Skip to content
Cart

The getting-ready list: what to buy before the puppy comes home

Eleven things, in the order you will need them, and the things you can skip.

By Olivia Marsh, Editor.

Eva may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. Prices and availability are shown as of the time we last checked.

A crate, a harness, two bowls, and a bag of food laid out on a wood floor

You will be offered a great deal of gear. Most of it is for the second month. This is the first-month list, in the order the puppy will need it.

Day one

A crate with a divider, a bed that fits inside it, a harness and a six-foot leash, two bowls, and the food the puppy is already eating. Set them up before the pickup, not after.

The first week

Enzyme cleaner and poop bags, because accidents happen indoors and walks happen outdoors. One chew toy that can be stuffed. Training treats broken small.

Skip for now

Coats, car seats, puzzle feeders, and a second bed. Buy these once you know the adult size, how the dog travels, and how fast it eats.

Olivia Marsh

Editor

Olivia leads the Eva Journal. She has raised three golden retrievers and fostered more puppies than she can count.

This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not veterinary or professional advice. Eva is not responsible for any loss, injury, or risk arising from reliance on the information here. Eva may earn a commission from affiliate links on this page.

Prices and stock change often. Each offer shows when it was last checked.

Puppy guides by email

Get the next guide for your dog

Tell us a little about your dog and we will send the guides that fit, timed to their age. Unsubscribe any time.

Which date do you know?
Emails come from Eva. See the privacy policy.