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Dog Subscription Boxes: Surprising Your Pup With Monthly Fun

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You worked late and got home to find your dog’s favorite box of treats empty. Sitting on the couch, you hear the unmistakable sound of a toy getting ripped apart. That’s the third one this week. And the traffic report on the television is warning of a two-hour backup in every direction. Then your dog walks up to you with a wagging tail and hopeful eyes. Why’s the pet store so far away? And why does the idea of trying to find ANOTHER toy or treat make you cringe? Wouldn’t it be easier if toys and yummy snacks magically appeared on your porch? Well, if you sign up for dog subscription boxes, they will!

The Subscription Craze

With overtime schedules, gridlock, and exhaustion, subscriptions pop up daily. You can sign up to have almost anything delivered to your front door these days. Meal prep ingredients? No problem. Supplements? Would you like them monthly or quarterly? Even clothing options come with subscriptions these days.

So it’s not a surprise the pet industry followed suit. Dog subscription boxes appeared, filling in niches for the worn-out and exhausted pet owner.

Contents of the Average Dog Subscription Box

What can you find in most dog subscription boxes? Basically, if you can think of it, there’s a box out there to fill your needs. You’ll find boxes of toys, treats, clothing, and even veterinary needs. You answer a few questions about your beloved pup, and the company generates a catered box designed especially for your dog. Some companies even specialize in allergies or special food needs.

Each dog subscription box comes with a range of pricing options. As you go up the tiers, your box includes more fun surprises for your pooch. You can also decide whether you’d like a delivery each month (helpful in some cases) or if you want to push things off to a quarterly delivery. The sky’s the limit!

Why Use Dog Subscription Boxes?

Can you troop down to your favorite pet store and purchase these items? As it turns out, not always. Many dog subscription boxes offer exclusive items you won’t find anywhere else. This gives your dog a chance to explore new treat options or play with toys they’ve never seen before. You keep their world new and interesting. You’ll find them looking forward to the visit from the mailman (rather than barking at him every day).

Dog subscription boxes have other bonuses, too:

  • Each box is individual to your dog
  • You spend less than you would trying to create the same package in a store
  • Small businesses run many dog subscription boxes, and they often support animal-related causes
  • You usually get a bonus of satisfaction guarantees – something you won’t always find in a chain store

Choosing a Dog Subscription Box

The average dog subscription box ranges in cost from $25-$50 a month. But you need to decide what you’re looking for out of your box. Do you need a food delivery service? Is your dog the type to go through toys like water? Or do you want different treat options? Maybe you want a little of everything! Once you settle on the type of dog subscription box you’re after, you want to keep the following in mind as you peruse your options:

  • Frequency: Typically, you set up a dog subscription box to arrive every month. But some change things around. You can get quarterly options. Or you might pre-pay for a specific number of months. If you’re not sure, try ordering one box, just to see if you like what you get.
  • Shipping: Make sure you CAN get the box. Not every company ships everywhere. You want to make sure they ship to your door BEFORE you place your order.
  • Donations: Is it important to you that your subscription fee helps out other animals? Some companies donate a portion of their funds to shelters and rescues. Others don’t. If that’s important to you, hunt around.
  • Cancellation: How easy is it to UNSUBSCRIBE? You may want to end your deliveries at some point, and you want to make sure you know what the process is. Sometimes this is difficult information to track down.

Best Dog Subscription Boxes

People lead busy lives. And standing around a pet store, trying to remember your dog’s favorite treat after a long day at work? That’s not usually at the top of your list. You don’t want to deprive them of fun or snacks, though. Dog subscription boxes promise a constant supply of new surprises. Your dog – and you! – get the fun of opening the box each month to see what’s inside. And since you set things up especially for your dog, you know you’ll get things they’ll enjoy.

Or maybe you’re struggling to find the perfect gift for a friend with a dog. You have no idea what their pup likes. But you know everything about the dog from conversations. Dog subscription boxes make fantastic presents!

