Getting Your First Dog: Essential Checklist

Before You Bring a Dog Home

Getting your first dog is exciting, but preparation prevents the common mistakes that lead to rehoming. This checklist covers everything you need before day one.

Essential Supplies

• Collar and lead: Adjustable collar with ID tag. A 6-foot standard lead for training, not retractable.
• Bed: Orthopaedic foam beds suit most breeds. Avoid cheap fillings that flatten overnight.
• Food and water bowls: Stainless steel or ceramic. Plastic bowls harbour bacteria and can cause chin acne.
• Quality food: Ask the breeder or rescue what they've been eating and transition gradually over 7 days.
• Crate: Large enough to stand, turn, and lie down. Essential for house training and safe transport.

Home Preparation

Dog-proof your home like you would for a toddler. Secure electrical cables, remove small objects from floors, check that garden fencing has no gaps, and set up toxic-free zones for cleaning products and medications.

Time Commitment

Dogs need 2-3 hours of your time daily — walks, feeding, training, grooming, and companionship. If your schedule can't accommodate this, consider whether now is the right time for a dog.

Vet and Insurance

Register with a vet before or within 48 hours of getting your dog. Pet insurance is cheapest when your dog is young and healthy — waiting for an illness to strike means pre-existing conditions will be excluded.