Because showing up ready beats scrambling in your slippers.

Bringing home your new puppy is a big deal—and I want you feeling confident, not chaotic. This checklist is your no-fluff guide to being 100% ready before your pup so much as wags their way through your front door. I’ve also created a full YouTube Playlist just for you that walks you through each of these steps—because visual learners unite!
👉 [Watch the full playlist here] (YouTube playlist link)

🛒 FOOD & NUTRITION

☑️ Order PawTree food and set up your EZShip every 4–6 weeks
  • I use PawTree exclusively for a reason—it’s top-tier and easy.
  • Need help? I’ll walk you through it, or watch my setup video here 👉 [YouTube Link]
  • Bonus: I also mix in eggs, freeze-dried raw, salmon oil, and gizzards/hearts for extra goodness.

🏠 CRATE & BEDDING

☑️ Buy the right-size crate (not mansion-size—your pup needs cozy right now)
☑️ Pick up two white towels for crate bedding
  • Easy to bleach, cheap to replace, soft, and SO much better than overpriced crate pads.

🔒 PLAY PEN SETUP

☑️ Set up a portable play pen in the main area of your home
  • Helps massively with potty training, boundaries, and supervision.
  • I’ve got a full how-to video 👉 [YouTube Link]

🩺 VET APPOINTMENT

☑️ Schedule wellness exam within 48 hours of Go-Home Day
  • Establishes care
  • Gives your vet a baseline
  • Also? It’s just smart. Do it now while you’re thinking about it.

🛡️ INSURANCE ACTIVATION

☑️ Activate Trupanion Insurance with your Go-Home Date as the effective date
  • You get 30 days free with my code
  • It kicks in immediately—because puppies are cute and unpredictable
  • Video walkthrough? Of course 👉 [YouTube Link]

🧰 PUPPY GEAR ESSENTIALS

☑️ Leash & Collar – fitted, not flopping
☑️ Glass or stainless steel bowls – no plastic
☑️ Wire comb & slicker brush – I swear by Chris Christensen gear
☑️ Treat container + training treats (freeze-dried liver or kibble works great)
☑️ Chew bones – Real Yak Chews, Bully Sticks, Benebones
❌ No rawhide. Ever. Period.

This might feel like a lot, but don’t panic—I’ve made it super easy with my YouTube Puppy Prep Playlist. Watch each video at your own pace and get fully prepped like a boss.

🎥 Click here to watch the full playlist
(YouTube playlist link again)

You’ve got this—and I’ve got you.