What BarkBox is and how it arrives at your door
BarkBox is a monthly subscription service that sends a curated box of dog treats, toys, and chews to your home on a schedule you choose. You select a plan (monthly, every other month, or every three months), and BarkBox ships a new box during that interval. Each box contains roughly 2 to 3 toys, 2 to 3 bags or packages of treats, and 1 to 2 chews, though the exact contents vary by box and your dog's size.
The company charges a flat monthly rate regardless of how often you receive boxes. If you choose monthly delivery, you pay once per month. If you choose every three months, you pay once every three months. You can pause, skip, or cancel your subscription at any time through your account dashboard without penalty.
BarkBox sources toys and treats from its own brand and from other pet companies. The treats are made in the United States or Canada. Toys are designed in-house and manufactured by third-party factories. The company does not make chews; those are sourced from established suppliers like Bully Sticks and Yak Chews.
Key Takeaways
- BarkBox sends a box of treats, toys, and chews on a monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly schedule you control, and you can skip or cancel anytime.
- The price per box depends on your dog's size (small, medium, or large) and how often you want delivery, ranging from roughly $20 to $40 per box.
- Each box is themed around a holiday or season, so contents change throughout the year rather than repeating the same items.
- You receive a loyalty points system called BarkPoints for every dollar spent, which you can redeem for discounts or free boxes.
- The subscription does not lock you into a contract; you manage everything online and can change your plan or stop at any time.
How pricing works and what affects your monthly cost
BarkBox pricing varies by your dog's size category and your delivery frequency. The company offers three size tiers: small dogs (under 25 pounds), medium dogs (25 to 75 pounds), and large dogs (over 75 pounds). Larger dogs receive bigger portions and larger toys, which costs more per box.
Your delivery frequency also affects the per-box price. Monthly delivery typically costs more per box than quarterly delivery, because BarkBox discounts the per-box rate when you commit to longer intervals. For example, a monthly subscription for a medium dog might cost around $35 per month, while the same box delivered quarterly might cost around $28 per box (paid as one charge every three months). Exact pricing changes periodically, so you should check the BarkBox website for current rates.
BarkBox frequently runs promotional offers for new subscribers, such as a discount on your first box or a reduced rate for the first few months. These promotions appear on the main website and are applied at checkout. Existing subscribers do not automatically receive these discounts, though the company occasionally sends promotional codes via email to current members.
What's inside each box and how themes change throughout the year
Every BarkBox is built around a monthly theme tied to holidays, seasons, or pop culture. A December box might include holiday-themed toys and treats, while a summer box might feature beach or outdoor themes. The toys are usually plush or rubber items designed for fetch, tug, or solo play. Treats come in forms like biscuits, jerky, or peanut butter-based snacks. Chews are typically long-lasting items like bully sticks, yak chews, or dental chews.
The specific items in your box depend on your dog's size. A small dog's box contains smaller toys and proportionally smaller treat portions than a large dog's box. BarkBox does not allow you to customize which items go into your box; you receive the themed selection for your size category. However, you can view photos of the current month's box on the website before your billing date, which gives you a chance to skip that box if the contents do not appeal to your dog.
BarkBox publishes a spoiler or preview of the next month's theme and contents roughly one to two weeks before the box ships. This preview appears in your account and via email, so you have time to decide whether to skip or pause your subscription if you want to avoid that month's items.
BarkPoints loyalty program and how to use your rewards
Every purchase on BarkBox earns BarkPoints, a loyalty currency. You earn one point for every dollar spent on subscription boxes, treats, toys, or other products. Points accumulate in your account and can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases or for free boxes.
The redemption value of points varies. Typically, you can redeem 100 points for a $5 discount, though the exact conversion rate may change. Some special promotions allow you to redeem points for free boxes or exclusive items. You view your current point balance and available redemptions in your account dashboard.
