PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- If pets could help their owners set their New Year's resolution, what would dogs and cats suggest? Carol Erickson, PSPCA advocate, shares some ideas in this week's Pet Project. 

• Longer, more frequent walks
• More playtime
• Longer sniff time
• More time engaging with their humans
• A consistent schedule
• Less alone time, more social contact and bathroom breaks
• Regular check-ups with the vet
• Warm spaces in the winter, cool and shade in the summer
• Appropriate levels of exercise, depending on their need

Pets also want their humans to be more cooperative and less authoritative with them, Erickson said. If you don't have a pet, there are still things you can do to help animals, such as donating to a shelter, reporting problems you see, learning about pets and fostering an animal.

You can watch the full interview with Erickson in the video player above

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