Are you ready to bring a new furry friend home but not quite sure what you need to prepare? Use this checklist to make sure your space, supplies, and schedule are all dog-ready from day one.
Key Takeaways
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Prepare a calm, safe space for your dog before arrival.
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Invest in quality essentials like bowls, leash, and ID tags.
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Schedule an early vet visit and confirm vaccination records.
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Gradually introduce toys, routines, and training.
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Focus on building trust and consistency over time.
Start with the Basics
Before your new dog even steps paw into your home, there are a few things you should already have on hand. You’ll need food and water bowls, a comfortable bed, a collar with ID tags, and a leash that fits their size. These basic tools are what ground your dog’s first experience—they tell them, "you’re home."
Skip the urge to overbuy on day one. Instead, prioritize essentials and see what your dog actually enjoys or needs. Different dogs respond to different items, so let your choices evolve with your dog.
Related: From Nature's Basket: Best Ingredients for Dog Food
Transportation and Arrival
How your dog arrives matters. Use a secure crate or seat belt harness to keep them safe on the ride home, even if the drive is short. The goal is to avoid any additional stress that can come from car anxiety or sudden movements.
Keep the first entry into your home quiet and simple. Skip the welcome party. Give your dog time to sniff around, explore, and get a feel for their surroundings without sensory overload.
Food, Treats, and Mealtime Setup
Stick to the food your dog was eating at the shelter or foster home for at least the first week to avoid stomach upset. If you want to switch later, gradually mix in new food over time. Feeding your dog on a consistent schedule will help them feel safe and begin to trust their new routine.
Treats should be low in calories and used as positive reinforcement during training and bonding time. Choose small, soft options that are easy to digest and feel rewarding without being overwhelming.
Related: For the Love of Dogs: A Guide to the Best Dog Treats
Sleeping and Crate Training
Decide early where your dog will sleep and stick to it. If you're crate training, the crate should feel like a safe den, not a punishment. Add a blanket, toy, or something soft to make it feel cozy.
For dogs who are more anxious, crate training can be especially helpful. It provides a quiet space to decompress and observe the household from a safe distance.
Health and Vet Visits
Within the first week, make an appointment with a vet to establish care. Bring your dog’s adoption records, including any vaccinations or microchip info. Use this time to ask about diet, flea prevention, and behavior tips too.
If your dog seems overwhelmed at the vet, ask about scheduling a "happy visit" where they can explore the space and meet staff in a calm, no-pressure way. This can help build familiarity and ease anxiety for future appointments.
ID Tags and Microchips
Before heading out on any adventures, double-check that your dog is wearing a secure collar with up-to-date contact information, as even indoor dogs can slip out when you least expect it. This simple step can make all the difference in quickly reuniting with your pet if they get lost.
If your pet already has a microchip, double-check that your contact information is current; if not, talk to your vet about getting one implanted to ensure your dog can always be identified and returned if lost.
Toys and Enrichment
Dogs need mental stimulation as much as physical exercise. Introduce new toys slowly to avoid overwhelming them. Start with a few chew toys, soft squeaky toys, or puzzle feeders.
Try rotating toys weekly to maintain novelty. To help keep your pet entertained and happy, consider setting up a rotation system or using subscription boxes tailored to your dog’s size and play style.
Training Gear and House Rules
Start with the basics: a front-clip harness or gentle leader, poop bags, training treats, and clear boundaries. You don’t need advanced obedience work in the first week—just focus on creating consistency.
Decide what’s allowed and what’s not (like furniture access or rooms off-limits), and have everyone in the home agree. Consistency is what makes boundaries stick.
Dog-Proofing the House
Secure cords, trash bins, and small items your dog could chew or swallow, and make sure cleaning products are safely out of reach; baby gates or closed doors can help manage their movement and keep them safe. These simple adjustments create a safer space where your dog can explore with fewer risks.
Some dogs need more structure early on, so limiting them to one room can help them settle before gradually expanding their access as they adjust and begin to trust their surroundings.
Exercise and Social Time
Daily walks aren’t just about physical movement—they’re also an important part of your dog’s social learning. Walks help burn off nervous energy, provide stimulation, and create bonding moments with you.
Begin with short walks in quiet, low-traffic areas to ease your dog into the experience, and once they seem more at ease, you can gradually explore more dog friendly spots that offer new sights and smells.
Emergency Supplies and Contact Info
Keep a backup leash, emergency vet contact, and basic first aid kit easily accessible, along with any medications your dog regularly needs, stored safely in a designated spot.
If you’re traveling or leaving your dog with a sitter, create a document listing emergency contacts, medication details, vet information, and feeding routines to help ensure your pet’s care runs smoothly. This simple prep step can reduce stress and save valuable time during any unexpected situation.
Celebrate the Milestones
The first tail wag, the first successful walk, the first nap in your lap—every one of these moments deserves a quiet celebration. Document them, even if just with photos or journal notes. They’re the building blocks of your story together.
When you hit milestones, plan a special dog's day that includes your dog’s favorite things. It’s a sweet way to reinforce positive behavior while bonding.
Adopting from a Shelter or Rescue
If you're planning to adopt a shelter pet or bringing home a rescue dog, remember that many dogs need extra time to adjust. Their previous environment may have lacked stability, affection, or enrichment.
You can expect some growing pains, but a rescue dog also brings the reward of transformation. Watching them go from uncertain to confident is one of the most fulfilling parts of adoption.
Stock Up for a Happy Home
Once you’ve checked everything off your prep list, round things out with the fun stuff like new treats, cozy blankets, and toys that suit your dog’s unique personality. These extras help create an environment that feels comforting, playful, and truly theirs.
Visit our full collection of dog-friendly products and gifts to round out your starter kit.
Final Thoughts
Preparation is what makes the transition smoother—for both you and your new dog. And while the list may seem long, you don’t need everything perfect from day one.
The most important thing your dog needs is your patience, your consistency, and your care. Everything else you can build together.