Bringing a puppy home is one of those moments where you think you’re prepared, and then day two happens. This checklist covers everything worth having ready before – or in the first few days after – your puppy arrives, organised by category so it’s easy to work through rather than one overwhelming list.
Feeding & Water
- Puppy food – look for a food labelled for “growth” by AAFCO – the Association of American Feed Control Officials, the body that sets minimum nutrition standards pet food must meet (in the EU/UK, look for the equivalent FEDIAF statement instead). A “growth” or “puppy” label means it’s nutritionally complete for a growing dog, not just an adult formula stretched to cover puppies too.
- Bowls – sturdy, tip-resistant, sized for a small puppy to start.
- Looking ahead – as your puppy grows and you’re ready to consider a fresh food upgrade, a tailored fresh food subscription service is worth looking into to see if it fits your routine.
- Automatic feeding – if you’re often out during the day, an automatic feeder keeps mealtimes consistent – see our PETLIBRO Granary 5L review for what to look for.
- Gut health – food transitions are one of the most common triggers for loose stools in a new puppy – our probiotics & gut health supplements roundup covers options if that happens.
Crate & Bedding
- Crate – a wire crate with an adjustable divider grows with your puppy rather than needing replacement, sized for their expected adult weight.
- Bed – something comfortable and washable – puppies have accidents, durable and machine-washable bedding saves a lot of hassle.
Collar, Leash & ID
- Collar – a lightweight, adjustable collar that will need replacing a few times as your puppy grows.
- Leash – a standard leash for early lead training – avoid retractable leads until basic leash manners are established.
- ID tag – with your contact details, plus microchipping registered promptly – required by law in most of the EU and UK.
Potty Training
- Puppy pads – to protect floors and carpets during the learning phase.
- Enzymatic cleaner – specifically enzymatic – regular cleaners don’t fully remove the scent markers that attract repeat accidents in the same spot.
Toys & Enrichment
- Chew toys – puppies chew everything as teeth come in, so a genuinely durable chew toy protects both your belongings and your puppy’s teeth – see our roundup of the best durable dog toys for heavy chewers.
- Puzzle toys – mental stimulation matters as much as physical exercise; our review of the Outward Hound Dog Tornado covers a good first puzzle toy.
Grooming
- Brushing – start slow, short sessions to get your puppy comfortable with being handled – this pays off enormously later.
- Bathing – monthly, or when visibly dirty – puppies don’t need frequent bathing.
- Later on – if you’re planning to handle grooming at home as your puppy grows, our review of the Wahl Arco cordless clippers is worth reading ahead of time.
- Teeth – get your puppy used to a toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste early – it’s far easier to introduce as a puppy than retrofit as an adult.
Health & Vet Care
- First vet visit – book this in the first week for vaccinations, a general health check, and a personalised care plan.
- Parasite prevention – ask your vet what’s appropriate for your puppy’s age – our flea & tick treatment review covers the over-the-counter starting points and when a prescription option makes more sense.
- Looking further ahead – worth discussing early, even though joint supplements are more relevant later in life – see our joint supplement review for what to look for when the time comes.
Puppy-Proofing & Safety
- Baby gates – block off stairs, unsafe rooms, and anywhere with electrical cords or small objects a puppy could swallow.
- Room checks – walk through your home at puppy height – anything chewable or swallowable within reach will get tested.
- Cupboards – keep human food, medications, and household chemicals firmly out of reach from day one.
First Week Priorities
If the full list feels like a lot at once, these are the genuine must-haves before your puppy walks through the door: food and bowls, a crate and bedding, a collar with ID tag, puppy pads, and a vet appointment booked. Everything else on this list can follow over the first couple of weeks as you settle into a routine together.