What to Buy Before Bringing Home a Dog
Updated: Aug 11
Bringing home a dog is an exciting experience, but making sure you're fully prepared before they arrive will help them settle in more comfortably. Having the right supplies ready means you can focus on helping your new companion feel safe, rather than making last-minute trips to the pet shop.
Whether you're welcoming a puppy or adopting an adult dog, this guide covers everything you need before your new family member comes home.
Top Tip: Set up your dog's sleeping area, feeding station and enrichment toys before they arrive. A calm, organised environment can help reduce stress during those first few days.
Contents
Sleeping Essentials
Feeding Supplies
Walking Equipment
Grooming Essentials
Health and Safety Items
Toys and Enrichment
Cleaning Supplies
Travel Equipment
Training Essentials
Optional Extras
Printable Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions
Sleeping Essentials
Giving your dog a quiet, comfortable place to rest helps them feel secure.
Comfortable Dog Bed
Choose a bed that is:
Large enough for your dog to stretch out.
Easy to clean.
Supportive and well-padded.
Suitable for your dog's size and age.
Orthopaedic beds may be beneficial for older dogs or those with joint problems.
Blankets
Soft blankets can provide warmth and comfort.
If you're collecting a puppy from a breeder, you may be able to bring home a blanket that smells of their mother or littermates, which can help them settle.
Crate (Optional)
Some owners choose to use a crate as a safe resting space.
If you decide to crate train:
Choose the correct size.
Introduce it gradually.
Never use it as punishment.
Ensure your dog has regular opportunities to exercise, explore and interact with the family.
A crate should always be a positive, comfortable place where your dog can choose to relax.
Feeding Supplies
Food Bowls
You'll need:
One bowl for food.
One bowl for fresh water.
Stainless steel bowls are durable, easy to clean and less likely to harbour bacteria than some plastic alternatives.
High-Quality Dog Food
Ask the breeder, rescue centre or previous owner what your dog has been eating.
If you plan to change foods, do so gradually over 7–10 days to help avoid digestive upset.
Choose a complete, balanced diet suitable for your dog's age, size and health needs.
Treats
Small, healthy treats are useful for:
Training.
Rewarding good behaviour.
Enrichment activities.
Treats should be fed in moderation and make up only a small proportion of your dog's daily calorie intake.
Measuring Scoop or Kitchen Scales
Measuring food accurately helps prevent overfeeding and supports a healthy body weight.
Walking Equipment
Collar
Your dog should wear a properly fitted collar with an ID tag whenever required by local regulations.
The collar should be snug enough that it won't slip over the head but loose enough to fit two fingers comfortably underneath.
Identification Tag
Include your contact details so your dog can be identified quickly if they become lost.
Check the legal requirements for identification in your area.
Harness
For many dogs, a well-fitted harness provides comfortable control while reducing pressure on the neck compared with attaching a lead directly to a collar.
Ensure the harness fits correctly and does not restrict natural movement.
Lead
A standard lead is suitable for everyday walks.
Long training leads can also be useful when practising recall in safe, appropriate areas.
Poop Bags
Cleaning up after your dog is part of responsible ownership.
Keep several rolls available so you're never caught without one.
Grooming Essentials
The grooming equipment you'll need depends on your dog's coat type.
Basic supplies include:
Appropriate brush or comb.
Dog-safe shampoo.
Nail clippers or grinder.
Toothbrush and dog toothpaste.
Ear cleaner (only if recommended by your vet).
Regular grooming helps maintain healthy skin, coat and teeth while giving you the opportunity to check for lumps, parasites or injuries.
Health and Safety Items
Pet First Aid Kit
A basic first aid kit can be useful for minor incidents while you're waiting for veterinary advice.
It may include:
Bandages.
Sterile dressings.
Saline solution.
Tick remover.
Blunt-ended scissors.
Disposable gloves.
Always contact your veterinary practice if you're unsure how to manage an injury.
Flea, Tick and Worm Prevention
Speak to your veterinary practice about an appropriate preventative healthcare plan for your dog.
Secure Storage for Medication
Keep all human and veterinary medicines safely out of your dog's reach.
