Prepare the space and the people
Choose a quiet resting area and remove accessible hazards. Decide who handles meals, toilet outings and supervision so important tasks are not missed or repeated. Plan suitable transport and confirm the handover information with the breeder or rescue organization.
Keep the existing routine visible
Ask for the current food, feeding routine and relevant care records. Arrange a veterinary visit and bring those records rather than guessing a vaccination or treatment schedule. Use our first-vet-visit guide to prepare questions. Your veterinarian can advise about appropriate outings and local risks.
Make the first days manageable
Prepare short, comfortable introductions to the home and household routine. Our first-week, house-training and crate-introduction guides explain those tasks in more detail. The AKC’s early-skills guidance covers routines, appropriate chewing and positive introductions. Adapt the pace to your puppy’s comfort.
Use the checklist as a preparation record
The boxes and notes stay on this open page. They are not saved when you leave or reload, so print your record if you want to keep it. A completed list shows which preparations you recorded; it does not assess health, behavior or whether every possible need has been covered.
Your practical checklist
Use this checklist here, or print it to keep with your notes.
Notes for your next step
Add a brief note beside each task, then print this guide. These notes stay in this page and are not saved or sent.
Common questions
Will my checks and notes be saved?
No. They remain in the open page and reset when you reload or leave. Print the page to keep a copy.
Does completing this set a vaccination schedule?
No. Bring the records to your veterinarian and ask for an individual care plan.
Guides for your next step
A completed preparation record — illustrative example
- Completed illustrative record: resting area
- Prepared — quiet area checked for accessible hazards.
- Completed illustrative record: responsibilities
- Agreed — caregivers have assigned meals, outings and supervision.
- Completed illustrative record: care records
- Collected — current food information and available records ready for the visit.
- Completed illustrative record: follow-up
- Recorded — veterinarian will advise on the individual care plan. This is a fictional example, not a health assessment.