Located in Bellevue, serving Seattle Metro, the Eastside Communities and King County

Bringing Your Puppy Home

Going to a new home is stressful for your puppy. Careful forethought and planning will set you both up for a great start to your life together. Before the big day, be sure you have all the things you need and that you've puppy proofed your home.

First and foremost, try to see things from your puppy's point of view, both physically and emotionally. Take everything slow, less is more.

Life with your puppy begins on the trip home...make it a safe and enjoyable ride!

Gather Your Supplies

Get ready for your first road trip with your puppy well ahead of time.

A crate and / or a passenger to help drive or care for the pup.
Absorbent bedding, like a towel or blanket. Bring enough to change out as needed for longer trips.
A snug fitting collar and leash, 6 feet or longer.
Fresh water and a bowl.
Enough food for meals for the duration of your trip and some small, soft, yummy treats.
Paper towels and a pet safe spray cleaner.
Garbage disposal and poop bags. Always have poop bags!

They're Still a Baby

If your puppy is coming to you directly from a breeder, they have very recently been separated from all they have known since birth.

Their mother, their littermates, and the only environment they have ever known. Depending on their age, they may also be in the midst of the first fear period.

It's so important that we do everything possible to minimize any fear or discomfort the puppy may experience and do our best to reassure them and help them feel safe.

Keep in mind, puppies should not be transported over long distances (over 60 miles) before 8 weeks old.

Keep Them Comfortable

Regardless of age, it's a good idea to time your drive so that the puppy doesn't have a full stomach. Make sure they have an opportunity to go potty before you hit the road and take frequent rest stops along the way if you'll be on the road for more than an hour or two. Puppies typically need to relieve themselves every 2 or 3 hours at most.

You can give them a small amount of soft, easy to chew food and a little bit of water, but don't feed any big meals until you get to your destination. It's not uncommon for puppies to get car sick.

Bring along extra bedding and clean up supplies just in case, including a pet safe spray cleaner, paper towls and garbage disposal bags. Old towels are absorbent and comfortable for the pup and easy to wash. I'm a fan of flannel blankets for comfort and absorbtion.

Be Mindful of the Weather

Common sense dictates that you should avoid traveling in hazardous weather conditions.

Puppies aren't able to regulate their own body temperature well, so you need to be mindful of the temperature in the car. Keeping it in the mid to low 70s is best, but with plenty of fresh air, via a cracked windoe or putting the AC on the fresh air setting.

DO NOT leave the puppy alone in the car if you have to get out. Put the puppy in a small carrier and take them with you.