When a puppy leaves your care and heads to their new home, there’s a lot for their new owner to think about. From feeding routines and vaccinations to insurance and training, those first few days can feel overwhelming. As a breeder, providing the right paperwork can make the transition much easier and giving documents to new puppy owners in a puppy pack can be really helpful.
A well-prepared puppy pack gives new owners useful information they can refer back to once their puppy is home. It can also help you demonstrate that you've taken your responsibilities as a breeder seriously.
In this article, we take a look at some of the most useful documents and pieces of information to include in your puppy pack.
A puppy contract sets out important information about the puppy and the agreement between you and their new owner. It can include details such as the puppy's registered name, date of birth, microchip number, parents' details, and the breeder's contact information. You can also include information about any relevant terms of sale. A written contract gives both you and the new owner something to refer back to if questions arise later.
Include the puppy's vaccination record, which should show which vaccinations the puppy has received, along with the relevant dates and any information about when their next vaccination is due. Encourage them to take the record to their chosen veterinary practice so the vet can advise them on the next steps.
Depending on the breed and circumstances, include records of veterinary examinations, health screening, hereditary disease testing and other relevant results. If you've completed recommended health testing on the parents, consider providing copies of the appropriate documentation.
Microchipping information should form part of your puppy paperwork. Give the new owner the puppy's microchip number and details of the database where the chip is registered, along with instructions about transferring or updating the registration where appropriate.
If you're breeding pedigree puppies, you may also provide the relevant pedigree documentation. A pedigree certificate can show the puppy's registered name and ancestry, depending on the registering organisation and type of registration.
For many owners, discovering their puppy's family tree is an enjoyable part of bringing a pedigree dog home. For breeders, it also provides useful information that the owner can keep with their puppy's other records.
A simple feeding guide can be one of the most useful things you give a new puppy owner. Let them know what their puppy has been eating, how much they're currently having, and how often they're fed. You can also explain how you've introduced food and treats.
Keeping the puppy's diet consistent during the first few days can help make the transition into their new home easier. If the owner wants to change their puppy's food, recommend that they do so gradually rather than making a sudden switch.
A puppy care guide gives the new owner a handy reference point for everyday questions. You could include information about grooming, bathing, nail care, exercise, sleep and toilet training. It's also useful to explain what socialisation and experiences your puppy has had.
It’s a good idea to provide an idea of the puppy's current daily schedule; it can be a helpful starting point for new owners to help their puppy transition to the routines of their new home.
Your puppy's new family will need to continue with the puppy's training and socialisation once they leave you. Give them a simple record of the training and experiences their puppy has already had and some ideas for continuing the process and next steps.
For example, if you've introduced them to household noises, car journeys, grooming or different surfaces, let their new owner know. This gives them a starting point for continuing that work at home. You can also recommend that owners look into reputable puppy training classes.
Puppy insurance information can also be useful to include in the puppy pack. If you provide details of an insurance provider or introductory cover, make sure the new owner understands exactly what is and isn't included. You can also encourage them to research their own cover and read the policy carefully.
Pet insurance can vary considerably, particularly when it comes to exclusions, excesses and pre-existing conditions. The important thing is to make sure your new owner knows that arranging suitable cover is their responsibility.
Include your contact details, your telephone number and email address, along with the best way and time to contact you. You may also want to provide the contact details for your veterinary practice, although owners should choose their own vet once the puppy is home. Having a clear list of contacts can be reassuring during those first few days when new owners may have plenty of questions.
Your documents for new puppy owners don't have to be limited to official paperwork. A thoughtful puppy pack could also include a copy of your puppy's daily routine, a familiar blanket or toy, a small amount of their usual food, and a list of useful resources.
You could also include information about the puppy's parents, their personalities, and any quirks you've noticed while they've been growing up. The more relevant information you provide, the easier it can be for the new owner to continue your puppy's care.
Providing documents to new puppy owners in a puppy pack can save you a lot of last-minute stress. It's also a great opportunity to give a new owner confidence, answer some of their questions before they arise, and help them give your puppy the best possible start in their new home.
Create a checklist for every puppy so you can make sure each owner receives the same information, keep copies of important documents for your own records, and remember to remain up-to-date with current rules and requirements.
Also remember to make your puppy pack more than just documents. Ensure it’s also fun, encouraging, and supportive!
27 October, 2026