Puppy Checklist UK: What Do You Need For A Puppy? | Puppy Advice

Get set for your puppy or dog’s arrival with our handy guide. We’ll guide you through what you’ll need to do in your first few weeks with your new pal, from registering with a vet to organising training. We’ve even got a shopping list of essential dog supplies.

Once your pup arrives home, you can focus on bonding with them knowing that everything’s in place.

What to do before you pick up your new dog or puppy

Having the essentials in place, and veterinary help to hand, will take some of the stress out of the first few weeks with your dog.

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1. Register with a vet practice

Signing up with a nearby vet practice is best, so you don’t have to travel far for help. Be sure to ask whether the practice provides out-of-hours care, or whether another clinic covers this for them.

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2. Check your dog is chipped

All dogs over the age of eight weeks must be microchipped by law. If you’re buying from a breeder, they should get the puppy microchipped, and ensure you have the database contact details. All dogs adopted …

All dogs over the age of eight weeks must be microchipped by law. If you’re buying from a breeder, they should get the puppy microchipped, and ensure you have the database contact details. All dogs adopted from Dogs Trust are microchipped.

As soon as you have your new dog or puppy, you’ll need to contact the database company and give them your details. This is your responsibility as their new companion.

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3. Get pet insurance

A good pet insurance policy can help you get the right care for your dog. Insurance policies differ in what types of treatment they cover.

If you’re adopting from Dogs Trust, your puppy will have four weeks of free insurance thanks to our partner, …

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4. Make a training plan

You should be able to teach some of the basic dog skills at home. For this, our training advice and Dog School tutorial videos should help. For puppies, check out our

You should be able to teach some of the basic dog skills at home. For this, our training advice and Dog School tutorial videos should help. For puppies, check out our Puppy Diaries films.

Now’s also the time to look for puppy training classes (or dog training, if your grown-up pooch could still use a hand). Want face-to-face classes? Our Dog School programme will help you and your pup understand each other better. If you’re adopting a puppy from us, our adoption fee includes Dog School classes.

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5. Puppy-proof your place

Young dogs can be very curious, risking harming themselves as well as your home. Older dogs can also chew and take things they shouldn’t, so it’s still a good idea to make some adjustments. See the section below for specific advice.

If you’re concerned by your dog’s …

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6. Buy the basics

Buy the basic food, equipment and dog accessories you’ll need for those first few weeks. Our handy shopping list is below.

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7. Plan for being away

Have a plan for who’ll look after your puppy or dog if you’re going out, away, or to work. You can start teaching your dog how to spend time alone from when they're a puppy, but they may take a …

Setting up a dog-friendly home

It’s time to pup-proof your home. To make things safe for your furry friend, lock away or throw away safely anything that could be harmful to them.

Move out of reach objects that they could chew. Ensure they can’t reach dangerous items such as electrical leads. Lock away, or get rid of, any toxic plants or substances.

Once that’s done, it’s time to set up your dog’s eating, sleeping and resting areas. Make sure you set up different resting areas for your dog, so they have plenty of choice. If you’re getting a puppy, it’s helpful to have one of these resting areas close to an external door. This can help with housetraining.

Any other resting areas should be in a quieter area of the house. This should be away from external doors, busy areas and the direct sight of a window. Explain to family and friends that when your dog is there, they shouldn't be disturbed. If there are areas of your house you’d like to block off, consider installing baby gates.

If you have a garden that your dog can access, you’ll need to make that dog-safe too. Remove toxic plants and ensure that sharp tools and harmful substances are locked safely away.

A puppy shopping list for the first month with your new dog

These items and supplies, from bedding to toys, should get you through the first few weeks with your new dog. If you’re adopting from us, we’ll give you a new Dogs Trust lead and collar and a starter pack of food.

For the house

comfortable, washable beds and bedding, large enough for your dog to sprawl flat out on. It’s better to have more than one resting area if you have the space.
a crate if you’re planning to crate train your pup, to be used as a cosy den area.
food and water bowls, including spares.
food that your dog is familiar with – ask your breeder or Dogs Trust centre what the dog has been eating. You should also get the food you’d like your dog to gradually switch to, if that’s relevant. Your vet can tell you more about getting your dog used to a different food, and about diet in general.
treats for training, appropriate for your dog’s size and age.
feeding enrichment toys such as food puzzles and slow feeders. Any toys need to be robust and the right size for your dog so they can’t be swallowed. Your new pup should always be supervised when using any toy, particularly if it’s for the first time.
puppy-safe house cleaning sprays/wipes in case your dog has an accident in the house. Enzymatic cleaners are best as they remove the urine particles that can encourage your dog to wee there again.

Keeping entertained

toys for keeping your dog entertained, for play and to help teething puppies. They need to be safe, as above. The size may need to change as your dog grows.

Some other practical things to consider

vaccinations – remember to book any remaining vaccinations or flea treatments
swat up on how to socialise your puppy so that you’re as prepared as possible. Ask your vet about any relevant introductory appointments available, or for enquire at your local Dogs Trust centre.

Going walkies

Your puppy shouldn’t be walked outside (beyond your garden) until they’ve had all of their necessary initial vaccinations. Until then, there are many things you can do to safely introduce your puppy to the world around them so they don't miss out on those vital early experiences.

Your vet will be able to tell you when it’s safe to take them on their first walk. In the meantime, read our guidance on how to take your puppy for their first walk so you feel prepared when the time comes.

Make sure you have all the necessary items ready for taking your furry pal on their first venture out. You'll need a:

plain buckled collar and tag. By law, your current name and address must be on the collar or tag. We’d recommend adding your phone number too
fabric or double-ended training lead, so you can train your pup to walk close to you
fully-adjustable harness that your pup can move freely in and finds comfortable
puppy-specific car restraint or car crate for safe car travel
dog coat if you’re getting your pup in winter, or your dog needs one for other reasons
poop scoop for clearing dog waste from your garden and from anywhere you take your dog, plus a stash of poo bags. Why not buy them from Dogs Trust?

Our online gift shop has lots of kit for your canine pal, from collars and leads to beds, towels and cosy coats and our webshop has Dogs Trust branded items for your new pooch.

You’re all set to pick up your pooch

Getting a puppy or dog can be both exciting and tiring, as there’s so much to think about in those first fewdays and weeks. Our checklist should take the guesswork out of preparing, so you can focus on bonding with your new friend.