Changing homes is a big experience for a puppy, so be sure to take your puppy straight home after picking it up. To make the transition less stressful for your new pet, resist the temptation of visiting relatives, friends, and neighbors.

Things to take to the airport:

• A leash and collar (bring them to the airport, you will need to walk the puppy as soon as it is released from the shipping crate)
• Bottled water (to offer the puppy if it has been in the crate for longer than 3–4 hours)
• A snack – the puppy will probably be hungry, and a snack may help to put it at ease
• 3 towels – the puppy may have an accident on the way home (one towel should be damp to clean up accidents), one towel should be used for drying, and the other used as a lap protector during the car ride – because it is important to snuggle with the puppy as soon as possible.