The date is set. In just a few days, a dog will be joining your household, and suddenly even an ordinary browse around a pet shop starts to feel completely different. Dog beds, bowls, harnesses, collars, leads, toys, blankets, chews, grooming products – there is so much to choose from that it is easy to feel as though a dog needs almost the entire shop from day one.
In reality, a good set of new dog essentials should not contain as many things as possible. It should include, above all, the things your dog will genuinely need from the very first hours in their new home. Animal welfare organisations such as the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), Dogs Trust and Blue Cross primarily recommend a comfortable place to rest, bowls, food, a lead, a collar or harness, toys, as well as basic grooming and safety equipment [1][2][3].
It is therefore worth getting everything ready in advance, but without buying things “just in case”. Some decisions are much easier to make once you know your dog’s temperament, how they like to rest, their play preferences and how they behave on walks.
What should you buy before your dog comes home? The essentials at a glance
If you want to prepare only what will genuinely be useful at the beginning, your dog’s basic starter kit should include a comfortable place to rest, bowls for water and food, a supply of the food they are already used to, a safe walking set, a few suitable toys, basic grooming accessories and everything needed to transport your dog safely.
| Essential item | Worth having before your dog arrives? | What should you look for? |
|---|---|---|
| Dog bed | Yes | size, your dog’s sleeping style, ease of cleaning |
| Blanket | Worth having | washable, soft and durable material |
| Water bowl | Yes | stability, ease of cleaning, suitable capacity |
| Food bowl | Yes | size suited to your dog |
| Food | Yes | ideally, know what food your dog has been eating so far |
| Harness or collar | Yes | correct size and adjustability |
| Lead | Yes | length and weight suited to your dog |
| ID tag | Worth having | your current telephone number |
| Poo bags | Yes | ideally keep them ready by the lead |
| Toys | Yes, a few | size and construction suited to the individual dog |
| Grooming accessories | Yes | choice depends on coat type |
| Dog clothing | Depending on the dog and season | not every dog needs it |
| Additional beds, mats and accessories | Can wait | it is worth getting to know your dog’s habits first |
This is only a starting point. Each item should still be chosen thoughtfully, as your dog’s first bed, harness or lead may stay with them for much longer than just the first few weeks.
1. A dog bed – prepare their own place before they arrive
One of the first things worth setting up at home is a dedicated place for your dog to rest. PDSA and Dogs Trust recommend creating a calm space where your dog can retreat and where they will not be constantly disturbed by members of the household [1][3].
That does not necessarily mean your dog will sleep exactly where you planned from the very first day. They may choose the floor beside your bed, a rug or a spot under the table. Having their own dog bed nevertheless gives them a consistent point of reference in a completely new environment, so it is worth preparing one before they arrive.
When choosing a bed, pay particular attention to the actual sleeping area, whether your dog will be able to change position freely, and how easy the bed is to keep clean. If you are buying online, do not base your choice solely on labels such as S, M or L. Measurements in centimetres are far more important. You can read more about this in our guide “Buying a dog bed online? 8 things worth checking before you buy”.
If you are bringing a puppy home, it is also worth thinking about their eventual adult size. This does not necessarily mean buying the largest possible bed “to grow into”, but choosing the right size carefully may allow your dog to continue using it once they have finished growing. We discuss this in detail in the article “Which dog bed should you choose for a puppy so it will still suit them once they are fully grown?”.
A good example of a classic sleeping space is the CLASSIC graphite dog bed, which features removable covers and filling made from certified synthetic down. With a first dog bed in particular, the ability to clean it regularly is something you are likely to appreciate very quickly.
2. A dog blanket – a small addition that can prove very practical
A blanket is not absolutely essential, but it is certainly worth considering when putting together your dog’s first essentials. Dogs Trust also includes a blanket among the things worth preparing before a dog arrives [2][3].
You can place it in your dog’s bed, use it while travelling or take it with you when visiting unfamiliar places. Over time, the fabric picks up the familiar scent of home, which can make it a recognisable part of your dog’s environment.
In our collection of dog blankets, you will find designs created for everyday rest as well as travelling. One example is the NAP grey dog blanket. When choosing a blanket, look not only at how soft it is, but also whether it can be washed easily – particularly if it is going to accompany your dog from their very first days at home.
