Veterinarians and trainers say new puppy owners should schedule a first veterinary appointment within three to seven days and prepare a safe, quiet space before bringing the animal home.

The guidance is part of a checklist produced for new puppy owners that highlights two early priorities: establishing care with a veterinarian and creating a secure environment so a pup can settle in. A new place can be very scary to a pup, the checklist notes, with noises, smells and sights it may never have experienced before. Regular veterinary care during puppyhood is crucial as it provides core vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental care, and growth monitoring, helping to prevent infectious diseases and support healthy development into adulthood.

Dr. Kelly Hood, a veterinarian at Highlands Veterinary Center who works around the Chesapeake Bay, urged first-time owners to lean on local contacts when choosing a clinic. “If this is your first pet ever, talk to friends, and research which local veterinarian you would like to establish care with,” she said. Establishing a relationship with a clinic early on also ensures that owners have guidance on ongoing health questions as their puppy grows.

Dr. Heather Berst, a small animal veterinarian and medical lead at Zoetis in Asheville, North Carolina, said preparation matters because owners are adding a family member. “Getting a new puppy is very exciting. You are adding a new family member, [so] it is important to prepare and think through how you will make sure your puppy is safe and happy when they arrive,” she said. This preparation comes amid a surge in puppy ownership, which has led to increased demand for pet supplies, projected to rise significantly over the coming years.

Canine behavior expert Sally Grottini of JustAnswer, based in Danville, Pennsylvania, recommended a practical step for safety and supervision. “On day one, you should have a crate in place. This is vital to keep your puppy safe when you cannot watch it,” she said, noting that a contained, comfortable spot can reduce stress for a newly arrived pup. New puppy owners can also ensure their homes are safe by removing hazards such as electrical cords, toxic plants, and household chemicals, and by using crates or baby gates.

Dog trainer and behavior expert Jamie Popper of Woof emphasized that basic training begins immediately. “You can start training your pup the day you bring them home,” she said, framing early routines as part of the transition to household life. Establishing predictable routines not only fosters security for the puppy but also integrates them smoothly into the owner’s daily life.

The checklist, published on Care.com, groups those early actions with broader preparation for the first weeks of ownership. It stresses arranging veterinary care promptly and setting up a predictable, quiet area where the puppy can rest and be supervised while learning the household’s rhythms; the Care.com checklist is one resource new owners can consult for a step-by-step list of suggested items and actions.

Veterinarians routinely advise an early wellness visit to review vaccination schedules, parasite prevention and general health checks, and to build a relationship between owner, puppy and clinic. Owners may find additional guidance on preparing the home from veterinary hospital resources such as VCA Animal Hospitals, which outline common puppy-proofing steps and safe spaces for young dogs. With the rise in puppy ownership, securing necessary supplies and ensuring a welcoming environment has never been more essential for new pet parents.

Experts who contributed to the checklist represent a range of roles and locations: Dr. Heather Berst of Zoetis in Asheville, Dr. Kelly Hood of Highlands Veterinary Center near the Chesapeake Bay, Sally Grottini of JustAnswer in Danville, and Jamie Popper of Woof. Their combined advice centers on two clear tasks for the days around bringing a puppy home: establish veterinary care and create a controlled, calm environment that supports safety and early training.

Following those steps can ease the initial adjustment for both puppy and household and give owners a clear point of contact for health questions and follow-up care.

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