Food and water
Use puppy food that fits your puppy's age and size. Keep fresh water available and ask your vet about food amount.
New pet starter guide
New Puppy Checklist
Bringing home a puppy is exciting. This checklist helps families prepare with simple supplies, safe routines, and clear first steps.
Pet safety note
This page gives general pet-care information. It does not diagnose, treat, or replace licensed veterinary care. Call your veterinarian if symptoms are serious, sudden, painful, or getting worse.
Before puppy comes home
Basic supplies
Safety gear
Have a collar or harness, leash, ID tag, and a safe travel plan before pickup day.
Sleep space
Prepare a crate, pen, or quiet safe area where the puppy can rest away from heavy noise and traffic.
First vet visit
Schedule a checkup early.
Bring any paperwork from the breeder, shelter, rescue, or previous owner. Ask about vaccines, deworming, flea and tick prevention, heartworm prevention, food, growth, and microchip options.
Family routine
Decide jobs before the puppy arrives.
Choose who feeds the puppy, handles potty breaks, cleans accidents, gives water, and watches children around the puppy.
Home safety
Puppy-proof the house
Cords and small objects
Move loose cords, small toys, medicine, and choking hazards out of reach.
Cleaners and trash
Keep cleaning products, trash, food scraps, and unsafe items behind closed doors or high shelves.
Plants and foods
Check whether houseplants or foods in the home may be unsafe for dogs. Ask a vet when unsure.
Daily routine
Simple first-week plan
Potty breaks
Take the puppy out after waking, eating, playing, and before bedtime. Praise calm success. Do not scare or punish accidents.
Chewing
Chewing is normal. Offer safe chew toys and remove items you do not want chewed.
Children and puppies
Teach children to use gentle hands, avoid pulling ears or tails, and let puppies rest when they are tired.
Call a veterinarian if you notice warning signs
Repeated vomiting, repeated diarrhea, trouble breathing, refusal to eat, extreme tiredness, coughing that gets worse, pale gums, swelling, signs of pain, or possible toxin exposure should be discussed with a veterinarian.
Open the safety guide →