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Congratulations — you’ve brought home a puppy! 🐾 The first few weeks are filled with joy, curiosity, maybe a few chewed shoes… and a fair bit of responsibility. To make sure your puppy starts off on the right paw, this checklist covers everything from vet visits and vaccinations to home-proofing, routine care and training essentials.
Before Bringing Puppy Home
- Buy basic supplies: bed/crate, food & bowls, collar + lead, ID tag or microchip (as per local council requirements).
- Puppy-proof your home: secure wires, remove toxic plants/chemicals, remove small swallowable items, block off unsafe zones.
- Set up a quiet safe space: a crate or puppy-den where they can rest and feel secure as they adjust.
First Vet Visit & Vaccinations
- Arrange first vet appointment right after bringing them home: vet will usually check general health, de-worm, and plan vaccinations.
- Follow the vaccination schedule — first shot, then boosters as per vet advice (commonly at ~6–8, 10–12 and 14–16 weeks).
- Ask about desexing, flea/tick/worm prevention, microchipping and registration (if required in your area).
Nutrition, Grooming & Training Basics
- Choose high-quality puppy food and follow feeding guidelines.
- Set up a regular feeding and toilet schedule — helps with house-training.
- Begin gentle socialisation and basic training (sit, come, leash behaviour) early.
- Get them used to brushing, nail-clipping and handling — makes future grooming and vet visits easier.
Home & Lifestyle Prep
- Puppy-proof your garden: secure fences, remove sharp tools/objects, ensure safe boundaries.
- Provide stimulation: toys, chew items, safe play area — important to curb destructive chewing and ease boredom/ anxiety.
- Plan regular outdoor time (walks, socialising) — helps with development and social skills.
Record-Keeping & Planning Ahead
- Keep a “puppy health journal” — track vaccines, worming, flea/tick treatments, vet visits and growth milestones.
- Budget for ongoing costs: vet visits, vaccinations, food, grooming, training classes, insurance.
- Consider pet insurance early — before any injuries or illnesses appear, to get maximum benefit.
Bringing home a puppy is a wonderful adventure — but one that comes with responsibility. A little bit of preparation goes a long way to ensure your new mate grows up healthy, happy and well-adjusted. And with the right support (including pet insurance), you’re setting them — and yourself — up for a lifetime of good memories.
Disclaimer: This checklist is a general guide. Always follow your vet’s advice and adapt based on your puppy’s breed, age and individual needs.
FAQ
- When should I microchip and register my puppy? — As soon as possible, according to your local council’s laws.
- How often to visit the vet in the first year? — At least for first vaccinations, then a wellness check at ~6 months and annual check-ups after that.
- When should I start training and socialising? — From day one — puppies absorb a lot early on, so gentle socialisation and basic training is ideal as soon as they arrive.
