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The Best Time of Year to Bring a Puppy Home

Rachel M.
by Rachel M.
Published:  February 12th, 2026

Bringing a puppy into your home is one of life’s most exciting moments. But many potential pet parents wonder if there’s a “perfect” time of year to adopt a new furry friend.


While puppies are adorable no matter the season, timing can make a difference for both you and your new companion.


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

Puppy - image via Canva

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Spring: A Season of Fresh Starts

Spring is often seen as the perfect time to bring home a puppy. The days are getting longer, the weather is warming up, and everything feels full of energy and new beginnings. These conditions make it much easier to take your puppy outside for potty training, walks, and playtime. Puppies thrive on outdoor exercise and socialization, and spring’s mild, predictable weather makes it an ideal season for both.


Spring also gives you a few months to train your puppy before the heat of summer or the busyness of holidays. Many breeders and shelters have more puppies available during this season, increasing your chances of finding the right match for your family.

Puppy in basket - image via Canva

Summer: Sunshine and Adventures

Summer has its advantages too. Puppies can enjoy long hours of outdoor play and trips to dog-friendly parks or beaches once they’re vaccinated. If your schedule allows for more time at home, summer can be a great season to focus on training and bonding.


However, there are some challenges. Hot temperatures mean you’ll need to watch out for heat exhaustion and make sure your puppy always has access to water and shade. Additionally, if you plan to travel or have a busy summer schedule, it might not be the best time for a young puppy who needs consistency and care.

Puppy on grass - image via Canva

Fall: A Cozy Time to Start

Fall is another excellent option. Temperatures are cooler, making outdoor training more comfortable for both you and your puppy. Fall also aligns nicely with the school year, so families with children can more easily integrate puppy care into their routines.


Plus, bringing home a puppy in the fall gives them time to settle in before winter. They’ll be stronger, better trained, and more adaptable to colder weather when the busyness of the holidays arrives.

Puppy posing on fall display - image via Canva

Winter: Challenges and Opportunities

Winter isn’t usually the first season people consider for a new puppy, but it has its perks. Puppies often adjust quickly to indoor living and can become excellent companions during the colder months. Indoor play and training sessions can help you bond closely with your puppy.


The main challenge with winter puppies is bathroom training. Cold, icy, or snowy conditions can make outdoor potty breaks tricky. If you’re prepared to brave the weather, a winter puppy can thrive with the right preparation and patience.

Puppy in snow - image via Canva

Personal Considerations: Timing Your Puppy for Your Life

Beyond the seasons, it’s important to think about your personal situation. Do you have the time and energy to dedicate to a puppy’s care, training, and socialization? Are there big life events coming up, like moving, a new job, or a new baby, that could make it harder to focus on a new furry family member?


Your work schedule, travel plans, and support system all play a role in deciding the right time. Puppies need consistency and attention, especially in their first months. Choosing a time when you can fully commit will set both you and your puppy up for a smoother, happier start together.

Puppy - image via Canva

Final Thoughts

Even if the season is perfect, puppies are a big commitment. Make sure your home is ready, your family is prepared, and you’re emotionally ready to invest in training, play, and love.


With careful planning and consideration, the right time to get a puppy can be whenever you’re truly ready to welcome them into your life.


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Bacteria like Bordetella bronchiseptica (a cause of kennel cough) and Chlamydophila felis can also contribute to the illness, either as the primary infection or, more commonly, as a secondary infection that takes advantage of the cat’s weakened immune system, contributing to their symptoms. FURIs are highly contagious illnesses that spread easily through various means. It can be passed cat to cat through direct contact, such as grooming or nuzzling. Viruses and bacteria are also shed in airborne droplets from sneezing or coughing, and they can be transferred by sharing food or water bowls, litter boxes, or even toys. This is why FURIs are such a significant challenge in multi-cat homes, shelters, and boarding facilities. The common symptoms of upper respiratory infections in cats usually appear suddenly. This can include: SneezingClear or cloudy nasal discharge Runny, watery eyes Red, irritated, or inflamed eyesMild to severe lethargy Loss of appetite (due to congestion, making it difficult to smell food)Oral ulcers (especially with FCV)Many cats will recover from these symptoms in approximately 7 to 10 days with appropriate supportive care. However, overcoming these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean the infection is over, especially when FHV-1 is involved. When a FURI Becomes a Long-Term Problem The majority of cat parents will breathe a sigh of relief when the sneezing stops and their cat’s eyes clear up, assuming they are now in the clear. However, for many cats, the initial infection is just he beginning of a long-term relationship with the virus. This transition from a short-term infection to a chronic condition can significantly impact your cat’s quality of life. After the initial infection, FHV-1 doesn’t completely leave your cat’s body. Instead, it retreats and hides within the nerve cells, where it remains dormant or “latent.” The cat becomes a lifelong carrier of the virus. The latent state is often managed well by your cat’s immune system, but it is not a cure. However, if your cat experiences stress, it can open the door for trouble. Stressors such as moving to a new home, introducing a new pet, boarding, illness, or even significant changes in their household routine can weaken the immune system. When this happens, the latent FHV-1 can flare up, leading to a recurrence of the symptoms, sometimes even more severely than the initial infection. Damage from the initial infection can also lead to persistent inflammation that continues long after the initial symptoms disappear. This can lead to chronic conditions that require ongoing care and management, such as: Chronic Rhinitis: This is a persistent inflammation of the nasal lining. Symptoms include continuous sneezing, heavy sinus congestion, and continuous nasal discharge that can range from clear to thick and discolored. Ongoing medical management is required to keep your cat comfortable and breathing easily. Recurring Ocular Issues: FHV-1 often leads to recurring eye problems. This includes chronic conjunctivitis (inflammation and redness of the eyes) and, more seriously, corneal ulcers. These ulcers are painful sores on the surface of the eye that can impact your cat’s vision and, if left untreated, cause severe scarring or even loss of the eye. Any squinting, excessive tearing, or cloudy appearance of the eye should be considered a medical emergency. Chronic Gingivitis/Stomatitis: Feline Calicivirus (FCV) is strongly associated with painful and chronic mouth inflammation. This may lead to severe gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) or stomatitis (widespread inflammation of the oral tissues). 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