Puppies are cuddly, playful, and impossibly cute. They grow into your best friend and closest companion. But bringing home a new puppy is also a lot of work.

If you’re prepared before your puppy arrives, you can avoid many of the common surprises new dog owners run into. That means:

• Choosing a veterinarian for your puppy
• Starting house training right away
• Making a plan to spend extra time at home during the first days and weeks

You’ll also need to buy new puppy supplies. Toys, food, and a collar are just the beginning. There’s a whole list of puppy essentials that can make life easier for both of you. 

Below, you’ll find a new puppy checklist that walks through supplies, health care, grooming, training, travel, and puppy-proofing. Use it as a guide before you bring your puppy home and refer back to it as they grow.

Want the full puppy checklist in a printable PDF?

Table of Contents

1. Essential New Puppy Supplies
2. Puppy Health Care and Veterinary Services
3. Puppy Grooming Essentials
4. Potty Training Supplies and Cleaners
5. Puppy Comfort and Confinement
6. Toys, Training, and Travel Gear
7. Puppy Proofing Your Home
8. More Puppy Resources

1. Essential New Puppy Supplies

These are the bare minimum new puppy essentials. It’s smart to have everything in this section ready before you bring your puppy home, so they feel safe, well-fed, and have ways to burn off energy.

ID Tags

Your puppy’s ID tag attaches to their collar or harness. This is one of the most important items on any new puppy checklist, because if your pup gets lost, an ID tag can help them get home quickly and safely.

Include:

• Your name
• Your phone number
• Your address (or at least your city and state)

Some pet parents also add an email address or “microchipped” to the tag.

Collar and/or Harness

A well-fitting collar or harness is both a safety tool and a way to carry identification. For most young puppies, a flat collar or comfortable harness works well. Breakaway collars are designed to release if they get caught on something, which can reduce the risk of strangulation.

As your puppy grows and learns to walk on leash, your veterinarian or trainer may recommend a different style, like a martingale for dogs who tend to back out of collars. But avoid choke collars or painful training tools.

Leash

A basic, fixed-length leash is usually easier for training than a retractable one. Look for something that feels good in your hand and is sturdy enough for the size your puppy will grow into (thicker for large breeds, thinner for small breeds). 

Many owners start with a 4–6 foot leash, which gives enough room for sniffing while still allowing you to guide and redirect.

Retractable leashes are usually not recommended for early training because they can make it harder for puppies to learn good leash manners.

Food and Water Bowls

Choose bowls that are stable, easy to clean, and appropriate for your puppy’s size

Options include:

• Stainless steel (durable, hygienic)
• Heavy ceramic (harder to tip over but can break more easily)
• Plastic (lightweight and budget-friendly, but can scratch more easily)

You might decide on a simple setup at first, then switch to an elevated stand or slow-feeder bowl if your puppy tends to gulp food or has special needs later on. The important part is that your puppy always has clean, fresh water and a consistent place to eat.

Healthy, Age-Appropriate Puppy Food

Puppies grow quickly, and their bodies need calories and nutrients that are different from an adult dog’s. Look for a complete and balanced diet that’s labeled as a puppy formula or “for all life stages.” Quality foods typically list a named meat as the first ingredient and include a mix of proteins, grains, and plant ingredients for vitamins and minerals.

Dog Food Storage

Dry dog food can become stale if it’s stored only in the original bag. Storing dry food in an airtight container keeps it fresher for longer, protects it from pests, and makes scooping easier. Many owners keep the original bag inside the container so the lot number and feeding instructions are always available if there’s ever a question about quality or recalls.

Waste Bags and Cleanup Tools

No matter where you live, picking up after your puppy is part of life with a dog. Keep rolls of waste bags near the door, in your jacket, or attached to your leash so you’re never caught without them. If you have a yard, a simple scooper or shovel makes routine cleanup faster and less messy.

Dog Bed

A dedicated bed gives your puppy a clear “resting spot” and can help them feel safe. In the beginning, expect accidents and chewing; washable covers and simpler designs are usually better than expensive, plush beds. Over time, you’ll learn whether your dog prefers something firm and supportive or soft and nest-like.

Place the bed in a quiet, draft-free area where your puppy can rest undisturbed

2. Puppy Health Care and Veterinary Services

Supplies are only part of getting ready for a new puppy. Setting up basic health care early builds a foundation for the rest of your dog’s life.