3. Two bowls – one for water and one for food
A basic set of dog essentials should include separate bowls for water and food [1][4]. Your dog should have easy access to fresh water, so it is a good idea to decide where the water bowl will stand before your new companion even crosses the threshold.
Choose the size of the bowl according to your dog’s size and the amount of food they receive. Stability and ease of cleaning also matter. If the bowl slides across the floor every time your dog moves their muzzle, everyday mealtimes can become less comfortable – particularly for a small or cautious dog.
The Bowl&Bone Republic dog bowls collection includes both single and double solutions. One example is the SOLO graphite dog bowl with a removable stainless-steel insert.
4. Food – the first few days are not the time to change everything at once
Before collecting your dog, it is worth asking the breeder, rescue organisation, foster home or shelter what food they have been eating and at what times they are normally fed. Dogs Trust recommends keeping your dog’s familiar food and meal routine during the first few days, with any changes introduced gradually later on [5].
There is a practical reason for this too. Moving home already brings an enormous number of new smells, sounds and experiences. There is no need to introduce a completely new daily routine at exactly the same time.
If the person or organisation you are collecting your dog from gives you a supply of their current food, continue with it for at least the first few days. Only afterwards – if a change is necessary – should you establish a longer-term feeding plan suited to your dog’s age, size and individual needs.
5. Harness or collar – the walking set needs to suit the individual dog
It is worth preparing a basic walking set before your dog arrives. This will usually mean a dog harness or dog collar, together with a suitably chosen dog lead.
There is no single walking set that will suit every dog. Size, body shape, temperament, experience of walking on a lead and the way your dog reacts to their surroundings all matter. Blue Cross notes that a properly fitted harness can help reduce pressure on the neck when a dog pulls on the lead [4].
Fit is the most important consideration. A harness that is too loose may increase the risk of your dog slipping out of it, while one that is too tight can cause discomfort. With a growing puppy in particular, it is worth checking the fit regularly. If you would like to explore the different constructions in more detail, take a look at our article “How to choose a comfortable harness for your dog?”.
For a growing dog, or one that is more difficult to measure, designs offering a wide adjustment range can be particularly useful. One example is the GRADIENT yellow dog harness, a guard-style harness with four-point adjustment. You can also include the GRADIENT yellow-pink dog collar in your dog’s first walking set.
6. What kind of lead is best as a first lead?
Your dog’s first lead does not need to come with a long list of additional features. Above all, it should allow you to guide your dog comfortably and appropriately for the places where you will be walking together. You may need a different length in a busy city centre than you would on a relaxed walk through a park.
For everyday outings, you can consider a classic city lead or an adjustable model whose length can be changed according to the situation. The SOHO city dog lead is available in two lengths and features an additional handle close to the carabiner, allowing you to shorten the distance quickly when greater control is needed.
If you would like to put the whole set together thoughtfully, have a look at our guide “How to put together a comfortable dog walking set? A practical guide”. It explains the differences between leads, harnesses, collars and additional accessories that can be useful on everyday walks.
It is also worth adding poo bags to your dog’s first essentials straight away. A practical addition can be a holder kept permanently attached to the lead, so you do not have to remember to pick up a roll every time you leave the house. You can find these types of additions in our dog accessories collection.
7. Toys – a few good ones are better than a basket full of random choices
A new dog does not need a dozen toys on their first day. It is worth preparing a few different types, however – for example, something soft, something for playing together and a chew that is suitable for your dog. Dogs Trust recommends having different types of toys available so that you can observe which kinds of activity your dog enjoys most [3].
The size of a toy should be appropriate for the size of your dog’s mouth, and its condition should be checked regularly. If the material becomes badly damaged or your dog begins biting pieces off, the toy should be taken away.
The dog toys collection includes soft designs intended for shared play, including the TOFFI dog toy.
There is no need to buy an entire collection before you know your dog. One dog may adore soft toys, another may mainly enjoy carrying them around, while another could be far more interested in playing tug together or searching for treats.
8. Grooming and hygiene – what you need depends on the dog
A brush or comb, products designed specifically for dogs and basic hygiene accessories also appear on checklists prepared by organisations such as PDSA and Dogs Trust [1][2].
There is little point in buying random grooming products before you know your particular dog’s needs. A long-haired Maltese will require different grooming from a short-haired Whippet. Your dog’s age, coat type, skin sensitivity and previous habits also matter.
If you are collecting your dog from a breeder or adopting them from somewhere where their history is well known, ask what brushes, shampoos or other products have been used up to now.
