1. Before you bring them home
Set up a safe, quiet base so the first day is calm.
- Ask what food they are on now and get a small supply of the same
- Food and water bowls that are stable and easy to clean
- A bed and a crate or pen sized for a small dog, in a quiet spot
- Collar or harness that fits, a lead and an ID tag (check the fit often as they grow)
- A couple of puppy-sized chew toys
- Poo bags and pet-safe cleaning supplies
- A soft brush for gentle grooming practice
- Puppy-proof the home: cables, shoes, small objects, toxic items and plants out of reach
- Block off areas your puppy should not reach (baby gate or pen)
- Pick a toilet spot in the yard or an indoor option
- Agree house rules with everyone at home (furniture, feeding, who walks)
- Find a local vet and save their number, including an after-hours option
2. First-week essentials
Keep things quiet, predictable and simple. Extras can wait.
- Take them straight to their toilet spot when you arrive
- Show them their bed or crate and let them rest often
- Keep to the food they were already eating
- Keep visitors few and calm for the first few days
- Short, gentle introductions to new rooms, sounds and people
- Supervise play and chewing
- Take them out after meals, naps and play
- Praise and reward toilet success right away
- Book a first vet check
- Ask about anything on this list you are unsure of
- Take a few photos and note their feeding and toilet habits to show your vet
Tip: you do not need to buy everything on day one. Start with the basics, see what your puppy likes, then add extras.
3. First month: vet and admin
Rules differ by state, territory and council, so always check the official source for where you live.
- Book a vet check and ask about the vaccination scheduleFollow the schedule as advised by your vet.
- Ask your vet about worming, flea and tick prevention, and desexing timingYour vet can advise what suits your puppy.
- Microchip your puppy and make sure the details are recorded and up to dateMicrochipping and registry rules vary by state and territory.
- Register with your local councilCheck your council's website for how to register, the deadline and any rules for your area.
- Check your state or territory rules (for example fencing, leash areas, how many pets you can keep, or renting)
- Check your lease or strata rules if you rent or live in a unit, and get any pet approval in writing
- Decide whether pet insurance suits you and read the policy wording closelyCheck what is covered, waiting periods and exclusions.
- Keep vet records, microchip and registration numbers in one place
- Look into puppy school or early training classes in your area
4. Daily routine basics
Puppies like predictability. Adjust the times to suit your household.
| When | What |
|---|---|
| Wake up | Straight outside for a toilet break, then praise |
| Breakfast | Measured meal, fresh water, toilet break afterwards |
| Morning | Short play and gentle training, then a nap in the crate or bed |
| Midday | Meal as advised for their age, toilet break, short walk or garden time |
| Afternoon | Chew toy, quiet time, another nap |
| Evening | Meal, play, a last short toilet break before bed |
| Bedtime | Calm wind-down and a toilet break, then to bed |
Ask your vet how often and how much to feed for your puppy's age and size.
- Toilet breaks after every meal, nap and play
- Fresh water always available
- Plenty of sleep through the day
- Brief brushing and paw handling practice
- Short, gentle training bursts
- Calm time alone, built up gradually
My notes
Vet name and phone, microchip number, council registration number, and vaccination dates (as advised by your vet): write them here or keep them together in one place.
Small Paw Guide, smallpawguide.com/checklist. General information only, not veterinary advice. Prepared by the Small Paw Guide editorial team.
This checklist is general information, not veterinary advice. For vaccinations, worming, microchipping and registration, follow what your vet and your local council tell you. Prepared by the Small Paw Guide editorial team.