Key takeaways
- Buy the essentials before day one: food, bowls, collar/harness with ID tag, leash, bed or crate, and cleaning supplies.
- Keep your dog on the same food it was eating for the first week or two.
- Start with a few toys of different types and see what your dog likes.
- Use our interactive puppy checklist to tick things off as you shop.
Having everything ready before your new dog arrives makes the first days calmer for everyone. Here's what you actually need — and what can wait.
Essentials (buy before day one)
Feeding
- Food: the same food your dog is eating now (ask the breeder, shelter or foster). Switch gradually later if needed. See how to choose dog food.
- Food and water bowls: stainless steel or ceramic — durable and easy to clean. Consider a slow-feeder bowl for fast eaters.
- Treats: small, soft training treats. See treats and training.
Walking and ID
- Collar with ID tag: your name and phone number, even if the dog is microchipped. Check local rules about license tags.
- Harness: a well-fitted harness is gentler for walks, especially for small, flat-faced or strong pullers. See harness vs collar.
- Leash: a standard 4–6 ft (1.2–1.8 m) leash. Skip retractable leashes for now — they teach pulling and can cause injuries.
- Poop bags and a holder.
Rest and safety
- Crate (optional but very useful): big enough for your dog to stand, turn and lie down. For puppies, buy an adult-sized crate with a divider. See crate training.
- Bed: washable and sized for your dog. Puppies may chew — start with something inexpensive. See how to choose a dog bed.
- Baby gates or a playpen to limit access to parts of the home.
- Car restraint: a crash-tested harness, crate or carrier for the ride home.
Cleaning
- Enzymatic cleaner for accidents — it breaks down odor so your dog isn't drawn back to the same spot.
- Paper towels, old towels and a lint roller.
- Puppy pads (optional) — useful for some apartment puppies. See potty training.
Toys and enrichment
Get a mix of types and see what your dog likes:
- A chew toy (rubber or nylon, size-appropriate)
- A food puzzle or treat-dispensing toy
- A soft toy for cuddling and gentle play
- A ball or tug toy for interactive games
Supervise with new toys and remove anything that's breaking apart. See dog toys guide.
Grooming basics
- A brush suited to your dog's coat
- Nail clippers or a grinder
- Dog shampoo (not human shampoo)
- Dog toothbrush and dog toothpaste — never human toothpaste, which may contain xylitol
- Ear cleaner recommended by your vet
See our grooming guides.
Paperwork and appointments
- Book a vet visit within the first few days. Bring all records from the breeder or shelter. See how to choose a vet.
- Register the microchip in your name. See microchipping and documents.
- Get a dog license if your city requires one.
- Research pet insurance before any health issues arise. See pet insurance.
- Sign up for a puppy or training class.
Things that can wait
Fancy beds (until chewing stops), clothes (unless your dog is small, short-coated and it's cold), expensive gadgets and big bags of treats of unknown appeal.
Print or bookmark our interactive puppy shopping checklist — it saves your progress as you tick items off.