Best Mixed Dog Subscription Boxes

The most popular dog subscription boxes feature an abundance of surprises. You get toys, treats, chews, pulls – you name it. Your dog enjoys a new variety every month. And you have the chance to cater them to your pup’s preferences. You fill out a quick questionnaire as to their personality, allergies, and size. Then the company goes to work deciding the best combination of products. You’ll get to discover new options. And if you find a particular treat or toy your kiddo loves, you can usually find them on the company’s site by itself. It’s the perfect trial!

What’s more fun than themes? BarkBox changes up the theme on their dog subscription boxes every month. You always get two toys, two treats, and a chew with each box, though – cheerfully matched. If you have a determined chewer, they offer an additional Super Chewer box with indestructible toys. You can choose from a monthly plan, a six-month option, and an annual choice (the most cost-friendly). Within the U.S., they offer free shipping (can’t beat that). If you find a particular toy or treat you love, they carry their products in their store. And everything comes with a 100% money-back guarantee.

Downsides? If you want to customize your box, you have to contact customer service. Also, the plans are ALL set to auto-renew. So if you want to cancel them, you need to call and do so, or you’re going to find yourself charged.

The Good

The Bad

Watching toys disintegrate over and over breaks your heart, which is where Bullymake comes in. This dog subscription box caters to the hefty chewers in the dog world. Every box comes with two durable toys and three or four healthy treats. Best of all, if the toys end up destroyed, you simply snap a photo and send it to the company – they’ll replace it! You have the choice of a monthly subscription, a three-month plan, a six-month option, or a full twelve-month bundle (again, that’s the cheapest). They also work with local charities and rescues, which you’ve gotta love.

The downsides? Bullymake is one of the pricier dog subscription boxes. And the plans all auto-renew, so you need to stay on top of possible cancellations. If you want to customize your box, you need to contact customer service. And while they mention their work with charity, they don’t reference the specific organizations.

The Good

The Bad

Everyone recognizes the KONG brand, and they’ve branched out into the dog subscription box business. Your first box includes the original classic KONG toy, with subsequent boxes including toys matched to your dog’s personality, training toys, treats, and recipe cards for making additional healthy treats at home. You get a single monthly subscription option, but you have the peace of mind of knowing every KONG product gets manufactured in Colorado.

So what are the downsides? Outside of your initial questionnaire, you don’t have any input on your boxes. KONG chooses everything that goes into the box. Also, at this time, they don’t offer options for allergy needs. Considering that, they come out on the pricey end of things.

The Good

The Bad

Pet Treater gives you several different options for their dog subscription boxes. They have a treat-only option, a toy-only option, or their Deluxe Dog Pack, which combines them. For just $25 a month, the combination presents your dog with up to eight toys and treats! You can choose a monthly subscription or pay for several months in advance – whichever works easiest for you. If your dog has special needs, live chat, email, or call their customer service, and they’ll take care of it. And if you’re ever unhappy for any reason, they’ll make things right.

Downsides? Unhappily, Pet Treater only ships to the contiguous 48 states (sorry, Alaska and Hawaii). Also, the plans auto-renew, and you have to email customer service when you want to cancel things.

The Good

The Bad

Pooch Perks offers a variety of different dog subscription boxes. You can choose from toy-only or spring for the Pampered Pooch option, which includes a selection of treats for your pup. They also carry a selection of themed boxes, letting you cater to your dog’s favorite topics. You note your dog’s size and mention any particular allergies to make sure you get the perfect selections.

The downsides? You have to finish the subscription process to see all of the customizable options. (Not quite fair) You also have to tack on a $2 shipping fee – and you’re only getting shipping within the U.S. The plan renews automatically, and people often struggled to get in touch with customer service. If you’re looking to cancel your plan, set aside plenty of time.

The Good

The Bad

When you bring a new puppy into the house, keeping up with their changing needs can get tricky. PupBox solves that problem. After you sign up with your puppy’s age, breed, and size, you get a new box every month with 5-7 products designed to match your kiddo’s growing needs. And they’re the full-sized product, too – no trial sizes! You’ll also get helpful training guides to help you get your new four-legged friend started on the right paw.

