A Purr-fect Start: Your Checklist for Preparing Animals for the New Year

As we bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one with open arms, it’s essential to ensure that our beloved animal companions are ready to embark on the journey ahead. Whether you have a loyal canine friend, a charismatic feline companion, or any other furry, feathery, or scaly friend, a checklist for preparing animals for the new year can make a significant difference in their well-being. Let’s break down the top 6 things to do to refresh you and your pet for the new year.

1. Register your animals with your city or town

• It is a requirement in most cities and towns to register your animals. Registration is easy and is most often found on their website. Unregistered animals that come into the shelter from the city of Eau Claire will face higher fees and will need to register their animal with us on-site. Save time and money by finishing registration ahead of time!

2. Update collars and tags

• Now is a great time to buy a new tag or collar with your pet’s name on it. Pet tags can cost as little as $5. There are plenty of options locally, or you can order other custom pet pieces using online stores like Etsy.

3. Make an appointment for a microchip or ensure your chip is updated

• If you adopted your pet from ECCHA, they will be microchipped with the information provided upon adoption. Moved or changed numbers since adopting? Updating your information is simple. Just head to 24petwatch.com.
• If your pet does not have a microchip, most vet offices will be able to insert one at your next appointment. Or, you can make an appointment with ECCHA and have your pet chipped for only $25 + tax. We will register it with the information you provide to us.

4. Schedule vaccines and an annual checkup

• Review your pets’ medical history and plan for any upcoming check ups or vaccines. You can call your vet office to ask what the price is ahead of time to ensure you have time to allocate funds for proper care of your animal. Regular vet visits are important for your pets’ health!

5. Plan for travel and boarding now

• Travel plans coming up this year? Plan for boarding ahead of time! Your boarding place is more than happy to take appointments several months ahead of time. Save yourself the headache of trying to find someone last minute!

6. Review your pets’ food, toys, treats and medication

• Inspect your pet’s toys, bedding, and other accessories. Discard any damaged or worn items that may pose a risk to your pet. Consider introducing new toys to keep them mentally stimulated and engaged. Providing a comfortable and stimulating environment contributes to your pet’s overall happiness. This is also a good time to double check any medications you have for your pet and discard those that are expired.

By following this checklist for preparing animals for the new year, you can ensure that your pet starts the year on the right paw—healthy, happy, and ready for new adventures. Remember, the well-being of our furry friends is a shared responsibility, and with a little planning, you can make the coming year a joyful and fulfilling one for both you and your beloved pets. Happy New Year from all of us at ECCHA!