How to Prepare for the Drive Home with Your New Puppy: Tips for a Safe and Comfortable Journey
- Megan McLoughlin
- Jul 25
- 4 min read
Your new puppy will soon be leaving Cream Puff to join your family! The drive home is an important first step in your puppy’s new life with you. To help ensure this trip is safe, comfortable, and calm for your puppy, here are essential tips to prepare before you pick up your furry family member.
Advice for the Drive Home with Your Puppy
1. Secure Your Puppy Safely for the Drive
Your puppy’s safety during the drive is our top priority. Before bringing your puppy home, you may want to invest in a means of securing them safely during your journey, especially if travelling alone:
Crate: A well-sized, ventilated crate is a safe way to secure your puppy and create a cozy space for the trip.
Puppy Seat Belt Harness: If you don’t have a crate, a dog seat belt harness is a good alternative.
Car Seat for Small Puppies: As an alternative, a pet car seat offers added comfort and security.
2. What to Bring on Gotcha Day
We suggest families bring the following when you come to pick up your puppy:
Your preferred option from above to safely secure your puppy
A leash and collar
A towel, blanket or absorbent pads and unscented wipes (accidents can happen)
3. Understanding Your Puppy’s Behavior During the Drive
Your puppy may feel nervous or vocal during their first car ride, this is normal! Expect mild whining, panting, or moving around. Watch for signs of distress such as:
Excessive crying or barking
Drooling or vomiting
Trembling or shaking beyond mild anxiety
If your puppy seems very upset, speak softly to comfort them and, when safe, offer a treat. You may also want to stop and take a break for a few minutes.
4. Create a Calm Welcome
The ride home is a special moment for the whole family, while it’s an exciting time, especially for children, it's important to keep it peaceful for your new puppy. A calm car helps ease the transition from our home to yours:
Keep voices low and movement calm in the car.
Let your puppy rest - if they fall to sleep try not to wake them.
Refrain from using flash photography or bright phone lights in your puppy’s direction.
Avoid opening the crate or removing the puppy from their secured spot during the drive.
Keep the environment screen-free.
This helps prevent overstimulation and allows your puppy to associate their new family with comfort and safety from the very beginning.
5. Keep the Car Environment Neutral
Puppies are sensitive to sights, sounds, smells, and sensations. A neutral atmosphere helps reduce stress and keeps them feeling safe.
Maintain a comfortable temperature.
Avoid loud music or sudden noises.
Protect your puppy from direct sunlight.
Avoid strong scents such as air fresheners or perfumes/cologne.
Gotcha Day FAQs
Can we stop for a potty break?
No. Your puppy should remain in the crate or car at all times. It’s not safe for them to be on the ground in public until they’ve completed their vaccination series. Use absorbent bedding or a puppy pad inside the crate for long trips.
Can someone else pick up my puppy for me?
Yes, but please notify Cream Puff in advance and ensure the person collecting your puppy has everything your puppy needs for a safe and comfortable journey. Each puppy goes home with a welcome bag that contains many important items such a vaccine and health records which must be given to puppy’s new family by the person picking up.
What if I have questions on Gotcha Day?
Our team is here to help! Please reach out by phone or email with any questions before or during pickup.
What if I am running late on Gotcha Day?
Please contact Cream Puff as soon as possible if you expect a delay so we can prepare or reschedule accordingly. This is our home so if you are going to be more than 15 minutes late please understand that we may need to reschedule.
How long does the pickup process usually take?
Plan for thirty minutes to one hour on Gotcha Day to review paperwork, go over care instructions, and get your puppy settled in your vehicle.
Can I take photos or videos during pickup?
Absolutely! We encourage capturing these special moments to share your joy with family and friends. If you need a photographer, our team is always happy to take photos on your phone for you!
What should I feed my puppy when we get home?
Your Cream Puff puppy will come with a few days' supply of the food they’ve been eating. We free-feed at Cream Puff - this means your puppy has had access to their food at all times rather than at specific feeding times. You’re welcome to establish your own feeding routine at home, but we recommend making the same food available to your puppy right away to ease the transition.
Cream Puff FAQs
What health guarantees come with Cream Puff puppies?
All puppies come with a comprehensive health guarantee and vaccination record to give you peace of mind.
How does Cream Puff support families after adoption?
We’re always available to answer questions, provide advice, and support your journey with your new puppy.
I want to keep in touch with Cream Puff, how should I do this?
Our biggest online community is on Instagram. Follow @creampufflabradoodles from your dog’s account and we will follow them back. We love seeing updates from our puppies in their new homes and sharing them with our vibrant community. Please tag us using the “Tag People” option when posting for a chance to be featured.
We’re excited for your new journey together! If you have any questions about Gotcha Day or preparing for the drive home, please reach out anytime.