9. Safe transport to your dog’s new home
Your dog’s essentials become useful even before they arrive home. After all, they need to travel safely from the breeder, foster home or shelter.
PDSA and Dogs Trust include appropriate restraint for dogs travelling by car as part of the preparations for bringing a new dog home [1][2]. The method of transport should be suited to your dog’s size, your vehicle and the type of journey.
If collecting your dog involves several hours of travelling, plan the journey in advance. Take water, a bowl, poo bags and a blanket or another comfortable surface where your dog can rest calmly during a stop.
10. Prepare your home too, not just your dog’s essentials
Even the best dog bed and the most beautiful harness will not be enough if your home is not safe. PDSA and Dogs Trust recommend removing cables, chemicals, sharp objects and anything a dog could accidentally swallow or chew from their reach before they arrive [1][5].
Look at your home from your dog’s perspective. Things that seem merely “low down” to you may be perfectly accessible to a puppy. Secure electrical cables, medicines, cleaning products, food, small objects and bins. If there are rooms your dog should not initially enter, it is easier to establish those boundaries from day one rather than change the rules a week later.
If a puppy is joining your household, you can find more practical advice in the article “Puppy at home – how to prepare?”.
What should you buy straight away, and what can wait?
Before your dog arrives, focus on the things that meet their basic needs: rest, food, water, walks, safety, play and grooming. Additional accessories can be chosen later.
This is particularly important if you are adopting an adult dog whose preferences you do not yet know well. After a few weeks, you may discover that your dog loves resting in a soft bed with raised sides – or, quite the opposite, prefers a flat mat. You may find that they feel most comfortable in a particular type of harness, love long walks or have absolutely no interest in the type of toy that seemed perfect before they arrived.
A good set of dog essentials provides comfort from day one while still leaving room for later decisions based on your dog’s actual needs.
Puppy essentials vs adult dog essentials – is there a difference?
The basics are very similar: a bed, bowls, food, a harness or collar, a lead, toys and grooming equipment. With a puppy, however, rapid growth needs to be taken into account much more frequently.
A harness or collar may need readjusting or replacing with a larger size within a relatively short period. When choosing a bed, it is worth considering your puppy’s expected adult size, while toys should suit their current stage of development and preferred style of play.
An adult dog adopted from a shelter or foster home, on the other hand, may arrive with clearly established preferences. It is worth asking their previous guardians what they used on walks, where they liked to sleep, what they enjoyed playing with and what their daily routine looked like. The more familiar elements you can retain at the beginning, the fewer things your dog will have to adjust to all at once.
The most common mistake? Buying for the dog you imagine rather than the dog you have
Before your new companion arrives, it is easy to imagine what life together will look like. You can already picture a particular dog bed in the living room, long walks together and a basket full of favourite toys. Your dog, however, may have entirely different ideas.
The appearance of products matters, particularly when they become a permanent part of your home and everyday lifestyle, but the order of priorities should be simple: your dog’s needs, size, safety and functionality come first – design comes afterwards.
Well-chosen accessories do not have to be solutions for “the first day” only. A dog bed with a replaceable cover, an adjustable harness, a durable lead or an easy-to-clean bowl may stay with your dog for a long time. That is why putting together their first essentials is a good opportunity to buy less, but choose more thoughtfully.
New dog checklist – what to buy before collection day
A few days before your dog arrives, make sure you have prepared:
- a dog bed and a quiet place to rest,
- a water bowl and a food bowl,
- the food your dog is already familiar with,
- a properly fitted harness or collar,
- a lead,
- an ID tag with your current telephone number,
- poo bags,
- a few safe toys or chews,
- a blanket,
- basic grooming accessories,
- a safe way to transport your dog,
- secured cables, cleaning products, medicines and small objects around the home.
You do not need to have everything your dog might ever require. You need to have everything they will need to begin this new stage of life with you safely and comfortably.
Your dog’s first essentials can stay with them for much longer
There is something special about those first purchases for a dog. You are choosing things for someone who is about to become part of your everyday life, even though you may not yet know which side of the sofa they will prefer to sleep on, which walking route will become their favourite or which toy they will one day bring to you over and over again.
So do not try to predict everything. Prepare what matters most, and choose the rest together with your dog.
