There’s a moment, usually within the first hour or so, where it hits you.
The puppy you wanted is home.
The door is closed.
And suddenly you realise they’re now relying on you for everything.
I remember that feeling clearly. The excitement mixed with a quiet panic. Wondering if I’d missed something. Hoping there wasn’t an important step I didn’t even know I was supposed to take.
This blog is for that moment.
The First Thing to Check: Microchip Details
In the UK, all dogs are required to be microchipped. That part is widely known and is usually done before a puppy comes home.
What often isn’t explained clearly is this:
the registered keeper still needs to be updated.
Your puppy’s microchip will be registered on one specific database, depending on which provider was used. There isn’t a single government website that holds all records.
Common UK microchip databases include:
- PetLog
- Identibase
- Animal Tracker
- Pet Identity UK
- Anibase
If you were given paperwork, check which database is listed. If you weren’t, it’s completely okay to go back and ask the breeder or rescue.
What You Need to Do
- Visit the relevant database website
- Enter the microchip number
- Update the keeper details into your name
- Pay any small admin fee (if applicable)
This step really matters. It’s how vets, rescues and dog wardens identify you as the legal keeper if your dog is ever lost.
ID Tags: When They Become Necessary
Once your puppy starts going out into public spaces, UK law requires them to wear an ID tag. It’s not something you need on day one, but it is something you’ll need before regular walks begin.
There are lots of options: metal, plastic, rubber, engraved, and printed. What matters is the information, not the style.
Under the Control of Dogs Order 1992, an ID tag must include:
- the owner’s surname
- the owner’s address (house number and postcode is sufficient)
You can also include (optional):
- a phone number
- your dog’s name
Some trainers advise not including the dog’s name, as it can make it easier for someone to claim or lure them. That’s a personal choice, but the legal requirements above must be met.
If you want to read the law directly, you can find it here:
The Control of Dogs Order 1992
Registering With a Vet (Earlier Than You Think)
Even if vaccinations aren’t due yet, registering with a local vet early is a good idea.
It gives you:
- a clear point of contact if something doesn’t feel right
- guidance on vaccination timing
- reassurance when you need it
You don’t need to rush everything. You just need to know where to go if you do.
Some vets also offer ongoing care plans, which can include routine health checks, flea and worm treatment, and regular weighing. Having everything in one place can make the first year feel far more manageable.
Flea and Worming: Don’t Let This One Catch You Out
Flea and worm treatments can feel overwhelming at first. There are a lot of brands, reminders, subscriptions and opinions.
The important thing is consistency.
You can:
- manage treatments yourself
- use a subscription service that reminds you
- include it as part of a vet care plan
There isn’t a single “right” option. What matters is that your puppy is protected appropriately for their age, weight and lifestyle. Your vet can help you decide what makes sense for you.
Feeding: What Most New Owners Worry About
When I first got Luna, feeding was one of the things I found most confusing.
Dry food?
Wet food?
A mix of both?
How much was too much?
I didn’t want to overfeed her or get it wrong, so I chose a subscription service that adjusted portions based on her weight and breed as she grew. That worked for me, but I know it’s not an option for everyone.
What does matter, regardless of budget, is this:
- ask the breeder what your puppy is currently eating
- don’t change food suddenly
- transition slowly if you do switch
Abrupt changes in food can cause stomach upset, especially in young puppies. Even if you plan to feed something different long term, gradual change is always kinder.
It also helps to have a rough idea of how big your dog is likely to get. Breed, mix and growth expectations all affect portion sizes over time.
We’ll cover feeding in more depth in a separate post, but this is the part most people don’t realise until they’re standing in the kitchen with a bowl and a very expectant puppy.
If You’re Unsure, You’re Probably Doing It Right
Most new dog owners feel unprepared. That doesn’t mean you are.
Paying attention, asking questions, and taking responsibility for the practical details are what matter most. Dogs don’t need perfection. They need consistency and care.
Where This Fits in Our Journal
We share pieces like this because real life with dogs isn’t always straightforward, especially at the beginning. Honestly, I wish I’d had something like this in one central place when we brought Luna home.
If you’re navigating puppy life, you might also find these helpful:
- our new puppy essentials guide
- step-in vs over-the-head harnesses
- Why we designed our first harness the way we did
We’re building this journal slowly and honestly, with real experiences in mind.
Because feeling supported matters too.
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