Essential Supply Checklist: Foster Puppy Edition

When you’re getting ready to welcome a foster puppy into your home, you’ll need to stock up on some essentials. Having the right supplies on hand will make fostering easier, cleaner, and way more fun.

To help you out, I’ve put together this ultimate puppy foster supply checklist. Let’s get prepared! To make it easy for you to find the best supplies for your foster pups, I’ve linked some recommended products from Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you! Every purchase you make through these links helps support my efforts to care for and advocate for foster puppies.

Thank you for your support - it truly makes a difference for these little paws in need!

1. Basic Puppy Necessities

These are the must-haves for keeping your foster puppy safe, comfy, and well-fed.

✔️ Food & Water Bowls – Stainless steel or ceramic is best (less bacteria buildup than plastic).
✔️ Puppy Food – Your rescue may provide food or recommend a brand. Young puppies need food formulated specifically for their age.
✔️ Soft, Cozy Bed – Puppies love to snuggle up! Opt for something washable (trust me, accidents will happen).
✔️ Puppy Crate or Playpen – Essential for giving them a safe space and helping with potty training.
✔️ Treats & Clicker – Training essentials!

2. Cleaning & Potty Training Supplies

Puppies are MESSY. Here’s what you’ll need:

✔️ Puppy Pads – Perfect for young pups who are still learning where to potty.
✔️ Enzymatic Cleaner – This stuff is a lifesaver! It breaks down pet accidents so puppies don’t keep returning to the same spot.
✔️ Paper Towels & Disinfecting Wipes – Because puppies get into everything.
✔️ Poop Bags – Even if you have a yard, you’ll want to clean up. Get more than you think you need - puppies poop A LOT.

3. Toys & Enrichment

Foster puppies need stimulation to keep them happy and help them learn about the world. Stock up on:

✔️ Chew Toys – Teething puppies will chew everything. Kong toys and Nylabones are great. If they’re getting into things they shouldn’t, try a toy that’s similar in texture. For example, if the puppy is chewing on wood furniture, try an antler chew. The trick is to offer appropriate alternatives to help puppies make the best decision.
✔️ Plush Toys – Soft, cuddly toys provide comfort, especially for puppies separated from their littermates.
✔️ Puzzle Toys & Slow Feeders – These help puppies use their brains and prevent boredom.
✔️ Balls or Rope Toys – Great for gentle play and bonding time.

4. Grooming & Health Essentials

Even young puppies need some basic grooming and care. Here’s what to have on hand:

✔️ Puppy Shampoo – Puppy formulas only! Make sure to follow any health recommendations. If your puppy was recently spayed/neutered, you’ll want to wait to give them a bath.
✔️ Soft Brush – Great for getting puppies used to grooming early.
✔️ Nail Clippers – Puppy nails grow fast, and keeping them trimmed prevents accidental scratches and saves your clothes.
✔️ Pet-Safe Wipes – Useful for quick cleanups (muddy paws, puppy pee on fur, etc.).
✔️ Flea Comb – Just in case your foster pup comes in with some unwanted visitors.

5. Health & Safety Items

Your rescue will likely provide any necessary medications, but it’s good to have a few first-aid basics:

✔️ Puppy-Safe Supplements (if recommended by the rescue) - for example, if you have an underweight puppy, you may want a high calorie gel supplement. Malnourished puppies can benefit from joint supplements.
✔️ Thermometer – To monitor health if a puppy seems unwell.
✔️ Digital Scale – Essential to track weight gain.
✔️ Vet Contact Info – Know where to go in case of an emergency!

6. Extra Supplies for Bottle Babies (if fostering very young puppies)

If you’re fostering newborn or orphaned puppies, you’ll need a few additional supplies:

✔️ Puppy Formula (NOT Cow’s Milk!) – Your rescue will recommend a brand like Esbilac.
✔️ Bottles & Nipples – The right size matters for tiny mouths!
✔️ Heating Pad or Warm Rice Sock – Neonatal puppies can’t regulate their body temperature.
✔️ Soft Washcloths – Used to help stimulate them to go potty (since mama dogs usually do this).

7. On-the-Go Puppy Essentials

If you’ll be taking your foster puppy to vet appointments or adoption events, have:

✔️ Pet Carrier – Small puppies travel best in a secure carrier.
✔️ Collar & Leash – Even if they’re not leash trained yet, it’s good to have for outings.
✔️ ID Tag (If Provided by the Rescue) – Always handy in case of escape attempts!

Final Thoughts: Be Prepared & Have Fun!

Fostering puppies is an incredible experience, and having the right supplies makes everything so much easier. If you don’t have everything on this list, don’t stress. Your rescue may provide some items, and you can always adjust based on what your puppy needs.

Most importantly? Be patient, enjoy the snuggles, and get ready to make a huge difference in a puppy’s life!

Did I miss anything? Fellow fosters, drop your must-have supplies in the comments!