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New Puppy Checklist: Everything You Need Before Bringing Your Pup Home

Rachel M.
by Rachel M.
Published:  February 17th, 2026

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but also a bit overwhelming. However, with a little preparation, you can easily start things off on the right foot.


This new puppy checklist covers all the essentials you need so you won’t forget anything before your new furry friend arrives.


Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Boy cuddling puppy - image via Canva

Feeding Essentials

Your puppy’s diet plays a huge role in healthy growth and development. Setting up a feeding routine early makes life easier for both of you.

• High-quality puppy food suited to your puppy’s size, breed, and age (you can ask your vet for advice)

• Food and water bowls, preferably stainless steel or ceramic for easy cleaning

• Measuring scoop or cup to control portions

• Puppy training treats for rewards and motivation

• Airtight food storage container to keep food fresh

Pupford Soft & Chewy Training Treats - image via Amazon

Sleeping and Comfort Supplies

Puppies sleep a lot, often up to 20 hours per day. Creating a cozy sleeping space helps them settle in and feel secure in their new environment.

• Comfortable puppy bed that allows room to grow but still feels snug

• Crate for sleeping, training, and safe downtime

• Soft, washable blankets

• Comfort toy or snuggle toy to help reduce anxiety

LE SURE Waterproof Puppy Blanket - image via Amazon

Toys and Enrichment

Puppies explore the world with their mouths, so having plenty of safe toys helps protect your belongings and keeps your pup mentally stimulated.

• Durable chew toys to help with teething

• Puzzle toys or treat dispensing toys for mental stimulation

• Tug toys for bonding and exercise

• A small rotation of toys to keep playtime interesting

WOOF Starter Pack Interactive Dog Ball Toy - image via Amazon

Grooming and Hygiene Supplies

Starting grooming habits early helps your puppy get used to being handled and keeps them clean and healthy as they grow.

• Puppy-safe shampoo

• Brush or comb designed for your puppy’s coat type

• Nail clippers or nail grinder (ask your vet about how to do this safely)

• Dog toothbrush and puppy-safe toothpaste

• Towels specifically for your puppy

• Pet-safe wipes for quick cleanups

Veterinary Formula Smart Coat Complex Puppy Love Extra Gentle Tearless Shampoo - image via Amazon

Walking and Outdoor Gear

Even if your puppy isn’t ready for long walks right away, having outdoor gear prepared means you’ll be ready when they are.

• Adjustable collar with identification tag

• Properly-fitted harness

• Standard leash, typically 4 to 6 feet long

• Waste bags and holder

• Portable water bowl

Earth Rated Dog Poop Bag Holder - image via Amazon

Home Safety and Puppy Proofing

Puppies are curious and love to explore. Puppy proofing helps prevent accidents and protects your home.

• Puppy playpen or designated safe area

• Baby gates to block off unsafe rooms or staircases

• Cord protectors

• Pet-safe cleaning supplies for accidents

• Trash cans with secure lids

• Remove toxic plants and small swallowable objects

Clear Acrylic Dog Playpen - image via Amazon

Health and Veterinary Essentials

Planning ahead for your puppy’s healthcare helps you stay organized and ensures your puppy gets the best start possible.

• First veterinary appointment scheduled

• Vaccination and medical records folder

• Flea, tick, and parasite prevention treatments

• Pet first aid kit

• Emergency veterinary contact information

3 Pack Puppy Shot Record Booklets - image via Amazon

Final Thoughts

Preparing for a puppy might feel like a lot at first, but having these essentials ready allows you to focus on bonding, training, and enjoying your time together.


Your puppy doesn’t need everything to be perfect, they just need a safe environment, consistent care, and plenty of love.


Is there anything else you’d add to this list? Comment below.


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STARS Air Ambulance Welcomes Orion as Their New Therapy Dog

For those of us who share our lives with pets, we know that their very presence can change the energy of a room. Whether it’s a quiet evening at home or a stressful afternoon, our animals help to ground and calm us. Recently, STARS Air Ambulance, an organization known for high-stakes, life-saving missions, decided to bring that same benefit to its frontline crews by welcoming a very special new team member, Orion. Orion is a professionally trained therapy dog provided by the Pacific Assisted Dog Society (PADS). Since joining the team in February 2025, he has become a fixture at the Winnipeg base, though his calming influence and energy extend across the STARS network. His primary role with the team is to support the pilots, paramedics, and flight nurses who work daily in environments and situations that involve extreme stress and trauma.  “What our plan is, to evaluate the first two years with a therapy dog and decide from there to expand the program and whether that will include additional dogs in each province or each of our six bases,” explained Grant Therrien, providing director for Manitoba STARS operations, STARS flight paramedic, and Orion’s handler. While we often use the terms interchangeably, Orion’s role is distinctly different from that of a service dog. A service dog is specifically trained to perform tasks for a single individual with a disability, such as guiding someone with visual impairment or alerting a person to an impending seizure so that they can prepare themselves accordingly. These dogs have specific legal public access rights because they are considered essential medical equipment. In contrast, a therapy dog like Orion is trained to provide emotional and psychological comfort to many people. These dogs must have an exceptionally calm temperament and enjoy being handled by people, especially strangers. Their “job” is presence. By simply sitting with a flight crew after a difficult mission, Orion helps lower cortisol levels and heart rates, helping them back to a calmer state of mind. Orion’s work is not limited to the staff. He has also become a key resource for former patients and their families. When survivors return to the base to meet the crews who saved them, the emotions they experience can be overwhelming. Orion often stands with these families, offering a quiet, reassuring presence that makes a sensitive conversation and difficult memories a little easier to navigate. The addition of Orion to the STARS team is a clear reminder of what pet parents have always known: the bond between humans and animals is a powerful tool for healing. In the world of emergency medicine, where every second counts, Orion reminds the team to take a breath. He proves that sometimes the most effective way to care for those who save lives is provide them with a loyal friend who is always ready to listen. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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