As a dog mom, I‘m always looking for new ways to spoil my furry best friend. I had heard a lot of buzz about BarkBox, the monthly subscription service that delivers a curated selection of dog toys, treats and chews to your door. But with so many subscription boxes on the market, I was curious – is BarkBox really worth the hype (and the price)? I decided to sign up and find out for myself.
Here is my honest, hands-on review of my experience with BarkBox, including the product quality, value for money, and more. If you‘ve been curious about this popular dog subscription service, keep reading to see if it‘s the right fit for you and your four-legged friend.
First Impressions: Unboxing BarkBox
My first BarkBox arrived within a week of signing up. I loved the colorful, dog-themed packaging – it definitely made the arrival feel like an exciting gift for my pup. The box itself was sturdy and well-packed, with the items nestled in paper crinkle cut.
When I opened the box, I was impressed with the presentation. Each item was individually wrapped in tissue paper, giving it a premium feel. As soon as I started unwrapping items, my dog came running over to investigate. Here‘s what was inside our first BarkBox:
- 2 plush toys (a stuffed sloth and a squeaky canoli)
- 1 rubber treat dispenser toy
- 2 full-size bags of all-natural treats
- 1 beef cheek roll chew
- An insert with ingredient/sourcing info about the treats
The toys were very cute and seemed durable and well-made, with quality stitching and embroidery details. I liked that the treats were all-natural and made in the USA or Canada. The ingredient panel was clear and transparent, listing real meat as the first ingredient.
Overall, the unboxing experience felt like a special occasion. It was fun for both me and my dog to discover the new goodies. I could tell a lot of thought and curation went into selecting unique, high-quality items.
Product Quality: Are BarkBox Toys and Treats Worth It?
Of course, the most important question is – how did the BarkBox items perform? I‘m happy to report that the quality exceeded my expectations, especially for the price.
The plush toys have held up surprisingly well to my dog‘s aggressive chewing. Even after several weeks of playtime, there are no rips or loose seams. I was also impressed by the squeaker quality – they have a nice loud squeak that has stayed strong.
I love that BarkBox toys are very unique and not ones I‘ve seen in pet stores. The fun designs and crinkly, squeak details really caught my dog‘s attention. The rubber treat dispenser is also a hit. It keeps her engaged while providing mental stimulation trying to get the treats out.
Speaking of treats, I feel good about giving my dog the BarkBox treats, chews and biscuits. As I mentioned, the ingredient quality is excellent, with no cheap fillers or artificial preservatives. My dog goes crazy for them!
The chew rolls and bully sticks in particular keep my heavy chewer occupied for much longer than the average chew. I feel I‘m getting great value since these types of high-end chews are normally quite pricey at boutique pet stores.
In terms of safety, I have no complaints. All the toys seem very sturdy and well-constructed, with no small parts that could be accidentally ingested. I also appreciate that BarkBox includes detailed info about treat ingredients and sourcing.
So, are BarkBox toys and treats worth it? In my opinion, absolutely. The quality is on par or even exceeds more expensive dog boutique products. I love the peace of mind knowing I‘m giving my dog durable, engaging toys and healthy, natural treats.
Pricing: How Much Does BarkBox Cost?
Now let‘s talk about everyone‘s least favorite subject – price. A BarkBox subscription starts at $23/box for a 12-month plan, with the month-to-month option costing $35/box. You can also choose a 6-month subscription for $26/box.
I opted for the 6-month plan, which ends up being $156 total. This breaks down to $26/month. Considering the retail value of the individual items, I feel this is a very fair price. If I were to purchase similar high-quality toys and treats separately, I would easily spend over $40-$50 per month.
For example, in my first box, the plush toys alone would cost $12-$16 each at a boutique pet store. The treats and chews would be another $25-$30 based on the quality and ingredient sourcing. So I‘m definitely getting my money‘s worth, especially with the longer subscription.
Shipping is included free within the contiguous US, which is another plus. The only potential drawback I see is that unused subscription boxes are non-refundable (but you can cancel anytime). So it‘s worth being sure you‘ll stick with it for the length of the plan.
Overall, I think BarkBox is an excellent value for the quality of products you receive. It‘s a fun, cost-effective way to keep your dog stocked with new toys, treats, and chews without having to shop around. The longer subscription you choose, the better deal you‘ll get.
Customization and Flexibility
One of the things I appreciate about BarkBox is the level of customization available. When you sign up, you fill out a profile indicating your dog‘s size, breed, and any specific allergies or toy preferences.
This allows BarkBox to tailor the contents of your box to your dog‘s needs. For example, if your dog is a heavy chewer, they may include more durable rubber toys vs. plush toys that could be easily destroyed. If your pup has any allergies, they‘ll be sure to only include treats that meet those requirements.
You can also reach out to customer service to make further customizations to your upcoming boxes, like swapping out a toy or requesting an extra chew. I love this level of personalization, as it ensures you‘re getting products that are a great fit for your individual dog.
Another perk is the flexibility BarkBox offers in managing your subscription. You can easily log into your account and skip a month if you need to, or even pause the entire subscription for up to 8 months at a time. This is great if you go out of town or just want to take a break without fully canceling.
