New Year’s resolutions for animal lovers

New Year’s resolutions aren’t always easy to keep, but we’ve got a few ideas that should be — and they help animals, too. Here’s a quick list of ideas, some easy to achieve, some a bit more lofty but doable nonetheless:

• Adopt, don’t shop. OK, that’s an obvious one coming from us, but it really does make all the difference for an animal in need when you adopt a pet versus buying one. According to Shelter Animals Count, about 6.5 million pets end up in United States shelters every year.

• Play, play, play with your pets. Whether it’s digging out the cat wand that’s been stuck in the closet or getting a good game of tug going with your dog, playing often with your pets gives them exercise, mental stimulation and strengthens the bond between you two.

• Include your pets in your disaster plans. Here in California, we’ve learned hard lessons about wildfires recently and most people have disaster kits and plans. Make sure your pets are a part of them.

• Practice peaceful coexistence with wildlife, including coyotes, by removing things that attract them like pet food left outside, unsecured garbage and small pets left unattended.

• Sign your kids up for classes, clubs or summer camps that relate to pets, wildlife or the environment. Kids who grow up with an awareness of the wonderful creatures around us become more compassionate adults.

• Never use rat poison. Seek alternative solutions, so rat poison doesn’t end up in the wildlife food chain. Few things are more heartbreaking than a baby owl dying a slow death after eating a poisoned rat.

• Keep your dog’s paw on the right side of the law and get a license. All dogs living in Marin County that are at least 4 months old are required to be licensed. It also provides another form of identification should your buddy become lost. And it’s easy to do online at marinhumane.org.

• Speaking of kitties, consider buying or building an outdoor enclosure or “catio” to keep your cat safe from cars, dogs, other cats and coyotes.

• Consider participating in “Meatless Mondays.” Consuming less meat means fewer animals used in factory farming, which also helps the environment.

• Don’t patronize companies that use animals as entertainment. Swimming with dolphins and riding on elephants may sound like a dream come true, but it’s often a nightmare for the animals used. They’re deprived of their natural habitat, natural social structure and companionship. They’re often kept in inhumane and unsafe conditions. Consider a visit to an accredited animal sanctuary instead. The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries’ website lists them by state and country.

• Sponsor a pet at Marin Humane. A great way to support animals in Marin and get them adopted more quickly is to sponsor the adoption fee of a pet looking for a home.

Thank you for efforts you make, big or small, on behalf of animals. A very happy new year from the critters — and the people who love them — at Marin Humane.

Lisa Bloch is the marketing and communications director at Marin Humane which contributes Tails of Marin articles. Go to marinhumane.org, find us on social media @marinhumane, or email lbloch@marinhumane.org.