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Picking up a new puppy is a huge milestone in every pet parent’s life, and a little preparation can make the transition from the breeder to their new home as smooth and stress-free as possible. Being ready allows you to focus on your new family member instead of scrambling for supplies. Here’s a breakdown of what to bring when you pick up a new puppy from a breeder, from the must-have items to the crucial questions you’ll want to ask.
Think of this as your puppy’s go-bag. Having these items on hand will ensure the trip is safe, comfortable and clean for everyone.
Travel crate or carrier
Safety is the number one priority when picking up your puppy. A puppy should never ride loose in the car or on someone’s lap, as a sudden stop or an airbag can cause serious injury. A hard-sided plastic crate is often the most secure option for car travel. It should be just large enough for the puppy to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. If you buy a crate that will fit their adult size, use a divider to make the space smaller for now. This prevents them from using one side as a potty area and the other for sleeping. Be sure to secure the crate using straps or seatbelts.
Collar or harness and a leash
You’ll likely need to make at least one bathroom stop on the way home, and you should never let a puppy out of the car in an unfamiliar place without being leashed. A harness is also a solid option for a young pup because it distributes pressure across their chest and shoulders, preventing strain on their delicate neck. Stick with a simple, lightweight leash that’s four to six feet long. Avoid retractable leashes, which offer little control over a curious puppy near roads.
A comfort item
Leaving their mom and littermates is a big change for a pup. A small blanket or toy with the familiar scent of their first family can provide a huge sense of security. Ask the breeder if they can provide a towel that’s been rubbed on the puppy’s mother a day or two before you arrive.
“Scent is an incredibly powerful sense for dogs, and a blanket carrying the smell of their mother and littermates acts as a familiar anchor in a sea of new experiences,” Dr. Aliya McCullough, Fetch’s Chief Veterinary Officer, explains. “This transitional object can significantly reduce stress during the car ride and help them settle in on their first night. If the breeder is unable to provide an item with the mother’s scent, you can use a dog-appeasing pheromone (DAP) spray or diffuser. ”
Food and water
A sudden diet change can easily upset a puppy’s stomach. Bring a small amount of the exact same food the breeder has been using, along with some bottled water or water from your home. Different tap water can have varying mineral contents, which can also contribute to tummy troubles.
Cleaning supplies
Accidents happen, especially when a puppy is nervous or experiencing motion sickness. Pack a small cleanup kit with paper towels, pet-safe wet wipes, poop bags and an enzymatic cleaner. Unlike regular soaps, enzymatic cleaners break down the molecules in pet messes to completely eliminate odors, which prevents your pup from wanting to soil the same spot again.
When you arrive, you’ll be focused on your new puppy, but it’s just as important to gather key information. Having your questions ready ahead of time ensures you won’t forget anything in the excitement.
About their health:
About their diet:
About their routine:
A reputable breeder will have all the necessary documents organized and ready for you. Don’t leave without these essentials:
The journey home sets the tone for your puppy's new life with you. Aim for a calm, positive experience.
Plan your timing wisely. Try to schedule the pickup for the morning. This gives your puppy several hours to get used to their new home before bedtime, which can make the first night much easier. Check traffic ahead of time to avoid a long, stressful ride during rush hour.
Keep the welcome party small. While there may be many excited family members, the pickup ride isn't the best time for introductions. A car full of new people, loud voices and excitement can be overwhelming for a puppy leaving everything they’ve ever known. It’s best to stick to 1 or 2 adults.
Secure the crate safely. The safest place for a travel crate is the back seat (buckled in) or the floor of the back seat. Never place a carrier in the front passenger seat, as an airbag can be fatal to a pet.
Manage the first bathroom break. If you need to stop, choose a quiet, grassy area away from heavy foot traffic. Before you even open the car door, make sure the puppy’s harness and leash are securely on. Carry them from the crate to the potty spot, give your cue word (like “go potty”) and offer quiet praise when they do their business.
Bringing a new puppy home is a big day. By preparing for the journey and gathering all the right information, you’re setting both of you up for success. A calm, well-planned pickup day is the perfect first step in your long and happy life together.
The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.
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