New Puppy Checklist

A new puppy checklist for bringing home a puppy, covering the first day and week of supplies, vet care, crate setup, and schedule.

Published July 12, 2026

Puppy supplies to buy first

Pick up puppy food and appropriately sized food and water bowls.
Get a crate, a soft bed, and washable bedding.
Buy a collar with an ID tag, plus a leash and harness.
Stock puppy pads or potty supplies and enzyme cleaner for accidents.
Choose safe chew toys to soothe teething.
Add grooming basics like a soft brush and puppy-safe shampoo.

Puppy-proofing the home

Move cords, shoes, and small swallowable items out of reach.
Secure toxic plants, foods, trash, and chemicals.
Block stairs and off-limits rooms with gates.
Set up a confined, easy-to-clean space for unsupervised time.
Check the yard and fences for gaps a puppy could squeeze through.
Designate a quiet spot for the crate and naps.

Crate and potty setup

Size the crate so your puppy can stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.
Make the crate positive with treats, toys, and short sessions.
Choose a consistent potty spot and route outside.
Take young puppies out very frequently, including after meals and naps.
Reward potty success immediately with praise or a treat.
Keep enzyme cleaner ready for the accidents that will happen.
Avoid leaving a young puppy crated longer than they can hold it.

First vet visit

Schedule a wellness exam within the first few days home.
Bring any breeder or shelter records and a stool sample if asked.
Ask about the puppy vaccination schedule and timing.
Discuss deworming and flea and tick prevention.
Confirm the right food and feeding amounts for your puppy's age.
Ask when to plan spay or neuter and microchipping.

First-week routine

Feed small, frequent meals at consistent times.
Offer frequent potty breaks and reward success.
Balance short play and handling with plenty of naps.
Introduce the crate and alone-time in tiny, positive steps.
Keep introductions to people and pets calm and gradual.
Start gentle name recognition and basic cues.

Health and safety basics

Watch appetite, energy, and stool, and note any concerns.
Keep your puppy warm, hydrated, and rested.
Limit exposure to unknown dogs until vaccinations are underway.
Handle paws, ears, and mouth gently to build tolerance for grooming.
Save your vet and nearest emergency clinic numbers.
Important: This is general information, not veterinary advice. Always consult a veterinarian about your puppy's vaccinations, diet, and health.

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A new puppy checklist is a focused guide to bringing home a puppy and getting through the critical first day and week, covering supplies, the first vet visit, crate and potty setup, and a starter schedule. It helps new owners feel prepared for an exciting but demanding arrival.

Those first days set the tone for everything that follows, and a tired new owner forgets things. A clear list keeps the essentials handled so you can focus on bonding and gentle early routines.

Use it with our broader Puppy Checklist for first-year milestones like vaccinations, training, and socialization once the dust settles.

Print it for the fridge or download the PDF for shopping and vet trips. These are general tips for new owners, not veterinary advice, so always consult a veterinarian about your puppy's vaccinations, diet, and health.

FAQ

What do I need to buy before bringing a puppy home?

Stock food and bowls, a crate and bed, a collar with ID, a leash and harness, puppy pads or potty supplies, safe chew toys, and cleanup supplies. This new puppy checklist groups the must-haves so you are ready before pickup day.

How do I set up a crate for a new puppy?

Choose a crate just big enough for your puppy to stand, turn, and lie down, add soft bedding, and place it in a calm spot. Make it positive with treats and short sessions. Crate setup eases potty training and gives your puppy a safe den.

What should the first week with a puppy look like?

Keep it calm and predictable with frequent potty breaks, small frequent meals, short play, plenty of naps, and gentle handling. Limit overwhelming experiences and start a simple routine. Be home as much as you can to help your puppy settle.

How is this different from the puppy checklist?

This new puppy checklist covers the first day and week of bringing a puppy home. Our broader Puppy Checklist follows the whole first year with vaccination, training, and socialization milestones.

Can I download this new puppy checklist as a PDF?

Yes. You can print it for the fridge or download it as a PDF for shopping and vet trips, so new owners have the first-week essentials in hand.