Daily Pet Care HubNew Puppy & Kitten Supplies Checklist: What You Actually Need
By Pet Mama · Published 2026-07-19
The pet store wants you to buy everything; your new pet needs surprisingly little. Here's the honest split — with the printable PDF version to take shopping.
Puppy Must-Haves
| Category | Items | Est. cost |
|---|---|---|
| Feeding | Puppy food (same as breeder/shelter initially), two bowls, measuring cup | $40–80 |
| Sleep & den | Right-sized crate, washable bedding | $50–150 |
| Walking | Flat collar or harness, 6-ft leash, ID tag | $25–60 |
| Potty | Enzymatic cleaner ×2, poop bags | $20–35 |
| Teething | 3–4 chews of different textures, food-stuffable toy | $25–50 |
| Care | Brush, nail clippers, puppy toothbrush kit | $25–50 |
| Safety | Baby gate(s), cord protectors | $30–80 |
Full setup walk-through in the First 30 Days guide.
Kitten Must-Haves
| Category | Items | Est. cost |
|---|---|---|
| Litter | Two low-entry boxes, unscented clumping litter, scoop | $40–70 |
| Feeding | Kitten food, shallow bowls (whisker-friendly) | $30–60 |
| Territory | Scratching post (tall + stable), cardboard scratcher | $40–100 |
| Play | Wand toy, a few solo toys | $15–30 |
| Transport | Hard carrier (top-loading is vet-visit gold) | $30–60 |
| Care | Soft brush, nail clippers | $15–30 |
| Comfort | Cave-style bed, blanket from previous home | $20–40 |
Setup details in the first week with a kitten guide.
Skip for Now (Buy Later, If Ever)
Fancy beds before you know their sleep style, clothing, automatic feeders, water fountains, GPS trackers, the fourth through fourteenth toy, and breed-specific grooming tools before a groomer shows you which one you actually need. Every dollar skipped here funds the emergency cushion that matters more.
Don't Forget the Non-Shopping List
Vet appointment booked for week one, after-hours emergency clinic number saved, home pet-proofed, household rules agreed (furniture? bedroom? cue words?), and the first-year budget sanity-checked.
Grab the Printable
Download the New Pet Supplies Checklist PDF — puppy and kitten lists side by side with checkboxes and cost columns — and browse the rest of the free printables library.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do new puppy supplies cost?
Must-haves run $200–$600 depending on size and quality choices; kittens $150–$400. The printable below keeps you from doubling that in the pet-store excitement.
What do first-time owners buy that they don't need?
Multiple beds before knowing sleep preferences, wardrobe items, bowls in every style, and half the toy aisle. Buy minimal, learn your pet, then upgrade.
What do first-time owners forget?
Enzymatic cleaner (you will need it before the first bag of food runs out), a digital scale plan for portions, and saving the vet's after-hours number.
Related Guides
Pet First-Aid Kit: The Complete Checklist (and How to Use It)
Build a complete pet first-aid kit: the full supply checklist, what each item is for, emergency numbers to save, and a printable version.
The Year-Round Pet Care Checklist: What to Do Each Month
A month-by-month pet care rotation for dogs and cats: seasonal safety, grooming, health checks, and home tasks for January through December.
Dog vs Cat: Which Pet Is Right for a First-Time Owner?
Dog or cat for your first pet? Compare time, cost, lifestyle fit, apartment suitability, and emotional style — with an honest decision framework.