New dog checklist
New dog checklist: what you actually need (and what you don't)
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Pet shops make it easy to spend hundreds before your dog even arrives. Here's what you really need on day one, what can wait, and what you can skip. Prices are rough UK ranges from budget to premium.
Day-one essentials
| Item | Rough price | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Collar with ID tag | £10–£25 | By law in England, Scotland and Wales, dogs in public must wear a collar and tag with the owner's name and address. |
| Lead and harness | £15–£50 | A well-fitted harness is kinder for pullers. |
| Food and water bowls | £5–£20 | Stainless steel or ceramic are easy to clean. |
| Food (same as they're used to) | £15–£60 | Change food gradually over a week or so to avoid upset tummies. |
| Bed | £20–£80 | For puppies, start cheap — they chew and outgrow beds. |
| Poo bags | £5–£10 | Buy in bulk. |
| Chew toys | £10–£25 | A few sturdy ones beat a basket of cheap ones. |
Useful, but can wait
- Crate (£30–£80) — great for puppies and travel if introduced gently.
- Car harness or boot guard — the Highway Code says dogs should be suitably restrained in vehicles.
- Grooming brush and nail clippers (£10–£30).
- Stair gates (£20–£40) for puppies.
- An automatic feeder, if your routine needs one.
Probably skip
- Designer beds for a puppy that's still chewing.
- Multiple coats and accessories before you know what your dog needs.
- Big bags of food before you know your dog likes it.
Don't forget the non-shopping essentials
- Register with a vet and book a first check.
- Update the microchip database with your details.
- Arrange pet insurance before your dog comes home.
- Budget for vaccinations, flea and worming — see puppy first-year costs and flea and worming costs.
In total, most owners spend roughly £150–£400 on the basics. Once you're settled, the biggest ongoing cost is food — compare it by cost per day.
Last updated September 2026.