Your new-puppy checklist

Before pickup day

• Choose a veterinarian and arrange the initial visit. Confirm any timing requirements in your puppy agreement.
• Save the number and location of an emergency veterinary clinic.
• Confirm pickup or delivery details and plan a safe ride home.
• Ask for the current food, feeding routine and puppy-care instructions so the first days can stay familiar.
• Know which health, vaccination, deworming and microchip records you will receive.
• Puppy-proof cords, medicines, cleaners, small objects, unsafe plants and escape routes.

The essentials to have ready

Check what is included with your puppy before buying duplicates. Choose equipment for the puppy’s current size and supervise new toys, chews and introductions to the crate or pen.

• The puppy’s current food and washable food and water bowls.
• A correctly fitted collar or harness, identification and a leash.
• A comfortable rest area and a safely sized crate or exercise pen.
• A secure travel carrier or suitable vehicle restraint. Do not let the puppy roam loose in the car.
• Waste bags and a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner for accidents.
• Age-appropriate toys and safe chews, checked regularly for damage.
• Coat-appropriate grooming tools and a plan for gentle handling practice.

Keep the first days calm

Let your puppy explore a small, supervised area before opening up the whole house. Offer a predictable place to rest, and give children and visitors clear rules for gentle handling. Introduce other pets slowly and with supervision.

Follow the feeding guidance you receive and ask your veterinarian before making major diet changes. Make room for frequent rest and toilet opportunities after waking, meals and play. Reward toileting in the right place; accidents are information that the routine needs adjusting, not a reason to punish.

Build a gentle care & training routine

Use short, reward-based practice for the behaviors you want, such as responding to a name, settling calmly and allowing gentle handling. Introduce alone time gradually in a safe space. A puppy is learning a new home, not testing your patience on purpose.

Socialization means positive, manageable experiences, not meeting every person or dog. Introduce sounds, surfaces, people and handling at a pace the puppy can cope with, and give space when something is overwhelming.

Do not assume socialization must wait until every vaccine is complete. Ask your veterinarian how to balance early positive experiences with local disease risk, which places to avoid and when an appropriate puppy class is suitable. Vaccination, parasite prevention, nutrition and health decisions should be tailored to your puppy.

Your first-week check-in

This checklist is a starting point, not a medical plan. If your puppy seems unwell, contact a veterinarian rather than waiting for a routine check-in or a reply to a website message.

• Review the puppy’s records and care plan with your veterinarian.
• Keep a simple note of meals, toilet breaks, rest and any questions.
• Check collar and harness fit as your puppy grows.
• Confirm microchip registration instructions and current contact information.
• Continue gentle brushing, handling and reward-based practice in short sessions.
• Ask for help early if you are worried about appetite, energy, vomiting, diarrhea or any other health change.