Bringing home a puppy is thrilling — and much smoother with a plan. Before pickup, gather the essential supplies, puppy-proof your home, set up a routine, and book a first vet visit. This checklist covers exactly what to buy and do, the first week, and the early training, vaccination and socialisation basics that set your puppy up for life.
What to buy before pickup
- Food & bowlsA complete puppy food (ideally the same one the breeder/shelter uses, to switch gradually) plus sturdy food and water bowls. See how much to feed a puppy.
- Collar, ID tag & leadA correctly sized, adjustable collar with an ID tag, and a standard lead for early walks once vaccinations allow.
- Crate & beddingAn adult-sized crate with a divider, plus comfy washable bedding. See our crate training guide.
- Safe chew toysA variety of durable, size-appropriate toys to satisfy chewing and teething. See the teething guide.
- Toileting kitPuppy pads or a clear outdoor plan, poop bags, and an enzymatic cleaner for the inevitable accidents.
- Grooming basicsA brush suited to the coat, dog-safe shampoo, nail clippers and dog toothpaste & brush.
Puppy-proofing your home
Puppies explore the world with their mouths, so assume anything reachable will be chewed or swallowed. Get down to puppy height and look around: tuck away electrical cords, remove or raise toxic houseplants, lock away cleaning products and medicines, and pick up small swallowable objects, shoes and children’s toys. Use baby gates to block stairs and off-limits rooms, secure rubbish bins, and check the garden for fence gaps and poisonous plants and foods. A little preparation prevents both accidents and chewed valuables.
The first week
The aim of week one is to help your puppy feel safe and settled, not to do everything at once. Keep a predictable routine of meals, toilet trips, naps and short play. Start house-training and gentle crate training from day one, and keep early interactions calm — resist inviting the whole neighbourhood round. Expect a few unsettled nights; placing the crate near your bed and keeping things low-key helps. Begin careful, positive socialisation to new sights, sounds and gentle handling.
Vet, vaccinations & ID
Book a first vet check within the first few days. The vet confirms your puppy is healthy, starts the vaccination schedule and parasite control, and discusses microchipping and the right timing for neutering. Until the vaccination course is complete, ask your vet which activities are safe — you can still socialise carefully in low-risk settings. Set up identification (ID tag plus microchip) right away so a lost puppy can find its way home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to buy before bringing a puppy home?
The essentials are: a complete puppy food and food and water bowls, a correctly sized collar with ID tag and a lead, a crate (adult size with a divider) and comfortable bedding, safe chew toys, puppy pads or a toileting plan, a brush suited to the coat, poop bags, and cleaning supplies with an enzymatic cleaner for accidents. Buy the food the breeder or shelter is already using so you can switch gradually.
How do I puppy-proof my home?
Get down to puppy height and remove or secure hazards: electrical cords, toxic houseplants, cleaning chemicals and medicines, small swallowable objects, and anything precious you would mind being chewed. Block off stairs and rooms with baby gates, secure bins, and check the garden for gaps in fencing and poisonous plants. Puppies explore with their mouths, so assume everything reachable will be tested.
What should I do in the first week with a new puppy?
Keep things calm and consistent. Establish a routine for meals, toilet breaks, naps and short play, start gentle crate and house-training from day one, and book a first vet check. Begin positive socialisation carefully and let your puppy settle without overwhelming it with visitors. Expect some unsettled nights early on - patience and predictability help your puppy feel secure.
When should a new puppy first see the vet?
Book a veterinary check-up within the first few days of bringing your puppy home. The vet will do a health exam, set up the vaccination and parasite-control schedule, discuss microchipping and neutering timing, and answer your questions on diet and care. Early veterinary contact catches problems and gets your puppy's preventive care on track.
Sources
- American Kennel Club (AKC) — expert advice on dog health and care (new puppy checklist)
- ASPCA — pet care and Animal Poison Control guidance
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) — pet owner resources
Last updated 21 June 2026.
