Guide: bringing a puppy home in the car
Bringing a Puppy Home in the Car: A Safe, Calm First Ride
Bringing a puppy home in the car goes best with two people, a secured crate or carrier and a quiet, direct drive. The American Veterinary Medical Association advises restraining every pet in a moving vehicle, and never leaving one alone in a parked car. With a little preparation, the first ride becomes a good first memory.
What to pack when bringing a puppy home in the car
- A crate or carrier with an absorbent pad and a towel
- Paper towels, wipes and waste bags
- A water bowl and a bottle of water
- A small portion of the puppy’s current food
- A chew toy
- A collar or harness with an ID tag, and a leash
- A second person, if at all possible, to sit beside the puppy
Restrain your puppy safely
A loose puppy is a danger to itself and to the driver. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends a crate or carrier big enough for the pet to stand, turn around and lie down, placed near the center of the vehicle and secured so it cannot slide (AVMA).
So keep the puppy off laps, however tempting it is. In addition, use the back seat, because front airbags are built for adult humans.
Preventing car sickness when bringing a puppy home in the car
Many puppies feel queasy on their first ride. The American Kennel Club suggests several simple steps (AKC):
- Fresh air. Lower the windows a little.
- A cool car. Keep the temperature down.
- Less to look at. A carrier with solid sides limits the moving view.
- A light stomach. Feed a small meal a few hours before, not just before you leave.
- Smooth driving. Take corners and stops gently.
If the puppy drools, yawns or whines, pull over for a short break. Most dogs outgrow car sickness with practice.
Bringing a puppy home in the car on a long drive
Plan a stop every one to two hours for water and a potty break. However, choose the spot with care. A puppy that has not finished its vaccines should not walk where many unknown dogs have been, so avoid the dog area at rest stops. Instead, pick a clean patch away from traffic, or use a pad in the car.
Keep the harness and leash on at every stop, because a frightened puppy can bolt.
Never leave a puppy in a parked car
The AVMA is blunt on this point: never leave a pet alone in a parked vehicle, whatever the weather and however short the stop. According to the AKC, when it is 80 degrees outside, the inside of a car can pass 120 degrees within minutes.
Therefore, on the ride home, someone stays with the puppy at every stop.
When you arrive
- Carry the puppy straight to its potty spot.
- Offer water.
- Let it explore one room, not the whole house.
- Keep the first evening quiet.
Our new puppy checklist covers the first 48 hours. If you are collecting your puppy from us in Eagle Mountain, see pickup and delivery options.
Related guides
- New Puppy Supplies: The Checklist You Actually Need
- Home Raised vs Kennel Raised Puppies: What Is the Difference?
- Puppy Blues: Why New Owners Feel Overwhelmed, and What Helps
- Working Full Time With a Puppy: A Realistic Plan
- First Night With a New Puppy: A Calm Bedtime Plan
See all our puppy guides, or meet our Havapoo puppies for sale and Goldendoodle puppies for sale.
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