Pre-arrival puppy checklist (22 items to confirm before pickup day)

Run through this list in the week before pickup. It covers the 22 things that, once they're done, make day one calm instead of chaotic. Most items take a few minutes; the appointments are the ones to start on first.

For the why behind each item, see the companion guide.

What do I need before getting a puppy →

Set up the puppy's space

Crate assembled and placed where the puppy will sleep
Exercise pen or baby gates set up around the long-term confinement area (kitchen, mudroom, or laundry works well)
Washable mat or bedding in the crate
Water bowl inside the pen
Pad or grass tray in the pen, opposite end from the bed (if needed for indoor toileting)
Enzymatic cleaner stored somewhere you can grab fast

Puppy-proof the rooms the puppy will use

Electrical cables tucked behind furniture or covered with cable conduit
Houseplants checked — any toxic ones (lilies, sago palm, dieffenbachia, pothos and similar) moved out of reach
Medications, chocolate, xylitol products, grapes, and onions moved to high or closed cabinets
Stairs gated top and bottom
Front door entryway gated
Yard fence walked and checked for gaps a small puppy could squeeze through (if applicable)

Supplies on hand

Small bag of the food the breeder or shelter is currently feeding
Stainless steel food and water bowls
Flat collar with ID tag (puppy's name and your phone number)
6 ft flat lead and a Y-front harness
Two or three chew toys, including a Kong-style rubber toy

Appointments and admin

Vet clinic chosen and a check-up booked for the first few days after pickup
Pet insurance compared and enrolled, if you're going that route (do this before pickup so nothing counts as pre-existing)
Puppy class spot reserved, if you want one
Microchip registration confirmed in your name (ask the breeder or shelter)

Household

15-minute house meeting done — name, feeding schedule, who handles which walk and toilet trip, where the puppy sleeps, rules on furniture and food scraps, and the words you'll use for "sit," "come," and "no"

On pickup day, bring with you