If you are currently putting together your dog’s essentials, at Bowl&Bone Republic you will find dog beds, harnesses, collars, leads, bowls, blankets, toys and other dog accessories that you can match to their size, needs and your life together. May the first things that appear in your shared home become the beginning of many wonderful moments.
– the Bowl&Bone Republic team
FAQ – frequently asked questions about the article
New dog essentials – what to buy before your dog comes home?
What should be included in a new dog starter kit?
A basic set of new dog essentials should include a dog bed, bowls for water and food, suitable food, a harness or collar, a lead, poo bags, a few safe toys and basic equipment for grooming and transport. You do not need to buy every possible additional accessory before your dog arrives [1][2].
What should I buy for a new dog first?
Start with the things that meet your dog’s fundamental needs: a place to rest, bowls, food, a walking set and a few toys. Additional beds, a large collection of toys, dog clothing and more specialised accessories can be chosen later, once you know your dog better.
When should I start buying things for my new dog?
It is best to prepare everything before the planned collection date so that the dog bed, bowls and other basic equipment are already in place when your dog first arrives home. This allows you to devote the first few days primarily to calm adjustment and building your relationship.
How should I prepare my home for a new dog?
Remove dangerous objects from your dog’s reach and secure electrical cables, cleaning products, medicines, loose food and small items that could potentially be swallowed. It is also worth deciding in advance where your dog will rest, where their bowls will stand and which areas of the home they will be allowed to access [1][5].
What dog bed should I buy for a new dog?
A dog bed should primarily be suited to your dog’s size and the position in which they like to rest. Pay attention to the actual sleeping area, whether the cover can be removed and washed, and the durability of the materials. If you are choosing a bed for a puppy, it is also worth considering their expected adult size.
Should I include a harness or a collar in my dog’s first essentials?
Either can form part of your dog’s first walking set. The choice should be based on your dog’s size, build and behaviour. When a dog pulls on the lead, a well-fitted harness can help reduce pressure directly on the neck [4]. Whichever option you choose, the correct fit and preventing your dog from slipping out are the most important considerations.
How many toys should I buy for a new dog?
There is no need to buy a large number of toys before your dog arrives. A few different types will allow you to discover whether your dog prefers soft toys, chews, tug toys or other forms of play. You can expand their collection later once you know what they actually enjoy.
What should I buy before bringing a puppy home?
Puppy essentials include the same basic items as those for an adult dog, but you also need to account for rapid growth, check the fit of harnesses and collars more frequently, and choose age-appropriate toys and chews. Products used during toilet training may also prove useful [1][2].
Do I need to buy everything before my dog arrives?
No. The things your dog will need from the first day should be ready, but some purchases are better postponed until you know their temperament, sleeping habits and preferences. This helps avoid buying products your dog may never use.
How much does a new dog starter kit cost?
There is no single correct amount. The cost depends on your dog’s size, the quality of the products, the type of dog bed and walking set, and how many additional items you decide to buy at the beginning. Rather than setting a budget according to the number of products, it is better to divide your shopping list into essentials and things that can wait.
Sources and inspiration used to write the article
New dog essentials – what to buy before your dog comes home?
- People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) – “New puppy checklist” – preparing the home and a list of essential items to have ready before a dog arrives.
- Dogs Trust – “Puppy checklist: preparing for your new dog” – essential equipment and preparations worth completing before collecting your dog.
- Dogs Trust – “How to help your puppy get settled into your home” – preparing a resting place, toys and a calm space for your dog.
- Blue Cross – “First time dog owner guide” – basic equipment for a new dog and guidance on harnesses, collars and leads.
- Dogs Trust – “Day one with a new puppy” – preparing the home, first meals and calmly introducing a puppy to their new surroundings.
- Bowl&Bone Republic – “Which dog bed should you choose for a puppy so it will still suit them once they are fully grown?” – choosing a puppy’s first bed while taking their future growth into account.
- Bowl&Bone Republic – “How to put together a comfortable dog walking set? A practical guide” – choosing a harness, collar, lead and additional walking accessories.
- Bowl&Bone Republic – “Buying a dog bed online? 8 things worth checking before you buy” – choosing the right size, construction and practical features of a dog bed.
- Bowl&Bone Republic – “Puppy at home – how to prepare?” – preparing your home and getting ready for the first days with a young dog.
- Bowl&Bone Republic – dog accessories range – current product categories, solutions and product information used in the section on preparing your dog’s essentials.
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