As the clock struck midnight on 31 December, many of us will have been toasting to fresh starts and ambitious resolutions, but while everyone’s talking about gym memberships and diet plans, let’s take a minute to think about our pets.
Hasty Decisions
Too often, the excitement of welcoming a new companion leads to hasty decisions that can have heartbreaking consequences. In past years, surges in pet surrenders at local shelters like the Wrexham RSPCA branch or the North Clwyd Animal Rescue are often tied to impulsive buys over Christmas. So what went wrong before, and how can we do it right in 2026?
Reflecting on previous years, one of the biggest pitfalls has been something called the “impulse pet” phenomenon. Picture this: a family spots an adorable puppy advert on social media during the Christmas rush, buys it on a whim, and realises by February that the high-energy little ball of fur doesn’t suit their rather sedentary lifestyle.
In 2024 and 2025, UK animal welfare organisations reported a spike in abandoned pets post-holidays, with vets handling cases of underprepared owners facing unexpected costs for training or medical care.
Do Your Research
Another common error is buying new pets from unethical and unregulated breeders or puppy farms, which can land you with expensive veterinary bills as the animal displays health issues or genetic disorders later on in life. The long-term commitment – pets can live 10–15 years – has also led to overcrowded rescues, straining resources in our community.
2026 can be different. Let’s resolve to approach pet ownership with thoughtfulness and responsibility. Start with self-reflection and assess your lifestyle honestly. If you’re a busy professional, a low-maintenance cat from a reputable shelter might be ideal over a demanding Border Collie!
Research breeds thoroughly using resources like royalkennelclub.com, or check out the pet help pages on the RSPCA and Blue Cross websites. Prioritise adoption by visiting one of the local animal rescues or open days for more advice. Adopting not only saves lives but also supports local efforts to reduce stray populations and small pets looking for homes.
Vet Your Sources
When buying, vet your sources rigorously. Insist on seeing the pet’s parents, health certificates, and microchipping details, as mandated by Welsh law. In 2026, support new UK regulations cracking down on puppy farming by choosing licensed breeders registered with the local council. Budget wisely and factor in ongoing costs like food, insurance, and grooming – expect £1,000–£2,000 annually for a dog.
If you’re getting a new puppy, enrol in classes at Brynteg Memorial Centre to build a strong bond from day one. Don’t forget the community angle: Join Wrexham’s pet walking groups on Facebook or volunteer at local events like dog shows to connect with experienced owners.
Remember, a pet isn’t just for New Year.
We hope you enjoyed reading “Resolving to Get Pet Ownership Right in 2026”. Click here to read more of our pet articles.
Author: Karen Boyce for Love Wrexham Magazine
Karen Boyce is the founder of Beastly Thoughts Professional Dog Services (BTPDS), established in 2007. As the largest independent dog training facility in Wales, BTPDS specialises in puppy training and managing reactive dogs, while also offering a wide range of obedience classes, lectures, webinars, and online training hubs and communities. In 2019, Karen was honoured as the Animal Star Awards Dog Trainer/Behaviourist of the Year. In 2025, BTPDS surpassed the milestone of training 2,000 puppies and was named the Overall Winner in the Best of North Wales Business Awards, in addition to being recognised as the Best Pet Services Business in North Wales. Contact Details: - Phone: 07970 488 395 - Email: info@beastlythoughts.co.uk - Website: www.beastlythoughts.co.uk
