The first few days with a new puppy can be joyful, tiring, and a little overwhelming. Preparing ahead of time makes the transition easier for both your family and your puppy.

Before pickup, choose a quiet area for your puppy’s crate, decide where meals will be served, and select one consistent place for potty breaks. Purchase the same food your puppy is already eating so that you do not introduce an unnecessary change during an already unfamiliar week.

Bringing home a puppy should feel exciting, but choosing a breeder can leave families with a lot of questions. How was the puppy raised? What care has the puppy received? Will the breeder still be available after pickup?