Happy new year's dog in a cozy home, symbolizing a healthy and joyful start to 2025 with trusted Columbus dog walkers and pet sitters.

Top 5 New Year’s Resolutions for Columbus Pet Parents in 2025

Welcome to 2025, Columbus pet parents!

As we dive into the new year, it’s the paw-fect opportunity to set some thoughtful resolutions that promise a happier, healthier year for both you and your furry friends. Let’s focus on achievable goals with the help of Columbus’s own resources, ensuring your pets get the best life possible.

Here are five New Year’s resolutions every Columbus pet parent should consider:

Regular Exercise and Playtime

Committing to daily exercise and playtime is crucial for your pet’s physical and mental well-being. For dogs, aim for at least 30 minutes to two hours of activity each day depending on their size and energy level. This could be a brisk walk through your neighborhood, an outing to a local dog-friendly place, or even agility training to keep things interesting. For cats, engage them with interactive toys or create stimulating indoor environments to keep them active.

On those hectic days when your schedule is jam-packed, Hands N Paws has you covered with a dependable team of Columbus dog walkers. Not only can they provide essential exercise for your pet, but they can also offer playful, engaging interactions to keep your furry friend happy and healthy—even when you can’t be there.

More Scheduled Vet Visits

Make it a resolution to schedule regular veterinary visits for your pet this year, not only when they appear to be unwell. Preventive care is key to early detection of potential health issues and ensures that your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations, receives necessary treatments, and maintains overall good health. Plan for annual or bi-annual check-ups, depending on their age and health needs. Set calendar reminders to help keep you on track. Whether you’re a new pet parent or a seasoned one, staying proactive with your pet’s health can make all the difference.

For those looking for the best vets in Columbus, Upper Arlington Veterinary Hospital and Easton Animal Hospital are excellent choices known for their compassionate, high-quality care, and friendly, knowledgeable staff.

Improved Diet and Nutrition

Reevaluating your pet’s diet is a simple yet impactful way to boost their health and well-being—and what better time to start than the beginning of 2025?! Consider their age, weight, activity level, and any specific health conditions when selecting their food. Senior pets might benefit from joint-supporting formulas, while active dogs often need higher protein diets. Cats, on the other hand, thrive on high-quality protein and moisture-rich foods to support their unique nutritional needs.

For top-notch food and expert advice, check out the best pet supply stores in Columbus: Hollywood Feed and Fangs & Fur, both in Grandview. These stores carry a variety of high-quality brands and often have staff trained to help you choose the best options for your pet. Most importantly, they’ll remind you to keep portions appropriate to avoid overfeeding and ensure your pet always has access to fresh water!

Training and Socialization

Investing in your pet’s training and socialization is one of the best ways to boost their confidence and improve their behavior. Start with basic commands like sit and stay, then gradually introduce more complex skills or even some fun tricks to keep things exciting. Not only does training keep your pet mentally sharp, but it also strengthens the bond you share. This year, make it a goal to set aside time each week to reinforce good behavior and try new, engaging challenges.

Socialization is just as important for your pet’s emotional well-being. Whether it’s a visit to dog-friendly spots like Wheeler Memorial Park or gentle introductions to new people and pets at home for cats, socialization helps reduce anxiety and build adaptability. For additional support, consult a professional Columbus dog trainer or look into local group classes tailored to your pet’s needs. With consistent effort, your pet can grow into a confident, well-rounded companion ready to thrive in 2025.

More Quality Time

This year, resolve to spend more meaningful time with your pet. Whether it’s snuggling on the couch, enjoying a quiet moment together, or taking the time for regular grooming sessions, these small acts of connection can make a big difference in your pet’s emotional well-being.

Quality time doesn’t have to be complicated—it’s about being fully present. Schedule a few extra minutes each day for activities your pet loves, whether it’s a belly rub, a game of fetch, or simply sitting beside them while you relax. These moments not only strengthen the bond you share but also help your pet feel loved, secure, and valued.

Making 2025 Paw-some: A Year of Health and Happiness for Your Pets

As 2025 begins, there’s no better time to focus on creating a happier, healthier life for your pets. Prioritizing regular exercise, vet care, balanced nutrition, training, socialization, and quality time will set the stage for a fulfilling year together.

Columbus pet parents have access to incredible resources—from top veterinarians and pet supply stores to dog parks and services like Hands N Paws—making it easier than ever to achieve these goals.

The love and care you give your pets will always come back in the joy they bring. Let’s make 2025 the year of stronger bonds, wagging tails, and purring companions. Here’s to an amazing year with your furry friends!

Give yourself the pet parent peace of mind you finally DESERVE!

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Stop your worry & stress about your pets!

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The terms of this agreement are as follows: “Client” refers to you, “Company” refers to us (Hands N Paws), “Team Member” refers to the person from our team providing services for  your pets, and “Team Members” refers to the Hands N Paws team as a whole.