The one downside is you can‘t pick the exact items in your box. However, BarkBox does allow some input. With every delivery, you‘re asked to review each product and indicate whether it was a good fit for your dog. This feedback is then used to further personalize future boxes – so in a way, you are helping curate your own BarkBox over time.
Customer Service and Reputation
I‘ve found BarkBox‘s customer service to be top-notch. They offer support via phone, email, live chat, or even text message. I had a question about my subscription and got a prompt, helpful response via email.
The representative was friendly and seemed genuinely invested in making sure I was happy with my BarkBox experience. They even offered me the option to skip a month when I mentioned I still had toys from a previous box.
Based on my research, my positive experience seems to be the norm. BarkBox gets excellent reviews online for their customer service and responsiveness. On Trustpilot, a leading customer review site, 80% of BarkBox reviews are 5-star (excellent), with an overall score of 4.3/5.
Many reviewers praise BarkBox‘s high-quality toys and treats, great customer service, and fun themes. There are some negative reviews, but BarkBox seems proactive about responding and trying to resolve any issues. Common complaints involved wanting more customization options and having a difficult time canceling subscriptions.
Overall, BarkBox has a very positive online reputation, especially compared to other pet subscription services. They seem to really stand behind their products and prioritize customer satisfaction.
How BarkBox Compares to Other Dog Subscription Boxes
While BarkBox is arguably the most well-known, there are a few other dog subscription boxes on the market worth considering. Here‘s a quick comparison:
Super Chewer by BarkBox: BarkBox‘s sister subscription, Super Chewer, caters to heavy chewers and includes only durable rubber & nylon toys (no plush toys). It costs $29/month for a 12-month plan.
PupBox: PupBox is tailored for puppies and includes age-appropriate toys, treats and training aids. Plans start at $29/month, based on your puppy‘s age.
Bullymake Box: Similar to Super Chewer, Bullymake specializes in durable toys for heavy chewers and includes only chew-resistant toys and treats. Pricing starts at $31/month.
Dapper Dog Box: With a focus on eco-friendly and artisanal products, Dapper Dog is a bit pricier at $35/month. Each box has a fun theme and supports small businesses.
PetGiftBox: PetGiftBox lets you fully customize your box and send as a one-time gift (no subscription required). Prices vary based on your selections but are generally $30-$40 per box.
Compared to these other options, I find BarkBox to be the best value and most well-rounded. It has a lower price point than many competitors while still delivering top-quality toys, treats and chews. I also like that it works well for dogs of all ages, sizes and chewing styles.
The main reason to consider an alternative would be if you have a very heavy chewer and want to avoid plush toys altogether, in which case Super Chewer or Bullymake may be a better fit. But for most dogs, BarkBox offers an excellent variety of fun, unique and high-quality items.
Final Verdict: Is BarkBox Worth It?
After testing BarkBox for several months, I can confidently say it‘s worth the hype. The toys, treats and chews are consistently high-quality, novel, and tailored to my dog‘s size and chewing habits. I love the excitement of receiving a curated box each month and discovering fun new items.
Most importantly, my dog is obsessed with her BarkBox goodies. The toys keep her engaged much longer than average store-bought options, and she goes crazy for the natural treats and chews. Seeing her so happy is worth the cost alone!
Speaking of cost, I find BarkBox to be an excellent value for the quality of products received. Considering I would spend $40+ buying similar toys and treats individually, the $26/box price on the 12-month plan is very reasonable. The free shipping and flexible subscription management are added bonuses.
I also love that BarkBox has a philanthropic mission and donates 10% of profits to shelters and rescues. As someone who got my dog from a rescue group, I appreciate this commitment to giving back.
Overall, if you‘re looking for a convenient, cost-effective way to spoil your dog with top-notch toys, treats and chews, I highly recommend giving BarkBox a try. The longer subscription plans offer the best value, but you can always start with a month-to-month plan to test it out.
Of course, every dog is different, so BarkBox may not be the perfect fit for all. But based on my experience, I think it‘s an excellent option for most pups and their owners. The joy and excitement it brings to my dog is worth every penny to me!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does BarkBox cost per month?
BarkBox starts at $23/month for a 12-month subscription, or $35/month for a month-to-month plan. A 6-month subscription is $26/month.
What‘s included in a typical BarkBox?
Each BarkBox includes 2 innovative toys, 2 all-natural bags of treats, and a chew, all made in the USA or Canada. The items revolve around a fun monthly theme.
Is BarkBox customizable?
Yes, you can tailor your BarkBox to your dog‘s size, age, breed, and preferences. This helps ensure you get toys and treats that are a great fit for your dog. You can also provide allergy info.
How do I pause or cancel my BarkBox subscription?
You can easily manage your subscription online by logging into your BarkBox account. There, you‘ll find options to pause or cancel your subscription as needed. You can pause for up to 8 months at a time.
What sets BarkBox apart from other dog subscription boxes?
BarkBox is one of the most affordable options, without sacrificing quality. They also offer customization options, flexible subscription management, great customer service, and give back to dog shelters and rescues. The unique themed items and variety are also a big plus.