Microchip with Current Information

A microchip is a tiny implant (about the size of a large grain of rice) placed just under the skin, usually between your puppy’s shoulder blades. It doesn’t track location, but it does store a unique number that links to your contact details in a registry. If your dog is ever brought to a clinic or shelter, staff can scan the chip and call you.

Many puppies come already microchipped from a breeder or shelter, but the registration sometimes isn’t finished. It’s worth double-checking that the chip is registered in your name and that your phone number and email are correct.

Choosing a Veterinarian

Your veterinarian is your partner in keeping your puppy healthy. When you’re comparing clinics, consider:

• How easy it is to get to the clinic from your home
• Whether they offer separate cat/dog areas or quiet waiting options
• How comfortable you feel asking questions and discussing costs

Establishing a relationship with one clinic means your vet will know your dog’s full medical history and can support them through every life stage. If cost is a concern, you can also ask about wellness plans, low-cost vaccine clinics, or pet insurance options.

Puppy Vaccines and Boosters

Vaccines protect puppies from contagious diseases that can spread quickly in parks, classes, and boarding facilities, including:

• Distemper
• Parvovirus
• Adenovirus/hepatitis
• Rabies

The exact combination of vaccines depends on where you live and how your dog will live (for example, hiking in tick-heavy areas versus mostly urban walks). Your vet may also recommend Bordetella, leptospirosis, Lyme disease, and canine influenza. 

Most puppies start vaccines between 6-8 weeks of age and return for boosters every few weeks until their series is complete. Your veterinarian will map out a schedule and explain when your puppy is fully protected for socialization, puppy classes, and dog parks.

You can find a full schedule here. Getting your puppy all of the necessary vaccines and boosters is absolutely essential.

Heartworm, Flea, and Tick Prevention

Heartworm, fleas, and ticks can cause serious health problems, but they’re often easier and cheaper to prevent than to treat. Most puppies start on a monthly preventive medication, some of which protect against multiple parasites at once.

Your vet will recommend products based on your local risks and your puppy’s age and weight.

Parasite Testing

Your veterinarian will also check for internal parasites, such as:

• Roundworms
• Hookworms
• Whipworms
• Coccidia
• Giardia

This usually involves testing a stool sample in the lab. Puppies are often tested and treated early, then rechecked at least once a year.

Puppy Supplements and Pet Insurance

Some pet parents choose to give puppy supplements to support:

• Skin and coat health (omega-3 fatty acids)
• Digestive health (probiotics)
• Joint and bone development (certain vitamins and minerals) 

It’s best to ask your vet before adding anything on your own, since some products overlap with what’s already in your dog’s food.

Pet insurance is another optional tool that many owners find reassuring. 

Plans vary, but may cover:

• Emergency visits
• Diagnostics and treatments
• Some routine or preventive care
• Certain chronic or breed-specific conditions

Enrolling when your dog is young often gives you more options and helps limit exclusions for pre-existing conditions. 

Pet Sitter, Dog Walker, and Groomer

If your work schedule keeps you out of the house for long stretches, a trusted dog walker or pet sitter can help maintain a consistent routine for bathroom breaks, exercise, and social interaction. You can use sites like Rover to help you find one at an affordable cost in most cities.

For certain coat types, a professional groomer becomes part of the regular care team too. Starting grooming visits early, with lots of treats and gentle handling, helps your puppy learn that baths, nail trims, and clippers are normal rather than scary.

3. Puppy Grooming Essentials

Even if you plan on using a groomer, having a few basic tools at home makes it easier to keep your puppy comfortable and healthy.

Brush (Soft Bristle or Metal Comb)

Most dogs benefit from at least weekly brushing to:

• Remove loose hair
• Prevent matting
• Distribute natural skin oils

Long-haired breeds or heavy shedders may need grooming more often.

Short-haired dogs often do well with a soft bristle brush; longer or curlier coats may need a metal comb or slicker brush to reach through all the layers. Brushing sessions are also a chance to check for lumps, bumps, or skin issues.

Deshedding Tools

If your dog sheds a lot, a deshedding brush can help remove more loose hair than a regular brush. This can mean less fur on your floors, furniture, and clothes. Use these gently and follow the instructions—over-brushing in one spot can irritate the skin.

Grooming Wipes

Pet stores sell special grooming wipes for dogs that you can use in between baths to keep them fresh and clean. These are also particularly helpful for dogs who have eye discharge, as you will want to remove them daily with these wipes. If you ignore eye discharge it can cause uncomfortable hair matting in long-haired breeds. 

Grooming wipes are not a substitute for a full bath, but they’re great for quick touch-ups.