EMERGENCY VETERINARY TREATMENT & CLIENT RESPONSIBILITY POLICY

It is important to inform Hands N Paws of any specific emergency instructions or medical conditions related to Client’s pets. This will help ensure the safety and well-being of pets during emergencies.

In case any of Client’s pets need emergency veterinary treatment, Team Member will contact the designated vet on file and/or a local emergency vet. Team Member will also communicate with Client and/or emergency contacts regarding the situation.

Client gives permission to Team Member to transport the pet(s) to a veterinary clinic and/or make treatment decisions (except for euthanasia), especially if it’s a life-threatening emergency and/or Client cannot be immediately reached. Client is responsible for any veterinary fees incurred. 

Client releases Hands N Paws from any liability for any damage or harm to pets or property that occurs beyond the reasonable control of Team Member during the provision of emergency veterinary care. 

PET VACCINATION, LICENSING, AND IDENTIFICATION POLICY

To comply with local laws and ordinances, it is required that all pets have the appropriate vaccinations and licenses before Company begins services. For further information on these requirements, please visit the Ohio State Bar Association’s website at https://www.ohiobar.org/public-resources. Client should also check with his/her veterinarian to determine which vaccinations/shots the pet requires. 

For safety reasons, we encourage all dogs and cats to wear an ID tag or collar that includes name and contact number while Team Member is working with them.

SECURE ACCESS & LOCKBOX POLICY

To ensure access to Client’s home during scheduled services, Hands N Paws requires that Client purchases a lockbox and places a spare house key(s) inside of it for Team Member to use. Client can purchase the lockbox on Hands N Paws’ website by clicking Buy Your Lockbox. Once it arrives, the lockbox should be programmed with a unique four-digit code. The lockbox should then be placed on the main door handle or in another secure location, and the lockbox code and location information must be entered in the Client’s account on Precise Petcare.

Alternatively, Client may elect to provide a code for entry via a garage door or electronic keypad and if so, must enter all necessary codes in Precise Petcare. Client is strongly encouraged to purchase a lockbox, however, to ensure that Team Member can access pets at all times during scheduled services, especially in situations where the power goes out or batteries die and Team Member need alternative access to the home.

CLIENT COMMUNICATION & PRIVACY POLICY

All Team Members have access to Clients phone number, but are instructed to only use them when necessary or for urgent purposes during services with pets. Hands N Paws prioritizes the privacy and confidentiality of phone numbers as personal information.

All correspondence between Client and Team Member should be centered around Client’s pets and the services provided. If Client has inquiries regarding scheduling, cancellations, app-related matters, or any company-related concerns, these are to be directed to the Company via the office number: (614) 636-6644. The Company’s client support team is available during office hours, Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm. We are closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal Holidays. The Company will make contact with Client outside of office hours should there be any urgent need for communication.

PET INFORMATION ACCURACY & ACCESSIBILITY POLICY

In order to provide the best possible service to pets, it is crucial that Client provides Team Member with detailed and up-to-date information regarding their pets. This information should be accurate, complete, and accessible through the Client’s account in Precise Petcare. Team Members can only work on the basis of the information that is available to them through the Client’s account in Precise Petcare. Likewise, Client acknowledges that the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the information they provide directly impacts the quality of the services delivered. Client, therefore, takes full responsibility for any consequences that arise from inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated account information.

FLEXIBLE SERVICE ARRIVAL TIME POLICY

Arrival times for services occur within a two-hour period. Team Members are unable to guarantee exact arrival times due to various factors that may affect scheduling and travel times. To accommodate these considerations, we use time blocks rather than specific times. Client will see this in the dropdown menu when Client selects Arrival Time in the request service form within their Client account.

While Team Members understands that Client may have preferences regarding arrival times, it is essential to acknowledge that Team Members cannot guarantee meeting those specific requests. Flexibility is needed in order for Team Members to accommodate for needs of other Clients on schedule.

SERVICES & PRICING

For the most up-to-date and detailed descriptions on service offerings, please visit our website at www.myhandsnpaws.com.

SERVICE SURCHARGE POLICY

The following service surcharges may apply under certain conditions:

Last Minute Service: A fee of $15 per service will be charged for bookings made with less than 24 hours’ notice.

Holiday Service: A fee of $20 per service will be applied for services provided on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve.

Additional Pets: Base pricing for services includes up to 2 pets. For each additional pet beyond the initial two, an additional fee of $7 per pet will be added.

*Additional fees may apply, as discussed/negotiated between Company and Client. 

SERVICE REQUEST APPROVAL & AVAILABILITY POLICY

Hands N Paws strives to accommodate as many service requests as possible. However, the approval of service requests is subject to the availability of Team Members. Upon submitting a service request, Client will receive a confirmation or declination email/notification indicating whether Hands N Paws can fulfill the requested work. Sometimes, this may take up to 48 hours or more.

