A: Pick one routine anchor: a weekly enrichment rotation, a daily 2-minute training session, or a monthly “prevention day.” Simple habits are the ones that last.