So what are the downsides? This dog subscription box is focused exclusively on puppies. It’s also at the higher end of the spectrum – though you DO get full-sized products. Your plans auto-renew, though, so keep an eye on things. Once your pup’s full-grown, you’ll probably want to cancel things.

The Good

The Bad

Best Treat Dog Subscription Boxes

Do you have a picky pooch? You spend hours in the store, pouring over the treat selection? You never know what they’re going to decide to like this week. Or maybe you find yourself losing track of how many treats remain in the cabinet. (We do this all the time) Dog subscription boxes focused on treats help solve these problems. Your dog gets a variety of snacking options that change from month to month. And you don’t have to worry about running out. Best of all, you’re usually getting unprocessed, healthy options that are better for your canine!

No matter what your dog enjoys (or doesn’t), Real Dog promises to satisfy their treat urges. Specializing in healthy treats made from ingredients sourced in the U.S., you can inform them of any potential allergies to customize the perfect treat dog subscription box. They air-dry the treats and chews at 130F to create the yummiest options – no chemicals, no artificial ingredients, or preservatives. And each year, they make over FORTY different flavors! Your dog’s sure to look forward to the delivery of those boxes!

Downsides? This is strictly a treat dog subscription box. So you won’t get any toys or fancy extras. Also, you won’t see any discounts for ordering for multiple dogs (which would be nice). But, really, those are the worst you’ll find. Real Dog’s pretty awesome!

The Good

The Bad

Best Unique Dog Subscription Boxes

Maybe you’re looking for that little bit extra out of your dog subscription box. With options including clothing and wellness, you can find the perfect delivery to cover your needs. As you dive deeper into the subscription rabbit hole, customization becomes easier to find. You WILL need to pay more for some of these options, but you’ll also have more control over the products arriving each month. It’s up to you what you feel will serve your dog the best.

With the need for perfect pet pictures, who wouldn’t want an adorable bandana to arrive every month? Dapper Dog makes sure your dog gets that necessary accessory with each of their dog subscription boxes. They make sure they have your pup’s weight and size, so the fit’s perfect, too. (After all, who wants a bandana they can’t use?) They come up with a new theme every month, and the box contains two treats and two toys, in addition to that fashionable accessory. Dapper Dog also focuses on small businesses for their products, which is a nice bonus. And unlike most dog subscription boxes, if you want to skip a month or cancel things, you only need to go to your profile and click a button – a piece of cake!

Downsides? You’re limited on what you can customize, as the boxes come themed. And the plan renews automatically, so make sure you hit your profile when you want to end things.

The Good

The Bad

Maybe you’re an eco-conscious dog mom or dad. Greenwell Pet might appeal to your green thinking. You fill out a questionnaire about your beloved pup, and they send you a special box full of treats, chews, oils, shampoos, and toys – all eco-friendly! They also include CBD products, with handy information cards explaining exactly what the item intends to help. You’ll also find treats with superfoods, antioxidants, and vitamins. It’s healthy all around!

The downsides? This is one of the most expensive dog subscription boxes out there. You WILL save on the overall cost of the individual products, though. You also need to make sure you cancel the automatic renewal before the first of the month, or you’re getting another month (whether you wanted it or not).

The Good

The Bad

VetPetBox takes dog subscription boxes to a new level. When you fill out the individual evaluation, you’ll notice questions about your dog’s health. That’s because, in addition to treats and toys, you’ll find wellness products included in your monthly box. This subscription box came from veterinarians, and they tuck educational materials in to help keep your canine on the road to health and happiness. It’s a unique twist but beneficial for pups with varying conditions.

So what are the downsides? The pricing on this dog subscription box varies. It’s calculated based on your dog’s size, the type you choose, AND how long you’ve had a subscription. And it’s on the pricey side, to begin with. You also need to decide on that auto-renew policy before the 5th of each month to cancel your plan.