If a service request is declined, we encourage Client to explore alternative options or contact our dedicated client support team for further assistance. Company is here to help and find the best solution for all pet care needs.

MEET N GREET POLICY

To ensure a personalized experience for new Clients, Hands N Paws requires a virtual or in-person Meet N Greet before getting started with pet services. These meetings allow us to connect with and onboard Clients and discuss their pet care needs.

All virtual Meet N Greets are free of charge. All in-person Meet N Greets come at a $50 cost. Meet N Greets are no more than 30 minutes in length.

New Clients can book their Meet N Greet on our website at www.myhandsnpaws.com. Existing Clients can book their Meet N Greet in their designated client account in Precise Petcare.

PAYMENT & BILLING POLICY

Payment Method: All services with Hands N Paws are to be paid for using a credit or debit card. All major cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and Discover are acceptable. Client can securely add and store card information within their Client account. Adding and keeping a valid credit card on file is a requirement for requesting any services with Hands N Paws.

Ongoing Services: For services scheduled as ongoing, Client will be automatically charged every Friday for the previous 7 days’ worth of completed, canceled, and in-progress services.

Non-Ongoing Services: For services not scheduled as ongoing, a 50% down-payment will be charged on the day the services are accepted and confirmed. An invoice will be sent immediately. Client has until the date of the last confirmed service to manually pay the remaining balance on the invoice. If manual payment is not made, the remaining total will be automatically charged to the card on file on the date of the last service day on that invoice.

Declined Payments: In the event of a declined auto-charge, Client will be promptly notified. After the first declined charge, Client has a 24-hour grace period to rectify the issue. In the case of a second declined attempt, a late fee of 10% of the invoice total (minimum $10) will be added. Client must be attentive to emails regarding overdue notices.

Payment Terms: Hands N Paws will be paid the agreed-upon amount as discussed, with no exceptions, unless our Cancellation Policy (outlined below) applies and the Client receives a refund in the form of an Account Credit(s). In emergency circumstances, a refund may be issued as transferable credit(s) back to the Client’s card.

Additional Fees: Client may be charged additional fees if Team Members are instructed to, or determine the need to, purchase items for the pet(s) while under the care of Hands N Paws. These items may include pet food or treats, litter or cleaning supplies, transportation to the vet, or emergency expenses for the general care of the pet(s). Hands N Paws and/or Team Member will consult with Client before making any purchases, and will retain and share any receipts as proof of purchase.

SERVICE CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY

When Client schedules services with Hands N Paws, the Company has likely turned down other work so as to devote our time to the work requested from said Client.

Client understands and accepts the Company cancellation/refund policy as outlined below:

– 100% refund is issued as Account Credit if cancellation is made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled service(s).

– 50% refund is issued as Account Credit if cancellation is made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled service(s).

– NO refund is issued for same-day cancellations/less than 24 hour notice.

PLEASE NOTE: Refunds are NOT transferable. Should Client be eligible to receive an Account Credit (based on terms above), that will be auto-added to his/her account and applied to the very next invoice with us.

SERVICES TERMS

Hands N Paws agrees to provide the services stated in this contract in a reliable, caring, and trustworthy manner. In consideration of these services and as an express condition thereof, Client expressly waives and relinquishes any and all claims against Hands N Paws arising out of or relating to the provision of services hereunder, except those arising from gross negligence or willful misconduct on part of Hands N Paws.

Client understands and acknowledges that the environment in which they are requesting Hands N Paws to complete services is reasonably sanitary and safe. If it is determined that home conditions are unsanitary and/or unsafe at any point in the working relationship, Company will make it known to Client. Action will be taken accordingly thereafter.

Additionally, Hands N Paws will not terminate during a period of scheduled service unless Hands N Paws determines, at their sole discretion, that a serious danger exists to the health or safety of Team Members or pets. If such concerns preclude Hands N Paws from providing further care for the pets, Client agrees to pay for their pet to be boarded at a boarding facility or taken under the care of another party until Client returns. All attempts will be made to notify Client and/or emergency contacts regarding such situations.

Client understands and acknowledges that he/she is responsible for letting Hands N Paws know of anyone who has access to their home during the duration of services booked. Client releases and holds Hands N Paws harmless of all loss, expense, and damage caused by any third-parties entering Client’s home at that time.

CONTRACT TERMS

This contract will take effect upon digital signature by Client (clicking “Agree & Submit” below) and will remain in effect until terminated by either party. Client may make online reservations for additional services at any time during the terms of this contract, as subject to Hands N Paws availability. All scheduled services will be governed by all the terms of this contract.

Client acknowledges that by signing below, he/she is providing written approval for the provision of services by Hands N Paws during any service period scheduled by Client and confirmed by Hands N Paws. Upon service confirmation, Hands N Paws will be authorized to enter Client premises and perform services without additional signed contracts and/or written authorizations.