Puppy arrival equipment checklist
Getting a new puppy is an exciting time! Make sure you are fully equipped and ready for the big day…
Having the right food, supplies and equipment will help maximise your enjoyment of your first few days with your new family member. We have put together a checklist of all the supplies you will need to prepare yourself for your puppy’s arrival. We suggest that you print it out and use it as a shopping guide.
Basic Supplies
1. Food and water bowls
Your pup will use these multiple times each day, for years to come. The humble dog bowl may seem like a relatively simple purchase, but in actual fact there is plenty to consider and numerous options to choose from. See our guide to choosing the best bowls for your pup.
2. Dog bed
Ensure you get one that will fit your dog once it is fully grown and make sure that the bed and its covers are washable! See our best dog bed guide.
3. Collar
Get a collar that allows you to adjust the size as your puppy grows. The collar shouldn’t be too heavy for your dog’s neck and should sit snuggly so that you can fit two fingers underneath it. See our collar and lead guide.
4. ID tag
Get your dog’s name and two numbers engraved on your tag (in case you can’t be contacted on one of them). Bow Wow Meow offers a free engraved pet tag for each insured pet.
5. Lead
Invest in a good lead with a size appropriate clip that is not too heavy. A good lead should last 2 to 4 years. See our collar and lead guide.
6. Car harness or car seat buckle
In most states you are required by law to keep your dog secured in the car. Your safest options are a car seatbelt buckle, harness or crate.
Food
1. Food for meals
Ask what food the breeder has been feeding the puppy. We suggest you keep using the same brand for a while, as this is what your puppy is used to. If you do want to change brands, please do so gradually otherwise your puppy may get an upset stomach if transitioned too fast to a new food. Find out more about feeding puppies and transitioning to new foods in our guide.
2. Training treats
We recommend using natural, dry treats that you can keep in your pockets. Use these for toilet training and also for reinforcing good manners and behaviour.
Toys
1. Puppy chew toys
You will need at least two chew toys to help your puppy lose its milk teeth and relieve itchy gums. Choose toys recommended for your puppy’s age.
2. Fluffy toys
Get a few fluffy toys as puppies will often destroy them, and rotating toys will help to prevent boredom.
3. Food enrichment toys
These are great for mental stimulation. See our best dog toy guide for all you need to know about toys for your pup.
Grooming
1. Dog shampoo
Look for one with natural ingredients that are gentle on the skin.
2. Brush
Get a soft one for short haired dogs or a wire one for long haired dogs. Even if you are planning to get your dog groomed regularly, you will still need to brush your dog in between grooming to avoid its fur getting matted.
3. Nail clippers
Buy one if you want to clip your dog’s nails yourself. If not, we suggest you take your puppy to your vet or groomer.
Miscellaneous items
- Toilet training pads or pet loo
- Baby gates or puppy play pen
- Enzymatic stain cleaners
The best ones to buy are from pet stores because they eliminate the stain as well as the odours that are undetectable by humans. - Paper towels to soak up urine
- ADAPTIL collar or dispenser
This can help some puppies settle into their new home during the first few nights. Read more. - Deworming tablets
Puppies need to be wormed regularly. Please follow your vet’s recommendation for the best tablets and correct dosage. - Flea and tick treatment
Please follow your vet’s recommendation for the correct treatment and dosage. - Pet insurance
Puppies are very adventurous and highly accident prone, and often end up hurting themselves whilst they are still growing. Their underdeveloped immune system means they are also vulnerable to getting infections and catching diseases. Consider pet insurance to help protect you and your puppy from the start. Get your first 2 months cover free 2! Get a quote.
Important telephone numbers to add to your contacts
- Your local / preferred vet
- Your closet emergency / 24 hour vet clinic or animal hospital
- Australian Animal Poisons Helpline: 1300 TOX PET
- Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance: you can call us on 1800 668 502 (Mon-Fri 8am – 8pm AEST) or request a call back from our customer service team.
Unsure how serious it is?
Bow Wow Meow policyholders can get access to trusted vet care anytime, anywhere, at no additional cost. Connect to an experienced Australian registered vet via video call, 24/7. Whether it’s providing vet advice, setting up at-home treatment plans, or confirming if you need to visit a vet in person, you can get help when you need it.
Find out more about our pet insurance cover options.
Download our Puppy Guide
We know that bringing home and looking after a new puppy can be a big challenge! Get more tips from puppy experts about all aspects of looking after your new puppy, including toilet training, socialisation, health and much more.
Get 2 months free pet insurance for your puppy!
Congrats on your new bundle of joy…
To ensure your precious fur baby is covered from the start, we’d like to offer you 2 months free in your first year. This promo will be automatically applied on sign up for pets under 12 months old.2
