Best Time to Get a Puppy: Age, Season & Life Considerations

Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Bringing home a puppy can be a whirlwind of excitement! Your new bundle of furry joy will be cute and curious—and also require lots of training. To make the introduction of a puppy to your home as smooth as possible, it’s best to time their welcome carefully.

First, if you plan to adopt a puppy through a breeder, you’ll want to wait until they’re 8 to 12 weeks old to bring them home. “Getting a dog before 8 weeks of age can negatively impact their ability to thrive,” explains Dr. Jordan Beauchamp, DVM, of GoodVets. “Most of the time, removing a puppy from their mother too early is not a good situation for the dog.”

You’ll also want to time your new puppy’s arrival with a suitable period of your own life, when you have lots of time to spend on bonding, socializing, and training classes. Puppies typically require extra work for the first six months, and the extra effort can pay off hugely in a well-adjusted adult dog.

Here’s what to know about how to time your puppy’s arrival, from signs they’re ready to leave their mom to the best seasons to adopt.

When Can You Bring a Puppy Home?

Letting a puppy to spend the first 8 to 12 weeks of their life with their mother and littermates can make a big difference in their physical and emotional health down the road. Here’s why.

Key nutrients and immunity. Puppies don’t just get important nutrients from their mother’s milk—they also get some of their mom’s immunity to the various pathogens. You can bottle feed a pup in a pinch—but the more you can leave the care of the newborn to mom, the better for their longterm health.
Socialization. Spending time with their mom and littermates is early socialization that teaches a puppy how to act around other pups. The socialization window is brief—just four months—and you’ll have getting your puppy out and about until they’ve had all their vaccinations. So the more they can learn now, the better.
Avoiding fear periods. A puppy’s first fear period usually happens between 8 and 11 weeks. During this time, they’ll be extra skittish. If you have the option to let them get through it before a big rehoming, go for it!

Legal requirements

Most US states have laws about when you can bring a puppy home, with 8 weeks being the typical minimum age. Some, like Kansas, have additional requirements, like that the puppy must also be weaned and accustomed to solid food. The goal of these policies is to protect puppies and pet parents from unscrupulous breeders and puppy mills.

One exception is shelters and humane societies. Since these nonprofits often rescue puppies younger than eight weeks, in some states you might legally be able to bring home a puppy earlier, with detailed instructions for their care and feeding.

slowmotiongli via iStock

What If I Get a Puppy Earlier?

There’s no question that it’s best for both you and your puppy to make sure they’re not separated from their mother before 8 weeks, since it elevates the risk for stress and behavioral issues later in life. A puppy who’s separated early has a greater chance of dealing with:

Given these risks, if a breeder is asking you to take a puppy home before they’re 8 weeks old, there’s a good chance they’re not above board.

If you do wind up with a puppy who’s separated from their parent young, it’s a good idea to get a vet and a trainer involved ASAP so you can help your new friend adjust with as few issues as possible.

Is 12 weeks too late to get a puppy?

12 weeks can be a great time to bring home a puppy. They’re more likely to have skated through their first fear period already, and they’ll have benefited as much as possible from their mother’s milk and the company of their siblings. In fact, 12 weeks is preferred for some smaller breeds, whose fast growth rate makes the additional nutrition preferable.

And as Dr. Beauchamp reminds us, there is no maximum age to adopt a dog! “Keep in mind that if they’re a bit older, they may have previous experiences that shape their view of the vet, men, or specific objects—like a plastic bag, for example,” she says. “It’s not a reason not to adopt an older puppy or dog, but it’s something to be aware of so that you can work through these things together.”

When Is the Best Time of Year To Get a Puppy?

There’s not a single best time of year to bring home a puppy, but depending on your own preferences, certain times of the year might be easier for you. Here’s what to consider.

The off season. If your work or home life has a quiet season, that’s a huge win—and a great time for fitting in the extra work that comes with bringing home a young dog.
Mild weather. Potty training—even training a puppy to potty on a leash—can take some time. Your walks will be a little aimless as your puppy learns the ropes, and you’ll be more comfortable if you aren’t standing around waiting in freezing cold or scorching heat.
Social time. Once they’re fully vaccinated, one of your jobs will be to socialize your young puppy, which means introducing them to as many new experiences as you can. Visits to friends, having guests over, and scheduling play dates with other dogs may be easier in some seasons than others.
No big schedule changes. Puppies thrive on predictable schedules, and while you want to vary things enough that they learn to be flexible, a huge change—like back to school—might temporarily throw a wrench in the works.

YURY NIKALAYEU via iStock

How Do I Know If I’m Ready?

Puppies are rewarding—and a big life change! “One of the best things you can do to prepare is to research the breed of dog you’re adopting,” says Dr. Beauchamp. “Knowing if your dog is prone to certain health issues and if you should get pet insurance, for example, can help you ensure that you’re financially ready for this responsibility.”

Choosing the right dog for you is also important. “If you’re a homebody, you might do well with a low-energy dog. If you love hiking and running and want to share that with your companion, you’ll want to opt for a breed who likes physical activity.”

Dr. Beauchamp also encourages pet parents not to shy away from mixed breeds. “Many of these dogs are showing a decrease in common health conditions as they get older,” she says. “And it’s also worth saying pet owners shouldn’t shy away from Pitbills. Most of them are loving and great to be around. They can be a wonderful pet.”

Signs that you’re ready to adopt a puppy as a first-time pet parent include:

Financial stability. Dogs are expensive! Make sure you’re comfortable adding your furry friend to your monthly budget and that you have emergency savings allocated for them. Puppies are full of surprises.
Stable living situation. Dogs can sense stress, so bringing them into a stable, relatively peaceful environment is key.
Flexible lifestyle. Are you prepared to dedicate time to training your puppy? Make sure your schedule allows for plenty of time at home.
A solid support system. A good network of friends and family can be helpful during any life change, and the puppy blues are no joke.

Feeling unsure?

If you’re on the fence about leaping into dog parenthood, don’t despair! There are lots of ways to get a feel for what it would be like without committing to a lifetime of care.

You might consider volunteering at a shelter, fostering a dog, or becoming a dog sitter to gain first-hand experience. “If you’re intimidated by the work that goes into puppy training, check out books and videos,” suggests Dr. Beauchamp. “You might also look into local training facilities for when puppy arrives home. The sooner you start reinforcing good behaviors, the better it is for everyone!”

When Is the Best Time To Get a Puppy?