Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Bringing a new dog home is exciting, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming. You will have plenty of questions to ask both the breeder or rescue home from which you got the dog, the vet, and other dog owners, and some advice will be conflicting and confusing.
I have had dogs since I was 12, and every time I get a new rescue (my rescues find me), I walk around the house wondering if I’d done enough. Was it safe? Was it ready? Had I missed anything?
The good news is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to create a comfortable, safe, and welcoming home for your new companion.
Make Your Home Safe for a New Dog
Pet-Proofing Essentials
If it is a puppy, they are inquisitive. Once they have settled, even rescues will want to explore, chew, sniff, and stick their noses where they don’t belong. It’s up to you to ensure they can’t hurt themselves or damage your stuff.
Here’s how I made my home dog-ready:
- Block off unsafe areas with baby gates or furniture to prevent accidents. Charity shops are your friend as you can get good stuff for a fraction of the price, and dear I say it even skips – after all, my dogs had their sofa from a skip, which I simply sprayed with some white vinegar to kill anything
- Tie up or hide cables—curious dogs love to chew them.
- Keep cleaning products and meds in high cupboards or behind baby locks.
- Move houseplants out of reach, especially those that are toxic, such as lilies or aloe vera.
- Put bins out of reach or invest in a bin with a lockable lid.
Get down on your hands and knees and look at the world from your dog’s point of view. It helps.
Set Up a Simple Safe Space
Here’s how I did it on a tight budget—and how you can.
Comfort Without the Cost
Just like us, your dog needs a comfortable place to rest, retreat to, and feel safe when things get too much or there are fireworks.
Here’s what I used:
- An old duvet folded into a rectangle and tucked into a fitted sheet.
- A cheap crate from Facebook Marketplace with a second-hand vet bed inside.
- Toys with familiar smells, I brought a lot of these from a charity shop and then cleaned them.
I set it up in a quiet corner of the living room where my dog could see us but still relax.
Reuse and Repurpose What You Already Have
Everyday Items That Work for Dogs
Before heading to the pet shop, look around your house. You’ll be surprised how much stuff you can probably reuse and repurpose:
- Old towels and blankets for bedding, drying off, or covering furniture
- Cushions for window-watching spots
- Tupperware for food storage
- A yoga mat as a feeding mat to stop bowls sliding
- Spare baskets or crates for toy storage
I spent less than £20 in those first few weeks using what I already had.
Set Up a Feeding Station on a Budget
Keep It Simple and Consistent
You don’t need an expensive food setup. I used:
- Stainless steel bowls from Poundland—easy to clean and last for ages
- A cheap rubber mat under the bowls to catch spills
- A sealed plastic bin for dry food with a scoop inside
Feed in the same place every day to build a routine. If you’ve adopted a pet from a rescue, stick to their food for the first week and then slowly transition to a new one.
Save Money on Toys and Enrichment
Easy DIY and Cheap Finds
Toys don’t need to be expensive. Start simple and test what your dog likes:
- Rope toys made from old T-shirts
- Frozen carrots for chewing (great for teething)
- Tennis balls – many people start off using a tennis ball, as they are cheap, which is fine, but please read my article on tennis balls
- Soft toys from the charity shop—remove buttons or plastic eyes, or indeed, you may find some proper stuffed toys that need cleaning
- Cardboard boxes for sniffing and shredding
- An old cat litter box – yep, you read it right, and it’s intended for house training, but for creating a scent box where you bring the outdoors indoors
Rotate toys to keep things interesting without constantly buying new ones.
Start Good Habits From Day One
Building a Routine Without Spending
Dogs learn routines quickly. Here’s what helped me:
- Set toilet breaks every few hours, especially after meals or naps
- Use a designated toilet area outside and praise them when they go
- Stick to a feeding routine—same time, same spot each day
- Gently introduce alone time, even for just a few minutes
I first used a kitchen timer and sticky notes to stay on track.
Create Zones in Your Home for Your Dog
Structure Helps Dogs Feel Secure
Dogs feel more settled when they know where things happen. I set up:
- A sleep zone with bedding and a crate
- A feeding zone away from noise and foot traffic
- A play zone with a toy basket
- A toilet area with a cue word used every time
- Enrichment zone – this will be a fun place with lots of enrichment, such as scent boxes,
It helped my dog relax and adjust more quickly.
Keep It Clean Without Expensive Products
Budget Cleaning Tools That Work
Dogs are messy, especially in the early days. Here’s what I used:
- Old towels by the door for wiping muddy paws
- Bicarb and vinegar to clean accidents and remove odours
- Cheap lint rollers for clothes and cushions
- Spray a bottle of diluted pet-safe cleaner for quick clean-ups
I also covered the sofa with a spare blanket to protect it and make washing easier. Visit my post on cleaning with a dog
Grooming at Home to Save Money
Basic Grooming Tools to Start With
You don’t need professional grooming right away. Start simple:
- A slicker brush (under £5 online) for most coat types
- Pet-safe shampoo—one bottle lasts ages
- Nail clippers, if you feel confident using them
I asked my veterinarian to show me how to trim my dog’s nails safely. Most dogs only require regular brushing and occasional baths.
Shop Second-Hand for Dog Essentials
Where to Find Affordable Supplies
There’s no need to buy everything brand new. I found loads of essentials second-hand or free:
- Crates
- Beds
- Blankets
- Toys
- Collars and leads
Check local Facebook groups, Freecycle, and community apps for available items. Just give everything a good clean before use.
Learn What Your Dog Likes and Needs
Observation Beats Overbuying
Every dog is different. Watch and learn what makes them feel happy and safe.
Ask yourself:
- Do they prefer soft toys or chews?
- Do they relax better in quiet spaces or busy rooms?
- Are they more active in the morning or evening?
You’ll avoid wasting money on things they don’t use, and you’ll build a better bond.
Keep It Simple and Focus on Connection
Dogs Don’t Need Fancy Gear
Your dog doesn’t care if their crate is colour-coordinated.
They care about comfort, routine, and your company.
Be patient. Go slow. Focus on connection.
Ignore what you see on social media and trust your instincts.
The Essentials to Focus On First
What Your Dog Needs Right Now
You don’t need to do it all at once. Focus on these four things:
- Somewhere to sleep
- Somewhere to eat
- Somewhere to the toilet
- Somewhere to relax
Everything else can wait.
You’ll learn together, adapt, clean up wee, laugh at their quirks, and realise you didn’t need half the stuff you thought you did, but you’ll still go out and buy new toys and beds just like you would a child.
Other resources
I am part of a great Blog Circle, so find out what Gemma has to say about What Makes “a Life Worth Living” for a Pet?
Below is a video from Blue Cross