New puppy basics
Should I bring anything from the breeder when I pick up my puppy?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Yes: ask for a blanket or soft toy carrying the litter's scent, a small bag of the food the puppy has been eating so you can switch gradually, any paperwork such as vaccination or worming records, and a written feeding schedule. These small items make the first week noticeably smoother than starting from scratch.
The scented item matters more than people expect
A washcloth or small blanket that has been in the whelping box for a week or two carries the smell of the mother and littermates. Placed in the crate at night, it is one of the simplest ways to reduce a puppy's distress during the first few nights.
Food and records save you a scramble
Ask for two or three days' worth of the current food, plus the brand name, so you can transition slowly rather than switching cold on day one. Also request any health record, first vaccination date and worming history in writing, since you will need it at your first vet visit.
Key takeaways
- A scented blanket or toy from the litter helps settle a puppy during the first nights.
- A few days' supply of the current food lets you switch gradually instead of all at once.
- Written vaccination and worming records save time at the puppy's first vet appointment.