Pet`s Toothpaste and Toothbrush

Dental care often gets pushed down the new puppy to-do list, but starting early makes it much easier. Use a dog-specific toothpaste (they come in flavors like poultry or peanut) and a soft brush or finger brush. 

To prevent dental disease, it’s recommended to brush your dog’s teeth at home as often as you can—one to three times a week is best. 

At first, your goal is just to help your puppy accept the idea of mouth handling, then you can gradually build up to more thorough brushing several times a week.

Dog Shampoo

When your puppy needs a bath, choose a shampoo formulated for dogs. These shampoos are tear-free and formulated especially for your dog’s coat. Human products can upset the balance of their skin. If your dog is itchy or has known skin issues, your vet can recommend a specific formula.

Nail Clippers for Dogs

Clipping your dog’s nails at home can be risky if you don’t know what you’re doing. If you’d like to do it yourself:

• Choose dog nail clippers designed for their size
• Look for safety features like guards to avoid cutting the quick
• Ask your vet or groomer to demonstrate proper technique

4. Potty Training Supplies and Cleaners

House training is one of the biggest challenges new puppy parents mention. Accidents are normal, and the right tools make the process easier.

Puppy Pads

Puppy pads are absorbent squares your dog can use indoors.

Puppy pads can be helpful if:

• You live in an apartment
• You can’t always get your dog outside in time
• You’re working on overnight potty training

Some owners use them temporarily and then gradually move them closer to the door and eventually outside as the puppy learns.

Enzymatic Cleaners

Dogs are drawn back to places that still smell like urine, even if we can’t detect it. Enzymatic cleaners break down the natural starches, oils, fats and other proteins in urine and feces more completely than regular household cleaners, which helps remove both stains and odors and reduces repeat accidents in the same spot.

Vacuum, Carpet Cleaner, and Deodorizing Spray

If you have a pup, you will likely need a vacuum. Most dogs shed which can lead to unwanted piles of hair lying around the house.

While your pet is potty training you will also need a carpet cleaner just in case an accident happens on the carpet. It’s helpful to have this on hand after puppyhood as well in case they track mud or anything else onto the carpet.

A pet-safe deodorizing spray can help freshen fabric surfaces between deeper cleanings.

5. Puppy Comfort and Confinement

Keeping your new puppy safe and comfortable often means limiting access to certain areas and giving them cozy, designated spaces of their own.

Puppy Crate

Many pet parents choose to crate train a puppy. When used correctly, a crate becomes a den-like space where your puppy can relax, nap, and feel secure. Choose a crate large enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so big that they can easily sleep at one end and use the other as a bathroom.

Introduce the crate gradually with treats, meals, and short practice sessions, and never use it as punishment. Over time, many dogs choose to go into their crate voluntarily when they want quiet time.

Playpen, Baby Gate, or Fencing System

Baby gates, exercise pens, or closed doors can be used to create safe zones where your puppy can’t access hazards like electrical cords, children’s toys, or trash cans. Setting up one or two supervised areas in your home is often more realistic than trying to make the entire house puppy-safe from day one.

Blankets, Stuffed Toys, and Extra Beds

Soft blankets and a couple of safe stuffed toys can make new spaces feel cozy and help your puppy feel secure in new environments. Choose toys without small pieces (like plastic eyes or buttons), with durable stitching and from materials appropriate for your puppy’s chewing style

Some owners keep an extra bed in a home office or living room so the puppy can nap nearby while people work or relax.

6. Puppy Toys, Training, and Travel

Play, training, and exploration are how puppies learn about their world. The right mix of mental and physical activity helps prevent boredom and many common behavior problems.

Training Treats and Clickers

Small, soft treats are ideal for training because they’re easy to swallow and don’t fill your puppy up too quickly. Many new owners are surprised at how many treats they use in the first weeks as they reward every sit, come, and pee outside. That`s why choose small, healthy options.

Some people also like to use a clicker for positive reinforcement training.

Basic idea:

1. Your puppy does something right
2. You click and immediately give a treat
3. Over time, the click alone signals “you did it right!”

With consistency, you may be able to phase out some treats and rely more on the click plus praise.

Chew Toys and Frozen Options

Chewing is normal, especially during teething. To protect your furniture and belongings:

• Offer several safe chew toys
• Choose toys designed for puppies or appropriate for your dog’s size and chewing style
• Supervise your puppy and replace toys that become damaged

For sore gums, some toys are designed to be frozen, or you can stuff and freeze a rubber toy for a longer-lasting project.

