Puppy Supply Checklist

As with any major decision, bringing home a new puppy requires planning. Be sure that you are prepared for his arrival by gathering all the things the puppy will need--and you will need--to make his transition to your home as smooth as possible. Armed with these basic supplies, you will be ready to welcome your new dog home and to give him the safe, loving environment he deserves.

  1. Supplies for Your Puppy

    • Satisfy your puppy's curiosity with a selection of toys.

      • Prepare your puppy's space with clean, comfortable bedding. Blankets should be washed in low- or no-perfume laundry detergent. If you use fabric softener, this should also be unscented. Wash your puppy's bedding weekly to control parasites.
      • A crate with plenty of room for your puppy and his bedding provides a safe place for him to retreat when noises or commotion make him anxious. Collapsible crates that fold flat make it easier to travel with your pet.
      • Give your puppy food appropriate for his age. Adult food is not suitable for puppies, as their digestive systems cannot tolerate it. In general, puppy food is appropriate up to one year of age.
      • Use appropriately sized food and water bowls, and place the bowls so that the puppy can easily reach them. Be sure the bowls are small enough. Stainless steel and ceramic bowls tend to be sturdy, easy to clean, and sanitary.
      • Puppies have a lot of energy and curiosity and will benefit from a selection of toys. Teething puppies will tend to chew anything they can get in their mouth, so give them puppy teething toys that can be placed in the freezer for a soothing chew experience. Your puppy might also enjoy a ball to chase or a squeaky toy. Be sure to choose sturdy toys and supervise your puppy while he plays.

    Supplies for You and Your Puppy

    • • The puppy must have a collar, a leash, and an identification tag. Always walk your dog on a leash and keep his identification tag up-to-date with current contact information. Consider including your veterinarian's phone number on the tag as well, in case your dog is injured.
      • Housebreaking pads are useful for helping your puppy learn the correct place to potty. As he gets a little older, he can also be trained to use bells or other indicators to tell you he needs to go outside to potty.
      • Buy several sponges along with a large container of a liquid product that can be used to remove stains and odors from carpets.

    Supplies for You

    • Keep careful records about your dog's health.

      • Create a file folder for keeping all of your dog's vital records, including pedigree papers, veterinary visits, vaccination history, documentation of ID microchips implanted in the dog, and certificates showing that the dog has passed various training courses.
      • Create an easy-to-find list containing the phone numbers of the dog's veterinarian, the emergency after-hours pet hospital in your community, any pet insurance company that you are using, any dog trainer that you are using and any boarding facilities that you might use for your dog when you are traveling.
      • Buy books or videos that will help you train your puppy.
      • Keep your camera or your video recorder handy so that you can capture important events in your dog's life.