Toys and Enrichment
Dogs need more than physical exercise—they also need opportunities to use their brains.
Consider providing:
Chew Toys
Chewing is a natural behaviour that can help relieve boredom and, for puppies, discomfort during teething.
Puzzle Feeders
Puzzle toys encourage problem-solving and help make mealtimes more engaging.
Snuffle Mats
These allow dogs to forage for food, encouraging natural sniffing behaviour and providing mental stimulation.
Soft Toys
Many dogs enjoy carrying or cuddling soft toys, although supervision may be needed if your dog tends to destroy them.
Balls and Retrieval Toys
Ideal for interactive play and exercise, provided they're an appropriate size and used safely.
Cleaning Supplies
Accidents are normal, especially with puppies.
Useful items include:
Pet-safe stain and odour remover.
Kitchen roll or cleaning cloths.
Washable puppy pads (if appropriate).
Laundry detergent for bedding.
Avoid ammonia-based cleaners, as they may encourage some dogs to toilet in the same area again.
Travel Equipment
Safe travel is essential.
Consider:
A crash-tested harness.
A secured travel crate.
A dog guard for suitable vehicles.
Portable water bowl.
Car seat protector.
Never allow your dog to travel loose in the car.
Training Essentials
Preparing for training before your dog arrives makes it easier to establish good habits from the start.
Useful items include:
Treat pouch.
Clicker (if using clicker training).
Long training lead.
High-value training treats.
Interactive toys for reward-based learning.
Training should always be based on patience, consistency and positive reinforcement.
Optional Extras
These aren't essential but may be useful depending on your lifestyle:
Slow feeder bowl.
Elevated feeding stand (only if recommended for your dog's needs).
Cooling mat for hot weather.
Waterproof coat for some breeds.
Dog drying towel.
Portable water bottle.
Night-time LED collar or light.
Pet camera to monitor your dog when you're away.
Storage container for food.
New Dog Shopping Checklist
Before your dog comes home, make sure you have:
Essentials
✔ Bed
✔ Blanket
✔ Food
✔ Food and water bowls
✔ Collar
✔ ID tag
✔ Harness
✔ Lead
✔ Poop bags
✔ Appropriate toys
✔ Grooming brush
✔ Dog-safe toothpaste and toothbrush
✔ Treats
✔ Pet-safe cleaner
Useful Extras
✔ Puzzle feeder
✔ Snuffle mat
✔ Treat pouch
✔ Travel restraint
✔ First aid kit
✔ Food storage container
✔ Cooling mat
✔ Portable water bottle
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a crate for my dog?
Not necessarily. Some owners choose to crate train, while others don't. If you use a crate, it should always be introduced positively and never used as punishment.
Should I buy puppy food before collecting my puppy?
Yes, but check what they're currently eating first. If you plan to switch foods, make the change gradually over 7–10 days.
What toys should I buy first?
Start with a small selection of safe chew toys, enrichment toys and interactive play toys. Rotating toys can help keep them interesting.
Do I need pet insurance before bringing my dog home?
Many owners choose to arrange pet insurance before or as soon as they bring their dog home, as pre-existing conditions are often excluded from future cover.
How much should I expect to spend?
Costs vary depending on your dog's size and your individual choices, but remember to budget not only for the initial equipment but also for ongoing expenses such as food, veterinary care, insurance and grooming.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your home before your dog arrives is one of the best ways to help them settle into their new environment. By having the essentials ready, you can focus on building trust, establishing routines and enjoying those exciting first days together.
Remember that every dog is different. Some will need very little time to adjust, while others may take weeks to feel fully at home. Patience, consistency and providing for both their physical and emotional needs will give them the best possible start.
At Bellamy Pet Wellness, we believe thoughtful preparation is the foundation of responsible dog ownership. With the right supplies and plenty of understanding, you'll be well-equipped to welcome your new companion.
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Disclaimer
All content provided on this website, including blog posts, guides, social media content, and recommendations, is created for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary, medical, or professional pet care advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian or animal care professional before making decisions regarding your pet’s health, diet, or wellbeing. See Full T&C's here.
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