Puzzle and Chase Toys

Interactive toys and puzzle feeders can help keep your puppy mentally stimulated, slow down fast eaters and provide enrichment when you’re busy or out of the house. 

For high-energy puppies, chase toys like balls and soft frisbees let them burn off steam. They don’t replace daily walks, but they’re great for backyards, dog parks (once your puppy is fully vaccinated) and indoor play on rainy days. 

No-Chew Spray

If your puppy keeps chewing furniture or baseboards, a no-chew spray with a safe but unpleasant taste (such as bitter apple) can help discourage the habit.

Travel Gear: Seat Covers, Bowls, and Crates

If you plan on transporting your puppy in the car, it’s helpful to get a seat cover to protect upholstery from claws, hair, and the occasional upset stomach. This can also be helpful if the puppy is still potty training or if they tend to get a little dirty at the dog park.

Collapsible food and water bowls make it easy to offer a drink on a walk. It’s important to make sure your puppy has access to water at all times, even if you take them to the dog park. 

For longer trips, a secured travel crate helps keep your dog safe and contained.

7. Puppy Proofing Your Home

Before you bring your new family member home, walk through your house at “puppy level.” Anything they can reach, tug, chew, or knock over is worth rethinking—at least for the first few months.

Put Away Floor-Level Plants and Decor

Puppies are curious and may dig in potted plants, knock over vases and decor, or chew on leaves (some plants are toxic to dogs). Move anything fragile or potentially harmful out of reach.

Secure Hanging Fabrics

Curtains, tablecloths, and blankets hanging down can be irresistible to puppies. Tie up or temporarily remove long tablecloths or dangling curtains that a curious puppy might pull on.

Remove Breakables and Small Objects from Low Surfaces

Treat your home like you’re preparing for a toddler:

• Move small or sharp items out of reach
• Keep breakables off coffee tables and low shelves
• Be mindful of anything your puppy could swallow or choke on

Small objects, children’s toys with tiny pieces, hair ties, and charging cables can all end up in a puppy’s mouth faster than you’d expect.

Secure Wires

Electrical cords and charger cables can be dangerous chewing targets. To reduce risk:

• Hide wires behind furniture
• Use cord covers
• Unplug and store chargers when not in use

Clean Up and Secure the Yard

If your puppy will spend time outside:

• Pick up tools, toys, hoses, and yard debris
• Check fences and gates for gaps or holes
• Ensure pools or ponds are secured so your puppy can’t fall in unsupervised

Lock Up Cleaners and Chemicals

Household cleaners, yard chemicals, and pool treatments can be very dangerous if chewed or swallowed. Store all chemicals in closed cabinets or out of reach, and consider child-proof latches for low cupboards. 

Clear Your Schedule

One of the most important parts of any “bringing home a puppy” checklist is time.

For the first week especially, plan to:

• Take your puppy outside every 2–3 hours (even more often for very young pups)
• Supervise closely to prevent accidents and mischief
• Spend time bonding, playing, and gently socializing

It’s a big commitment, but the reward is a strong relationship and a confident, well-adjusted dog.

Getting a new puppy is a challenging, but rewarding experience. If you take the time and effort to raise your puppy correctly, you will be repaid by the endless love and affection of a “good dog.” We hope this list has been helpful—feel free to use the printable version below!

Download the printable PDF and take it with you as you prepare for your new dog.

More Puppy Resources

If you’d like more in-depth information on how to raise, train and care for your new puppy, check out the resources below. 

6 Inevitable Things That Happen When You Get a New Puppy: A helpful look at what to expect in the earliest days: sleep schedules, behavior changes, teething, and normal new-puppy chaos.

Struggling to Adapt to Your New Puppy? You’re Not Alone: Support for the emotional and practical challenges many owners face during the first week.

Puppy-Proofing Tips Vets Want Every Owner to Know: How to make your home safe before your puppy starts exploring.

When Should You Vaccinate Your Puppy? A Complete Timeline: An easy-to-understand guide on vaccines, boosters, and when it’s safe to socialize your puppy.

Dog Neutering: Everything Pet Parents Should Know About the Surgery: Answers to common questions about neutering, recovery, age recommendations, and veterinary guidance.

Dog Nutrition Guide: Feeding Schedules, Portions & Foods to Avoid: Detailed information on how much to feed, what to feed, and how to support healthy growth.

Crate Training 101: Creating a Safe, Comfortable Space: A beginner-friendly guide to crate training, building routines, and supporting potty training.

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