Bringing home a new puppy is one of life’s great joys — and one of its great whirlwinds. Between the excitement, the midnight toilet runs, and the chewed shoes, it’s easy to overlook essentials. This complete new puppy checklist for Australian dog owners covers everything you need to have ready before your new family member arrives.
Before Your Puppy Arrives: Home Preparation
Puppy-proofing your home is the first step. Puppies explore with their mouths — anything they can reach is fair game.
- Secure electrical cords and cables out of reach
- Remove low-lying toxic houseplants (lilies, peace lilies, aloe vera)
- Secure rubbish bins with locking lids
- Block off areas you don’t want the puppy to access
- Check fencing — puppies are escape artists, especially small breeds
- Store cleaning products, medications and chemicals in locked cupboards
The Essential New Puppy Shopping List
1. Bed & Sleeping Setup
Your puppy needs a comfortable, washable sleeping space. Options include a crate with a mat, a puppy-specific bed, or a soft padded basket. Whichever you choose, place it in a quiet spot away from draughts. Browse our dog beds and mats range for the perfect first bed — soft, washable, and sized for pups.
2. Collar, Lead & Harness
You’ll need a flat collar with an ID tag (legally required in all Australian states), a lead for walks, and optionally a harness for better control during early lead training. For car travel, a car seat belt harness is essential for keeping your puppy safe. Browse our dog accessories range for collars, leads and harnesses.
3. Food & Water Bowls
Choose appropriately sized, easy-clean bowls. Stainless steel is the most hygienic option — it doesn’t harbour bacteria the way plastic can. For very fast eaters, a slow feeder bowl can help prevent bloat from day one. Check our dog feeding range for bowl options.
4. Puppy Food
Ask the breeder or rescue what food your puppy is currently eating — stick with the same food initially to avoid digestive upset. Transition gradually to a new food over 7–10 days by mixing increasing proportions of the new food with the old.
5. Puppy Toys
Puppies need to chew — it’s how they explore and it relieves teething discomfort. Provide a variety: soft plush toys for comfort, rubber chew toys for teething, and interactive toys for mental stimulation. Avoid toys with small parts and anything your puppy can chew through and swallow. Browse our dog toys range for puppy-appropriate options.
6. Grooming Basics
Start grooming habits early — the earlier you introduce brushing, nail trimming and ear checks, the more accepting your dog will be as an adult. You’ll need a puppy brush, nail clippers, and a gentle shampoo. Explore our dog grooming supplies for starter kits.
7. Winter Wear (If Applicable)
For small breeds, puppies, and anyone in a cooler climate — a puppy sweater or coat will keep your new pup warm during walks. Browse our dog clothes range for winter-ready options.
8. Poo Bags & Waste Management
You’ll go through more poo bags than you ever imagined. Buy in bulk and keep them in every jacket pocket, near the lead, and by the front door.
9. Puppy Pads (Optional)
For apartment dwellers or during the early toilet training phase, puppy pads give your puppy a designated indoor toilet spot while their bladder control develops.
10. ID Tag & Microchip
Microchipping is compulsory for all dogs in Australia. Your vet or local council can arrange this — usually done at the first vet visit. An engraved ID tag on the collar is also essential as a first line of identification if your puppy escapes.
Your Puppy’s First Week: What to Expect
- Day 1–3: Your puppy may be quiet, shy, or unsettled. This is normal — they’ve just left their mother and siblings. Keep things calm and give them space to explore at their own pace.
- Toilet training: Take your puppy outside every 1–2 hours, immediately after eating, and after waking from naps. Praise enthusiastically for going outside.
- First vet visit: Book within the first week. Your vet will check for health issues, begin or continue vaccinations, and advise on worming, flea treatment, and diet.
- Puppy school: Start as soon as vaccinations allow (usually 10–14 days after the second vaccination). Socialisation in the first 12–16 weeks of life is critical for developing a confident, well-adjusted dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to buy before getting a puppy in Australia?
At minimum: a bed, collar and lead, food and water bowls, age-appropriate puppy food, a few safe toys, and basic grooming tools. Have everything set up before your puppy arrives so their first day at home is as stress-free as possible.
What’s the most important thing for a new puppy in Australia?
Socialisation. Expose your puppy to different people, environments, sounds, and other animals in a positive, controlled way during their critical socialisation window (up to 16 weeks of age). This has a greater impact on your dog’s lifelong behaviour than almost anything else.
How much does a new puppy cost in Australia?
Beyond the purchase price, budget for: vet costs (vaccinations, microchipping, desexing — $300–$1,000+), puppy school ($150–$300), initial supplies ($200–$500), and ongoing food, grooming and vet costs. Good preparation now saves significant money and stress later.
Shop New Puppy Essentials in Australia
Get everything on your checklist in one place at Pets Hub Online. Browse our complete dog supplies range — from beds and bowls to toys, leads, grooming tools and winter coats. All orders include free Australia-wide shipping, so you can have everything ready before your new puppy comes home.