Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but being unprepared can turn those first weeks into chaos! This comprehensive new puppy checklist covers every essential supply you’ll need, organized by category.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know:
โ Absolute must-haves for day one
โ Nice-to-have extras that make life easier
โ Budget-friendly alternatives
โ Pro tips from experienced dog owners
Let’s make sure you’re fully prepared for your furry bundle of joy!
The Ultimate New Puppy Checklist โ
1. Feeding Essentials ๐ฝ๏ธ
Must-Haves:
- Stainless steel or ceramic bowlsย (2+ sets) – $10-$30
- High-quality puppy foodย – $20-$80/month
- Treats for trainingย – $10-$30
- Measuring cupย – $5
Pro Tip:
“Elevated bowls can help large breed puppies eat more comfortably.” – Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM
2. Sleeping & Comfort ๐๏ธ
Must-Haves:
- Crate with dividerย – $40-$150
- Washable dog bedย – $30-$100
- Blanketsย (avoid loose weave) – $15-$40
- Snuggle puppy (with heartbeat)ย – $30
Budget Tip:
Use old towels initially if your pup is prone to chewing!
Health & Grooming Supplies ๐งด
Basic Care Essentials
| Item | Purpose | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Brush | Coat maintenance | $10-$30 |
| Dog shampoo | Gentle cleaning | $8-$20 |
| Nail clippers | Regular trims | $10-$25 |
| Toothbrush & paste | Dental care | $15-$30 |
| First-aid kit | Emergency prep | $25-$60 |
Vet Recommended:
“Start handling paws and mouth early to make grooming easier lifelong.”
Training & Behavior Tools ๐
Essential Training Gear
Priority Items:
- 6-foot leashย ($15-$40)
- Harnessย ($20-$50)
- Clickerย ($5)
- Potty padsย (if apartment training) ($15-$30)
- Enzyme cleanerย ($10-$25)
Training Pro Tip:
“Rotate toys to keep them interesting and prevent boredom destruction.”
Puppy-Proofing Your Home ๐ก๏ธ
Safety Must-Haves
- Baby gatesย – $20-$80
- Cable organizersย – $10
- Bitter apple sprayย – $10
- Trash can with lidย – $25+
Common Hazards to Remove:
โ Electrical cords
โ Toxic plants
โ Small objects
Puppy Entertainment & Enrichment ๐พ
Toy Types to Include:
- Chew toysย (for teething)
- Interactive puzzles
- Tug toys
- Fetch toys
- Comfort toys
Recommended Brands:
- Kong
- Nylabone
- Outward Hound
First Vet Visit Prep ๐ฉบ
What to Bring:
- Vaccination records
- Stool sample
- List of questions
- Your puppy!
Average First-Year Vet Costs:
- Exams: $50-$100/visit
- Vaccines: $75-$300
- Spay/neuter: $200-$800
Budget Breakdown ๐ฐ
| Category | Low-End | High-End |
|---|---|---|
| Startup Costs | $500 | $2,500+ |
| Monthly Costs | $100 | $300+ |
Money-Saving Tips:
โ Buy gently used crates
โ Make DIY toys
โ Compare pet insurance plans
