As a long time subscriber since 2019, I have been receiving monthly Bark Boxes for several years. While this can be pricey, I’ve found myself continuing to subscribe due to the quality of the toys and the customer service.
The Break Down on a Bark Box Subscription
Bark Box is a subscription based toy and treat box shipped monthly. Each month is a new, predetermined theme, often corresponding to seasons and holidays. It is customizable to your dog including dog size, toy options, and food allergies to avoid for the treats. Sizes include small, medium, and large breeds. Classic Bark Boxes includes softer, often stuffed toys for gentler chewers. You also have the option for a Super Chewer subscription, which includes tougher toys for aggressive chewers. In addition to toys, each box includes a variety of treats. Admittedly, I did not use the treats often, so I was able to customize my box to exclude any treats and include an extra toy instead. Their customer service has been fantastic in helping me customize my box. They were also so kind in helping me transfer the subscription to my other dog’s name after one of my dogs passed away.
Classic or Super Chewer?
I have had subscriptions to both box options, so I have experience with both sets of toys. I originally got the Super Chewer box for my 20lb Boston Terrier, as he was notorious for shredding regular toys in minutes. These boxes would include several hard plastic or rubber toys made for aggressive chewing. As with any toys, supervision is important to ensure no pieces are being chewed off and eaten or becoming sharp and hazardous. I did have to throw away several of these toys after a while when he would start to chew pieces off, so these toys are not indestructible. Since the website recommends sizing up if in between, I was getting him the medium size toys. I did switch to the classic Bark Box subscription after my super chewer passed away. I have had a regular subscription for almost a year and find the softer toys appropriate for my less aggressive chewers. These are typically plushie-type toys with stuffing. Once again, these are not indestructible and even my mild chewers will typically tear them apart after a while.
Price and Subscription Info
There are multiple subscription plans available including monthly, 6 months, or 12 months. You can pay month by month or pay upfront for 6 or 12 months at a small discount. I have always done the 6 or 12 month options with payment upfront. The only thing to be aware with this is that your subscription will auto renew, so I’d recommend putting the renewal date in your calendar so it doesn’t take you by surprise when the payment is taken out. You are able to pause your subscription or skip a month. You can also add on additional items for an extra fee per item. Any add ons selected before your scheduled ship date for the month will come with your box. I have occasionally added an extra toy here and there, which is easy to do on their app. They always have extra seasonal items or other add ons available listed on the app.
Is a Bark Box Subscription Worth It?
If you normally pick up toys here and there throughout the month anyway, I do feel a subscription is worth it. The quality of the toys is quite high and so I find these last longer than general toys. It is exciting each month to open the box and see what the theme will be. I don’t recall ever getting an exact same themed box in the several years I’ve subscribed. I have seen Bark Box toys for individual sale in pet stores before, so if you’re on the fence about committing to a subscription, I would recommend trying a toy or two first and see what your dog thinks of them.
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