The Ultimate New Puppy Checklist: Everything You Need to Buy
A complete shopping list of essential puppy gear — from crates and leads to bowls, toys and training aids — so you're fully prepared before your puppy arrives.
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Category: Puppies
Reading time: 7 min read
Bringing a puppy home without the right gear is like moving into a house with no furniture. This checklist covers every essential item you need — organised by category — so nothing gets forgotten in the excitement.
We have included product recommendations with links to the best-rated options on Amazon. Prices are approximate and may vary.
Crate & Confinement
A crate is not a cage — it is your puppy's safe space. Dogs are den animals, and a properly introduced crate becomes their favourite spot to sleep and decompress.
Wire crate with divider panel: A divider lets you adjust the crate size as your puppy grows, so you only buy one crate. Choose a size that fits your puppy's expected adult weight. For medium breeds, a 36-inch crate works well; large breeds need 42-inch. Budget: $40–$80.
Crate mat or bed insert: A washable, chew-resistant pad makes the crate comfortable without being destructible. Avoid plush beds until your puppy is past the heavy chewing stage. Budget: $15–$30.
Puppy playpen or exercise pen: Essential for times when you cannot supervise directly. A foldable metal pen gives your puppy a safe area to play without access to the whole house. Budget: $35–$60.
Leads, Collars & Harnesses
Adjustable flat collar with ID tag: Start with a lightweight nylon collar. Attach an engraved ID tag with your phone number from day one — even before microchip details are registered. Budget: $8–$15.
6-foot training lead: A standard-length lead gives you control without restricting natural movement. Avoid retractable leads for puppies — they teach pulling. Budget: $10–$20.
No-pull harness: For breeds that pull hard (Huskies, Labs, Spaniels), a front-clip harness redirects pulling without putting pressure on the throat. Budget: $20–$35.
Long training line (15–30 feet): Essential for practising recall in open spaces before your puppy is reliable off-lead. Budget: $12–$20.
Food & Water
Stainless steel bowls (set of 2): Stainless steel is hygienic, durable and dishwasher-safe. Avoid plastic bowls — they harbour bacteria and some dogs develop chin acne from them. Budget: $10–$18.
Slow feeder bowl: If your puppy inhales food, a slow feeder reduces gulping and lowers the risk of bloat, especially important for deep-chested breeds. Budget: $10–$15.
Puppy-specific food: Choose a food appropriate for your puppy's expected adult size. Small breed puppies need calorie-dense kibble; large breed puppies need controlled-growth formulas. Budget: $30–$60 per month.
Treat pouch: A clip-on pouch keeps training treats accessible during walks and training sessions. Budget: $8–$15.
Toys & Enrichment
Puppies need to chew. If you do not provide appropriate chew toys, they will find their own — your furniture, shoes and skirting boards.
Kong Classic (puppy version): The single most useful dog toy ever made. Fill with peanut butter or wet food, freeze it, and you have 30 minutes of quiet. Budget: $8–$12.
Rope tug toy: Great for interactive play and teaches impulse control when combined with "drop it" training. Budget: $6–$10.
Snuffle mat: Encourages natural foraging behaviour and provides mental stimulation. Excellent for rainy days when outdoor exercise is limited. Budget: $15–$25.
Puzzle feeder: Interactive toys that make your puppy work for their food. Builds problem-solving skills and tires them out mentally. Budget: $10–$20.
Grooming Basics
Puppy shampoo: Use a gentle, tearless formula designed for puppies. Human shampoo has the wrong pH and strips natural oils. Budget: $8–$12.
Slicker brush or puppy brush: Start brushing early so your puppy learns to accept grooming. A soft slicker brush works for most coat types. Budget: $8–$15.
Nail clippers or grinder: Trim nails every 2–3 weeks from puppyhood so they learn to tolerate it. A nail grinder is gentler than clippers for nervous puppies. Budget: $10–$20.
Ear cleaning solution: Vet-approved ear cleaner and cotton pads. Especially important for floppy-eared breeds like Spaniels and Basset Hounds. Budget: $8–$12.
Dog toothbrush and toothpaste: Start dental care early. Use dog-specific toothpaste (never human toothpaste — fluoride is toxic to dogs). Budget: $6–$10.
Training Essentials
High-value training treats: Small, soft treats that your puppy can eat quickly during training. Avoid hard biscuits — they take too long to chew and break the flow of a session. Budget: $8–$15.
Clicker: A simple clicker helps mark the exact moment your puppy does something right. Clicker training accelerates learning significantly. Budget: $3–$6.
Enzymatic cleaner: Accidents will happen. An enzymatic cleaner breaks down urine at a molecular level so your puppy cannot smell the spot and return to it. Regular cleaning products do not work. Budget: $10–$18.
Puppy pads (optional): Useful for apartment dwellers or during the first few nights. Phase them out as quickly as possible in favour of outdoor toileting. Budget: $15–$25.
Health & Safety
Pet first aid kit: A basic kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers (for ticks), and a digital thermometer. Budget: $15–$25.
Tick and flea prevention: Talk to your vet about the best preventive treatment for your area. Monthly spot-on treatments or chewable tablets are standard. Budget: $15–$30 per month.
Microchip: In many countries, microchipping is a legal requirement. Your vet or breeder will arrange this, but ensure your contact details are registered and up to date. Budget: $25–$50 (one-time).
This does not include the cost of the puppy itself, initial vet check-up, vaccinations, or pet insurance — which should be your very first purchase after bringing your puppy home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size crate should I buy for my puppy?
Buy a crate sized for your puppy's expected adult weight, not their current size. Use a divider panel to adjust the space as they grow. The crate should be large enough for your adult dog to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably.
When should I start training my puppy?
Immediately. Puppies can begin learning basic commands like "sit" and "come" from 8 weeks old. Keep sessions short (3–5 minutes) and always end on a success. Formal obedience classes typically start after the second round of vaccinations.
Do I need a harness or a collar?
Both. Use a flat collar for ID tags and a harness for walks. Harnesses are safer for puppies because they distribute pressure across the chest rather than the neck, reducing the risk of tracheal damage from pulling.
How many toys does a puppy need?
Start with 5–6 toys of different types: one chew toy, one tug toy, one puzzle toy, one soft toy and one or two balls. Rotate toys weekly to keep them interesting. A bored puppy with no toys will find their own entertainment — usually your belongings.
What is the most important thing to buy before getting a puppy?
Pet insurance. A single accident or illness in the first year can cost thousands. Insuring before any conditions appear on your puppy's vet records means full cover with no exclusions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to buy before getting a puppy?
Essential items include a crate, bed, food and water bowls, age-appropriate food, collar and lead, ID tag, poo bags, enzymatic cleaner, chew toys, and a puppy playpen.
How much does it cost to set up for a new puppy?
Expect to spend £200-£500 on initial supplies including crate, bedding, bowls, food, toys, and first vet visit. Insurance adds £20-£50 per month.
When should I get pet insurance for my puppy?
Insure your puppy immediately — ideally before the first vet visit. This ensures no pre-existing conditions are recorded and you get full coverage from day one.
Do I need a crate for my new puppy?
A crate is highly recommended. It provides a safe den space, aids house training, and prevents destructive behaviour when you can't supervise. Choose one your puppy can stand and turn in.
What vaccinations does a new puppy need?
Puppies need core vaccinations against distemper, parvovirus, and leptospirosis, usually given at 8 and 10-12 weeks. Your vet will create a schedule based on your puppy's history.