The wait is over, the day has come – Gotcha Day!! Soon you will be meeting, maybe for the first time, the puppy who will become a beloved member of the family. But if you’ll be making a long road trip to bring your puppy home, there are a few things you should pack to make the travel less stressful.
- Potty pads – There will be accidents. Be prepared!
- Towels and paper towels – Again, there will be accidents!
- Waterproof coverings – These are especially helpful to protect your clothes, your car upholstery and furniture or beds if you’ll be staying overnight in a hotel with your new pup. They’ll wash up easily once you’re back home.
- Fresh water, food and bowls – Your breeder or the shelter may provide this, but if not, be sure to ask what food your pup has been eating and have that on hand for the trip and for when you arrive at home. Your pup’s digestive system will likely be affected by the stress of leaving the litter and their first car ride. Now is not the time to introduce new food.
- Kennel and/or exercise pen – You will need some way to contain your new puppy, especially if you will stay in a hotel. A waterproof covering on the floor with an exercise pen makes a safe place for your pup to crash after a long day on the road.
- Cleaning supplies – This is the not-so-fun part. To repeat, be prepared. Your pup may have GI distress and vomit on the way home. They will likely have diarrhea from the stress and pee in the car. Have cleaning sprays, dog-safe wipes, paper towels and poop bags and larger plastic bags for clean-up.
- Toys – This is the fun part. Although they may be too nervous and tired to play much, you’ll want to have a few puppy-safe toys to keep them occupied during the drive.
- Your phone or camera – You will want to capture this special day!
With a little preparation before the trip, you can be calm and prepared and pass that calm onto your pup, making their Gotcha Day a joyous one for both you and them!