The ASPCA’s dog supply checklist covers food and bowls, toys, grooming tools, a collar with ID, a leash, a crate and a bed. For a puppy, size each piece for now and check it again as your puppy grows.
The ASPCA checklist
- Premium-quality dog food and treats
- A food dish and a water bowl
- Toys, including safe chew toys
- A brush and comb for grooming, including a flea comb
- A collar with a license and ID tag
- A leash
- A carrier, for smaller dogs
- A training crate
- A dog bed, or a box with a warm blanket or towel (see dog bed size)
- A dog toothbrush
Sizing for a puppy that’s still growing
- Crate: Humane World for Animals says to choose a crate that will fit your dog’s adult size. See crate size.
- Collar: leave room for two fingers under it, as Humane World for Animals advises, and check it often as the neck grows. See collar size.
- Harness: Ruffwear says a growing pup that’s truly between two sizes should get the larger one. See harness size.
- Toys: KONG sizes toys by a puppy’s weight now, not its adult size, and says to re-check as it grows. See toy and ball size.
Flying with a puppy
USDA rules say a puppy must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned to fly in the U.S. For a crate that rides in the hold, see airline cargo crate size.
Health
Ask your vet about vaccines and health checks.