The Good

The Bad

Mail Call

There’s something exciting about knowing you have a package coming. And when your dog knows there’s something for them? They get excited, too. Dog subscription boxes relieve some of the anxiety of our hurly-burly lives. But they also spark fun and laughter as you open up a new bundle of surprises with your pup. What will you find this month?

You’ll find yourself looking forward to getting home on delivery day!

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Andria Kennedy

Andria Kennedy

Andria grew up in a pet-friendly household. On weekends, the family made trips to zoos and aquariums in the area. So it wasn’t a surprise when she gravitated toward a career with animals.

After six years working among the background operations at the Philadelphia Zoo, she gained a unique insight into the veterinary world. The vet staff provided her first lessons in terminology, the identification of medical equipment, and glimpses of radiographs (x-rays). She also enjoyed plenty of opportunities to talk with everyone, including the veterinary technicians. And they offered an alternative for someone NOT interested in surgical pathways: Namely, their course of study.

Andria enrolled at Harcum College. Philadelphia boasts two programs for vet techs, but only Harcum works with the Ryan Veterinary Hospital and New Bolton Center (University of Pennsylvania’s small and large animal facilities, respectively). Harcum’s vet tech students receive six months of hands-on teaching and experience alongside Penn’s vet students.

With the opportunities and connections available with one of the top veterinary schools, the decision was easy for her to make.

New Bolton Center: Large Animal Medicine
Andria ended up trudging through snow up to the knee and shivering in subzero temperatures during her winter semester, but she wasn’t disappointed with her choice. New Bolton provided a thorough grounding in large animal medicine. A horse-lover as a child, the experience renewed those old emotions.

And a few memories stood out and remained to this day:

  • Standing alongside a Clydesdale and feeling TINY
  • Holding the reins of a horse galloping at top speed on a treadmill
  • Nursing tiny foals through the first days of their life

Ryan Veterinary Hospital: Small Animal Medicine
Veterinary students can legally work at a practice while studying. Andria took advantage of the opportunity, gaining “real life” experience while attending class. It provided a slight advantage when she entered her three months at the small animal hospital.

However, as Ryan Veterinary Hospital offers treatments unique to the veterinary community, she continued to gain valuable experience. For instance, she spent a day working alongside their Chemo Team. The positivity of everyone she encountered – staff, clients, and patients alike – left a lasting impression.

Additional standout moments included:

  • An afternoon spent with the head of the feline kidney transplant program
  • A day serving as the anesthesia technician in their new radiation unit
  • Recognizing a radiograph of a giant elephant shrew (applying her previous zoo knowledge)

Emergency/ICU Veterinary Technician
Accompanying her Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology, Andria received a passing score on the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). The two led to her certification/license as a veterinary technician – first in Pennsylvania (CVT) and later in Virginia (LVT).

Emergency medicine appealed to her from the beginning. The flux of ailments, injuries, and even species kept her mind sharp at all times. The knowledge required to handle cats, dogs, exotics, and even wildlife is highest in an ICU setting. When a vet tech never knows the patient’s stability coming back to the treatment area, skills and the ability to respond in an instant always stay in peak shape.

With treatments evolving at a constant basis, Andria sought out the best Continuing Education opportunities. She attended the International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (IVECCS) Conference whenever possible. This allowed her to discuss the latest wound treatments, medications, and advancements in diet formulations.

Cardiology Veterinary Technician
With the increased knowledge and experience, Andria noticed gaps in her abilities. Her grasp of cardiology remained at the basic level. She wanted to boost her skills and understanding as much as possible, improving her patient care. When an opportunity within the practice arose to move into the cardiology department, she accepted.

She sharpened her ability to read ECGs, recognizing arrhythmias of every type. Speaking with the cardiologist, she learned to read echocardiograms, picking out the most common disease processes. And, courtesy of her position in the department, she took in everything she could regarding the grain-free diet concern.

And throughout her ten-year career, she built her store of client interactions. She learned stories of heartbreak and hope. In the middle of the night, she shared touching and humorous conversations. Every moment taught her to engage with people. And the skill blended into her writing ability, capturing the interest of pet-lovers everywhere.

Check out Andria’s LinkedIn here

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