Ultimate New Puppy Checklist 2025: Vet Approved Essentials 🐶

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

👩⚕️ 1. Establish Veterinary Care

Before bringing your puppy home, select a nearby, Fear‑Free™ or AAHA‑accredited clinic for ongoing care . Schedule the first exam within 3‑7 days—this ensures timely deworming, vaccinations, microchipping, and health screening.

🐕🦺 2. Feeding & Nutrition Supplies

• High-quality puppy food (AAFCO growth/life-stage‑balanced); large-breed formulas if needed
• Stainless-steel bowls (food + water); slow-feeder if needed
• Portable/collapsible travel bowl or water bottle
• Small training treats (<10% daily calories) and treat pouch

🏡 3. Crate & Safe Space Setup

Select a properly sized crate (with divider panel) and comfortable bedding or chew-safe pad . Place crate in a family area. Introduce gradually and use consistent routines for crate training—lock-free at first with treats and short intervals.

🍼 4. Potty Training & Puppy-Proofing

• Puppy pads (for apartments/high rise)
• Pet-safe enzyme cleaners to treat accidents
• Puppy gates to block off restricted areas
• Secure garbage, cords, toxic plants, and chew hazards—inspect the home at puppy level

🐾 5. Collar, Leash & Identification

• Adjustable collar with ID tag and phone number
• A 4‑6 ft leash for training and walks
• Microchip—more secure even if collar falls off

🧸 6. Toys, Enrichment & Teething

• Variety of toys: soft chewables, puzzle feeders, teething rings
• Frozen items (e.g., carrots or toy) for teething relief
• Safe chew toys like KONG or Nylabone for dental engagement

🛁 7. Grooming & Hygiene Tools

• Soft-bristle brush, grooming wipes, gentle puppy shampoo
• Dog toothbrush/paste and VOHC-approved dental chews
• Stain remover for accidents
• Nail clippers or grinder to prevent overgrowth
• Ear cleaner for regular checks and cleaning

🏥 8. Preventive Health Essentials

• Start flea, tick & heartworm prevention during first vet visit
• Record deworming schedule and upcoming vaccinations
• Stool sample brought to vet aids parasite screening
• Discuss spay/neuter timing and breed-related health risks

🤝 9. Socialization & Training Supplies

• Enroll in puppy class or schedule socialization events after core vaccines
• Treats and toys for positive reinforcement training
• Crate training treats and calming aids

🗂️ 10. Organizational Reminders & Documentation

• Keep a folder/app with vaccination records
• Track growth: weight, body condition scores, appetite, stool
• Prepare emergency numbers, vet info, and pet sitter contacts

🛠 Dr Houston’s Puppy Prep Checklist

• ✔️ Secure Fear‑Free/AHHA vet, first visit booked within days
• ✔️ Food, bowls, treats & feeding plan set
• ✔️ Proper crate with bedding ready & crate toys introduced
• ✔️ Puppy‑proof home: gates, cord covers, hazards removed
• ✔️ Collar + leash + ID tag + microchip prepared
• ✔️ Chew toys & mental-engagement tools available
• ✔️ Grooming kit ready: brush, shampoo, dental, nail tools
• ✔️ Preventives scheduled; stool sample ready
• ✔️ Socialization and training plan in place
• ✔️ Documentation organized; first-aid and emergency info ready
• 📱 Ask A Vet is on standby for advice and support anytime

🌟 Final Thoughts

Welcoming a new puppy is joyous—and having everything prepared fosters confidence, comfort, and health. This vetted 2025 checklist ensures your puppy’s first days are safe, stimulating, and loving, building a foundation for a lifetime of well-being. 🐶❤️

Need help picking supplies or setting schedules? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app—your vet, from the very first day. 📱🐾