The Ultimate New Puppy Checklist
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The papers are signed, your heart is full, and your pup is almost home… Now, it’s time to get ready. Bringing home a new puppy is equal parts exciting and stressful—this is a new chapter for both you and your furry friend, and you want to make sure you’re both set up for success! Being well-prepared for their homecoming makes all the difference. That’s where our new puppy checklist comes in. We’ve thought of everything you could possibly need or want to make sure Fido feels right at home when he walks in.
Before those tiny paws hit your floors, you’ll want to stock up on everything your new best friend needs to feel safe, comfy, and cared for. That means more than just the cute stuff—you’ll also need practical, everyday essentials like dog collars, bowls and feeders, grooming tools, cozy dog beds, and healthy dog treats. We even cover what to bring to your pup’s first vet visit, so you’ll feel completely prepared from day one. Whether you’re adopting from a local shelter or bringing home a rescue pup, this guide will help everyone settle in more smoothly. Trust us: You’ll be glad you checked every box when the zoomies strike or nature calls at 2:00 AM!
The Ultimate New Puppy Checklist
- Puppy food (Pro tip: Make sure you buy the same kind they’ve been eating at the shelter for an easier adjustment into their new home.)
- Slow feeder bowl
- Training treats
- Food and water bowls
- Collar and ID tag (Don’t forget to add their rabies/vaccine tags once they’ve got them, too!)
- Leash and harness
- Waste bags and dispenser for walks
- Puppy pee pads
- Enzyme cleaner
- Crate and/or puppy gate(s)
- Puppy bed
- Variety of chew toys and soft toys
- Brush or grooming mitt
- Dog shampoo and towels
- Puppy ear cleaner or wipes
- Nail clippers or grinder
- Toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste
- Vaccination and adoption paperwork
- 24/7 emergency vet info
- Appointment booked with a local vet
Food and Treats
First things first: Check with the adoption center or foster home to see what your puppy’s currently eating. Switching foods too fast can upset their little stomachs, so it’s best to stick with the same kibble at first and gradually transition if needed. Pick up a slow feeder bowl, especially for fast eaters—it helps prevent bloating and teaches them to pace themselves. Don’t forget training treats, too! Opt for small, soft ones that won’t fill them up too fast while you’re teaching those all-important commands like “sit” and “stay.”
Bathroom Essentials
House training is a process, so stock up on supplies that’ll help you stay prepared. You’ll need plenty of waste bags with a clip-on dispenser for walks, and puppy pee pads for indoor training. Place pads near the door and keep them consistent—it’ll help your pup associate the area with potty breaks. Accidents are guaranteed, so keep an enzyme-based cleaner on hand to break down odors (puppies have good noses and will return to the scene of the crime if it still smells like urine!) Pro tips: Take your pup out every hour during the first few days and after every nap or meal. Consistency is everything. And even if you have a fenced yard, try keeping your puppy on a leash during potty breaks to help them stay focused on the task and reinforce the purpose of the outing.
Toys and Beds
Get a mix of chew toys, puzzle toys, and soft plush toys to keep your pup mentally and physically engaged. Make sure they’re size-appropriate (nothing too small that could become a choking hazard) and skip toys with small plastic eyes or pieces that could easily pop off. For beds, pick something machine-washable and cozy (and know that it might get chewed up if Fido hasn’t started teething yet.) You might also want to invest in a crate or puppy pen to give them a safe space to nap and wind down.
Grooming
Even if your pup’s not ready for a full spa day just yet, some basic grooming tools are a must. Keep a gentle brush or grooming mitt on hand, especially for breeds that shed, and dog-safe shampoo for the inevitable mud puddles and mystery messes. You’ll also need nail clippers or a grinder, and don’t forget to wipe down paws after walks. Puppy paws are delicate, and keeping them clean helps avoid irritation or infections. A toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste will also help you build good dental habits early on.
Vet and Paperwork
Before you bring your puppy home, line up a vet you trust—preferably one who offers 24-hour emergency services or can recommend a nearby clinic that does. Go ahead and schedule your pup’s first wellness checkup before you bring them home so you’re not scrambling later on. You’ll also want to have a sturdy pet carrier or travel crate ready for that first visit, along with a leash, collar, and ID tag in case of any unexpected detours. At pickup, make sure to get all the adoption paperwork, including vaccine records, microchip details, and any notes from the foster or shelter. Keeping these organized in a pet folder or digital file will help your vet get the full picture and make future visits smoother.
With these essentials, you’re all set to welcome your new four-legged friend home. Just remember: Patience, treats, and belly rubs go a long way!
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