BarkPoints do not expire as long as your account remains active. If you cancel your subscription, your points remain in your account for a set period (usually one year), so you can return later and use them. If your account is inactive for an extended time, BarkBox may delete unused points, so check your account terms for the specific policy.
How to manage your subscription and make changes online
Once you create a BarkBox account and choose your plan, you can manage everything through your online dashboard. To skip a box, log in before your billing date and select "Skip Next Box." Your subscription pauses for one cycle, and you are not charged. To resume, you straightforward do nothing—the next box after your skip will ship normally.
To change your delivery frequency, go to your subscription settings and select a new interval (monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly). The change takes effect on your next billing date. To change your dog's size category, update your dog's profile in your account. If you change sizes, your next box will reflect the new size.
To cancel your subscription, log in and select "Cancel Subscription." BarkBox does not require you to provide a reason or speak to customer service. Your subscription ends when ready, and you are not charged again. Your BarkPoints remain in your account for one year, so you can return and use them if you reactivate later.
Common issues and what to do if something goes wrong
Boxes occasionally arrive damaged or with missing items. If this happens, contact BarkBox customer service through your account or via email with a photo of the damage or missing item. The company typically sends a replacement item or refunds the box cost without requiring you to return the damaged box.
If your dog has a food allergy or sensitivity, review the ingredient lists for treats before your box arrives. BarkBox publishes full ingredient information on its website and in your account. If you discover your dog cannot eat a particular treat after the box arrives, you can skip that box next time or contact customer service to request a substitute.
Billing issues sometimes occur if your payment method expires or is declined. BarkBox sends email reminders before your billing date, so you have time to update your payment information. If a charge fails, the company typically pauses your subscription and sends you a notification. You can update your payment method and resume your subscription through your account.
How BarkBox compares to buying treats and toys separately
A BarkBox subscription costs roughly $20 to $40 per box depending on your dog's size and delivery frequency. If you bought equivalent items separately at a pet store or online retailer, the same assortment of treats, toys, and chews would likely cost $30 to $50 or more. The subscription model discounts the per-item cost because BarkBox buys in bulk and passes some savings to subscribers.
The main trade-off is choice. With a subscription, you receive a curated selection each month rather than picking exactly what you want. Some dog owners prefer this because it introduces variety and removes the decision-making burden. Others prefer to choose specific treats or toys their dog loves. If your dog has strong preferences or dietary restrictions, a subscription may be less suitable than buying items individually.
Another consideration is frequency. A monthly box arrives 12 times per year, which may be more or less often than you would naturally buy treats and toys on your own. If you already have a large supply of treats at home, a quarterly box might be a better fit than monthly delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change what's in my box or request specific items?
No, BarkBox does not allow customization of box contents. You receive the themed selection for your dog's size category. However, you can view the box contents before your billing date and skip that month if the items do not suit your dog. You can also contact customer service to request a substitute treat if your dog has an allergy or sensitivity to something in the box.
What happens if my dog doesn't like the toys or treats?
If your dog refuses items in the box, you can skip the next month or pause your subscription. You can also contact BarkBox customer service to request a replacement item. Keeping a record of which treats or toy types your dog enjoys helps you decide whether to skip future boxes with similar themes.
Do I have to commit to a long-term contract?
No. BarkBox has no contract, and you can cancel, skip, or pause your subscription anytime through your account. You are not charged a cancellation fee or penalty. Your BarkPoints remain in your account for one year if you cancel, so you can return and use them later.
How long does shipping take after I'm charged?
Boxes typically ship within a few days of your billing date and arrive within one to two weeks, depending on your location and the shipping method. BarkBox provides a tracking number via email once your box ships. Delivery times vary by region, so check the website for estimated delivery windows for your area.
Can I give a BarkBox subscription as a gift?
Yes. BarkBox offers gift subscriptions that you can purchase for a set number of months (usually 1, 3, 6, or 12 months). The recipient receives a gift notification with instructions to create an account and choose their dog's size and delivery frequency. After the gift period ends, the subscription stops unless the recipient chooses to continue it.