16. Your Complete Puppy Pickup Checklist (Don't Leave Without These)

Your puppy pickup day is booked. You're excited. You're nervous. You're completely unprepared.

Most people leave everything to the last minute. Then they're scrambling the morning of pickup, realising they forgot enzymatic cleaner, haven't set up the crate, and don't know where the emergency vet is.

The Two-Week Countdown

Here's how to prepare properly. Not frantically. Not last-minute. Properly.

Two weeks before pickup:

Purchase all supplies. Set up the crate and puppy area. Choose a vet and book the first appointment. Research emergency vet locations. Buy enzymatic cleaner. Set up a camera or monitor for the puppy area if desired. Puppy-proof your entire home. Arrange time off work if possible. Get good sleep whilst you still can. Review training resources.

One week before pickup:

Confirm pickup time with the breeder or rescue. Prepare the car (crate or secure area). Bring towels for the car ride. Final home walkthrough. Meal prep for yourself. Wash all puppy bedding. Set alarms for feeding and toilet schedule. Tell friends and family to give you space for the first few days.

Three days before pickup:

Prepare the car with supplies. Set up the crate with bedding. Fill water bowls. Pre-portion first meals. Clear your schedule for pickup day. Relax. You've got this.

One day before pickup:

Prepare puppy's first meals. Charge your phone and camera. Set up the designated toilet area outside. Do a final shopping run. Confirm your backup support system.

Gotcha day:

Bring towels, treats, water, paperwork folder, and camera. Get all paperwork (health records, pedigree, contract). Take photos with the breeder or rescue if appropriate. Drive carefully and slowly. Come straight home (no stops). Follow your first 24 hours plan.

Feeling overwhelmed by all the preparation? Our community has printable checklists broken down by week and day. You'll also find other owners sharing what they wish they'd prepared earlier.

Setting Yourself Up To Win

One of the biggest errors people make is not preparing to take care of themselves.

Treat this like preparing for a big race or starting a diet. It's all about setting yourself up to succeed.

Meal prep so you're not cooking whilst managing a new puppy. Clear your schedule so you're not stressed about work. Get good sleep beforehand because you won't be sleeping much soon.

Tell friends and family to give you space. You don't need visitors overwhelming your puppy in the first few days.

Before You Leave The Breeder

You're going to be excited. They're going to be adorable. All you'll want to do is cuddle that little fluff ball.

You must try to resist.

When you pick up your puppy, give them a cuddle and play. But when they're in the car, create as stress-free an environment as possible.

Exercise your puppy at the breeder or rescue if possible. Last toilet break. Bring towels, water, and treats.

Make sure you get all the paperwork you need. You don't want to be turning around halfway home.

This ride is your first chance to set boundaries and show your puppy they're safe with you. Make it boring and calm, not overwhelming.

The Car Ride Home

Crate (preferred):

Secure the crate in the car so it won't slide. Add comfortable bedding. Place your puppy inside. Drive smoothly. You can place a blanket over it to create a den feel.

Passenger lap (most likely):

Most likely what you'll do (they're cute). Have a passenger hold the puppy securely. Towels on lap for accidents. Keep the puppy calm and secure.

What not to do:

Don't let the puppy roam free. Don't let their head hang out the window. Don't stop to show people your puppy. Don't take an excessively long way home.

What To Expect During The Drive

It's very normal for the following to happen:

Your puppy may cry in the crate. Your puppy may not eat well. Your puppy will have accidents. Your puppy may be scared or overwhelmed. Your puppy may be hyperactive from stress. You may feel overwhelmed (this is normal).

Speak calmly and soothingly. Don't worry if your puppy cries (normal). If your puppy vomits, stay calm (common with car sickness). Keep the radio low or off. Drive smoothly with no sudden stops.

If the trip is long (2+ hours):

Plan toilet stops. Don't put your puppy on the ground in public areas if not vaccinated. Offer water. Keep breaks brief.

Arriving Home

Maybe your family is waiting at home. Maybe there's lots of stuff to get out of the car. Your puppy will probably be exhausted and scared after a long car journey.

Set them up for success. Focus on these three things immediately when you get in:

Straight to the toilet area. Don't let them run wild. Calm, controlled entry.

You're going to be incredibly excited, and that can be really difficult to contain. The car is a very strange machine to a dog, especially a young puppy. Do everything you can to make their first journey comfortable.

You don't want to set the foundation for a dog that doesn't want to go in the car.

Get Ongoing Support For Your Puppy Journey

Gotcha day is just the beginning. Having support as you navigate the first 24 hours and beyond makes all the difference.

That's why we created our free Skool community - to give you continuous support every step of the way.

Inside the community, you'll get:

• Weekly live Q&A sessions where you can ask about YOUR specific gotcha day concerns and get last-minute advice
• Complete puppy courses covering the entire first week in detail
• A supportive community of other owners going through gotcha day who understand the excitement and nerves
• Printable checklists for two-week countdown preparation
• Troubleshooting help when things don't go to plan on pickup day
• Updated resources including car setup guides and first-day schedules

Best part? It's completely free. No subscription. No catch. Just dog owners helping dog owners.

Join The Toe Beans Co community today and get the ongoing support you need to make gotcha day smooth and successful.