New Puppy Checklist: What Every Florida Pet Parent Needs

Welcome to the Pack!

Congratulations on your new puppy! As fellow pet parents and Florida residents, we know that raising a puppy in the Sunshine State comes with its own unique set of considerations. Here's your comprehensive checklist.

Before Puppy Comes Home

Puppy-Proof Your Yard

• Check fencing for gaps (puppies are escape artists!)
• Remove toxic plants (sago palms are common in Florida and deadly to dogs)
• Pick up any existing pet waste thoroughly
• Check for standing water where mosquitoes breed

Stock Up on Essentials

• Food and water bowls (stainless steel handles Florida humidity best)
• Age-appropriate puppy food
• Crate and bedding
• Leash, collar, and ID tags
• Poop bags (or better yet, sign up for our service!)

First Week Home

Vet Visit Schedule a vet appointment within the first week. Florida-specific concerns include:

• Heartworm prevention (mosquitoes are year-round here)
• Flea and tick prevention
• Vaccination schedule
• Microchipping

Establish a Routine Puppies thrive on consistency. Set regular times for:

• Feeding (2-3 times daily for puppies)
• Potty breaks (every 2-3 hours for young puppies)
• Play time
• Nap time (puppies need 18-20 hours of sleep!)

Florida-Specific Tips

Heat Safety

• Never walk your puppy on hot pavement (test with your hand — if it's too hot for you, it's too hot for paws)
• Provide shade and fresh water at all times
• Limit outdoor time during peak heat (10am-4pm)
• Watch for signs of heatstroke: excessive panting, drooling, lethargy

Yard Maintenance

• Start regular waste removal early to establish good habits
• Keep grass trimmed to reduce flea and tick habitat
• Consider a professional waste removal service (that's us!) so you can focus on training and bonding

The First Month

By the end of month one, you should have:

• Completed first vet visit and started vaccinations
• Established a feeding and potty routine
• Started basic training (sit, stay, come)
• Set up regular yard maintenance
• Found a local dog park for socialization (after vaccinations are complete)

Welcome to the wonderful world of pet parenthood! And remember — we're here to handle the yard so you can focus on the fun stuff.