A new member of the family

Getting a puppy.

A little preparation.
A much calmer homecoming.

From choosing responsibly to what to buy, the first week, vet care and insurance. A practical UK guide to welcoming your puppy home.

Explore the puppy guides Plan your budget

A cream-coloured puppy asleep, wrapped in a white blanket. — Photo: Vet Reviews

Start before the shopping

A good fit for
your everyday life.

Think about the time, space and ongoing budget you can offer—not just collection day. Discuss care responsibilities, time away and any housing restrictions before committing.

Consider adoption as well as buying. If buying, meet the young animal with their mother where they were raised, ask for the records and take time to make your decision. The guides below help you know what to ask.

Rescue or buy a puppy?

For new dog owners

Your puppy, from the start.

Choose thoughtfully. Prepare the basics.
Make room for a gentle first week.

Choose responsibly

How to choose a responsible puppy breeder in the UK

Meet the breeder, see the mother and check the records before committing.

Read guide Before they arrive

New puppy checklist: what to buy and how to prepare your home

A practical UK puppy checklist covering the essentials to buy, a safe home setup, collection-day paperwork, vet registration and insurance.

Read guide The first week

Your puppy’s first week at home: a calm start

Plan collection day, the first night, toilet breaks, gentle socialisation and the first vet appointment without overwhelming your new puppy.

Read guide Plan your budget

How much does a puppy cost in the UK? Upfront and monthly budget

Plan the purchase or adoption fee, setup costs and monthly spending for a puppy, with sourced baselines, worked examples and a budget you can adjust.

Read guide

The care behind the cuddles

Plan the vet care.
Understand the cover.

Register with a practice, save its emergency number and bring the records to the first appointment. Ask about vaccinations, parasite care, microchipping and neutering for your individual pet.

Find a vet

Pet insurance explainedPolicy types, exclusions and what to compare →Pet insurance excess calculatorExplore what your share of an eligible bill might be →Puppy vaccinationsPrepare questions for your practice →The first vet appointmentWhat to bring and what to ask →

Before collection day

Your ready-to-welcome checklist.

Tick off the essentials as you go. Use the puppy checklist guide for the details.

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0 of 8 ready

Preparation checklistI have checked the breeder or rescue and asked for the records.I have worked out the upfront and monthly budget.A safe resting area and household safety checks are ready.I have food, bowls, bedding, a lead, harness and suitable toys.I have planned safe, secured transport home.I have a vet practice and its out-of-hours contact.I have considered insurance and how to meet unexpected bills.Everyone at home knows the first-week care plan.

Written by Vet Reviews using UK welfare, veterinary and consumer sources linked in each guide. General information; your vet can advise on your pet's individual care. Prices are estimates with their dates and assumptions explained.