Puppy Prep 3- Preparing for your new arrival
So you’ve chosen a breed, found a breeder and your puppy has been born! But waiting 8 weeks until you can bring them home feels like forever, doesn’t it? Here’s everything you can do while you wait to make sure you’re prepared for them to land…
. Register with a Vet and Schedule Vaccinations
Before your puppy even steps paw in your home, you should register them with a trusted local vet. Book in their first vaccinations, which are usually given at 8 and 10 weeks of age. After their second round, most vets will give the green light for outdoor walks from 11–13 weeks — but always follow your vet’s specific advice and make sure you’re taking them out in a bag, car or pram before they can begin going for walks. Check with your breeder before booking the vaccinations because some breeders will give the puppies their first vaccination and you may need to find a vet that uses the same one as your breeder.
Having this step sorted ahead of time ensures your puppy stays healthy and can start socialising safely as soon as possible. The younger they are, the more easily they’ll adjust to new environments so it’s really important to take advantage of that and get them out ASAP.
2. Prepare Your Home and Car
Your puppy is going to be naturally curious and a bit chaotic at first, so it’s essential to puppy-proof your living space:
Hoover thoroughly to eliminate any small items that could be swallowed.
Hide wires or use protective cable covers to prevent chewing hazards.
Remove toxic houseplants, which are surprisingly common.
Store shoes, cords, and other chewable items out of reach or in secure containers.
Set up their crate in a quiet, cozy spot with a blanket over it and a radio or TV nearby for noise masking during nap time. Make sure your car is ready for the journey home with enough space and comfort to reduce anxiety- it’s a legal requirement for dogs to be securely restrained during car journeys so a seatbelt restraint, car crate or boot guard is essential.
3. What to Bring on Collection Day
Whether your drive is short or a bit longer, it pays to be prepared. Pack the following essentials:
Poo bags – just in case!
A towel, kitchen roll, and a carrier bag – useful for any accidents or car sickness.
A chew toy – something familiar and soothing for your puppy.
Pee pads, water, and a bowl – especially important if your journey is over two hours.
4. At the Breeder’s House
The breeder will guide you through a few final steps before you leave with your puppy:
Sign a contract and transfer the microchip details into your name. Breeders are legally required to microchip the puppy before they go to their new home.
If you've chosen a Kennel Club Assured Breeder, you may also receive a few weeks of free pet insurance. There may be some paperwork to complete for this, so allow extra time.
Before heading out, be sure to ask about:
Feeding times and how much your puppy has been eating.
Any routines they’ve started — consistency helps your puppy settle in faster.
