We’re on a mission to try every dog subscription box available. Some of them we like to try more than once to get a better feel for the quality. We recently got to opportunity to try a second subscription dog gift box from PawPals with Annie (we reviewed our first one in February).
UPDATE: 4/30/2017 a reader alerted me that the FAQ page on pawpalswithannie.com now states, you will get a box “Once a month until you cancel your subscription” so apparently one of the main things that really set this box apart (the fact that it didn’t auto-renew like all the others) is no more 🙁
One of the best things about this box doesn’t have anything to do with what is inside. This box doesn’t auto-renew! Most boxes do, which means you are stuck paying for boxes you don’t want if you forget to cancel.
For example, if you order a 3-month subscription from PawPals with Annie you simply stop receiving boxes after three months. Other boxes will charge you for three months again if you don’t tell them not to. I know I have been guilty of forgetting to cancel and paying way more for boxes than I intended to in the beginning. That won’t happen here.
The fun thing about this monthly dog box is that Annie, a fun-loving blonde Scottie in Savannah Ga., picks out her favorite dog toys, treats, goodies to send to her PawPal friends. I image her happily chewing on a fuzzy squeakie in approval or turning her nose up at treats that “are a no”.
About PawPals with Annie
PawPals with Annie is a brand new dog subscription gift box. The box was launched to give dog owners a better quality dogbox subscription, offering more consistent high quality goodies inside every monthly gift box. Check out their ‘About Us’ page for more info.
Annie and her pack ‘paw’ select the items she sends to make sure that every one is perfect for any dog, no matter its breed or size. She sends only the best, high quality, all natural treats, well-made, long lasting toys, and goodies.
These boxes are available in four sizes – puppy, small dogs under 20 lbs, medium dogs between 20 – 40 lbs, and large dogs of 40 lbs or more. After you have selected your gift box, you are asked to tell Annie more about your dog. Tell them your dog’s breed, how much it weighs, likes and dislikes and they will try to create the perfect box just for your pup.
When you sign up, you choose the size of the box and the length of your subscription. The price ranges from $32.95 for the small dog box to $36.95 for the large dog box, with shipping included in the price. The boxes are cheaper when you select a longer-term subscription. Remember that this box stops coming after your subscription runs out so you will have to renew if you want to keep getting them.
The boxes ship every week so you don’t have to wait until a certain day of the month like with most boxes.
Inside the Box
Our box contained 2 toys, 1 treat, a pack of two dental chews, and a special bonus.
1) Kong Huggz Koala Dog Toy – This brightly-colored toy contains a big squeaker that emits long, loud squeak that will entice dogs to play. It continues to squeak even when punctured and the toy has minimal stuffing so it makes less of a mess if your dog decides to tear it apart.
2) Plus Squeakin’ Eggs – These are actually replacement eggs for an interactive toy (the KYJEN Egg Babies Plush Puppies Puzzle Dog Toy) but they are fun on their own too. They are small and plush with a built-in squeaker. They can be hidden around the house to up the fun if your dog likes to hunt for things.
3) Yumzies BBQ Duck Jerky Chews – These chews are prefect for dogs of any size because they have ridges that make them easy to break into smaller pieces. They are grain free, made in the USA, and have American sourced duck as their first ingredient.
4) Whimzees Alligator Dental Chews – This 2-pack of small alligators offer a different-shaped chew that is fun. They are made in Holland, are vegetarian and gluten-free, and are low fat. Their are primarily made of potato starch so they are a good choice for dogs that are allergic to corn.
Whimzees are one of our favorite dog dental treats. You can read more about what we think of them here.
5) *special bonus item* Come Clean Pop Culture Dog Soap – Pop culture soap is a beauty essential with attitude. The moisturizing glycerin bar contains a cute little dog figurine and is safe for both humans and dogs. The ingredients are all made in the USA. This soap is a gift if you purchase a box between 6/1 and 6/7.
What Did I Think?
Chester was super excited to see what was inside when we got it.
My favorite things in the box were the Whimzees dental chews and the Kong Huggz toy. Whimzees are the highest-quality dog dental chews I have seen. Chester and Gretel are a fan of about any small Kong squeaker toy but they are tough on them. I like that I won’t have to throw this one away right away if they puncture it.
The little bonus soap smells good and is cute. It would look really cute in a guest bathroom (well, if you’re not afraid to let your guests know you are a crazy dog person. Ha, ha)
I was happy with the Yumzies treats but I am probably going to donate them. I seriously have about 20 bags of treats stuffed in a tupperware container waiting for Chester and Gretel to eat them. There is no more room in the “waiting” container so I would rather share these with needy doggies at the shelter.
The same goes for the eggs. These are something I know Chester and Gretel would play with but they have so many toys already that we’ll share the love with shelter dogs.
Overall, the PawPals with Annie Gift Box rated better than average for us. They get a lot of extra points for not auto-renewing and charging you again because you forgot to cancel and for sending toys and treats that have been dog tested and approved.
If you’ve never tried a dog subscription box, or you’re tired of your current one, now might be the time to try something new.
For a limited time, you can get $5 off of the PawPals with Annie Gift Box – plus free shipping – with the Code: YouDidWhat.
Also, be sure to LIKE PawPals with Annie on Facebook for future sales and promotions.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by PawPals with Annie. I received compensation in exchange for my honest review. YouDidWhatWithYourweiner only writes about products that we would use and everything we say is really how we feel. PawPals with Annie is not responsible for the content of this article.
Lara Elizabeth says
I have a giant Tupperware full of treats as well with no room left! We are taking a break from subscription boxes for a while, but I’m pretty intrigued by this one. I like the fact that it doesn’t auto-renew and that it ships weekly. I also love the soap and think it’s really fun that they include something for the dog-loving human!
Jessica @ YouDidWhatWithYourWeiner says
Yeah, I got burned out on Subscription boxes last year. Getting so many helped me see the subtle differences between them though. I won’t go back to getting 7 again (Ha, ha) but I may keep one or two.
Lauren Miller (ZoePhee) says
That subscription box looks pretty awesome!
Robin says
That sounds like a quality subscription box! I like that the Kong Huggz toy continues to squeak after being punctured too. Some dogs do that right away! If they ever start a cat box, I will have to try it out.
Jessica @ YouDidWhatWithYourWeiner says
I do wish that there were more subscription boxes out there for cats. I wonder how good a dog would do picking toys and treats for cats though 🙂
Lindsay says
Seems like a good value. I would’ve used all the items in your box as we are mostly interested in toys and treats around here! Like you said, I know some people are surprised when their subscriptions automatically renew on boxes like this. It’s nice that this one doesn’t.
Adorable pictures, as always!
Jessica @ YouDidWhatWithYourWeiner says
Yes, I have heard from a lot of disgruntled people that bought a box or two for friends and kept getting charged without their knowledge (they just figured it stopped after the gift period) or got charged for another few months and couldn’t get a refund.
KIM says
I like the feature that it says the box comes in more than just small and large sizes and that is great that they ship more than just one day of the week! Wishing PawPals with Annie much success!
Christina Berry | The Lazy Pit Bull says
This looks like a really good box. We may just have to use your promo code and check this one out! Thanks for the information!
Janice Grzywacz says
I just read the FAQ on PawPals with Annie and it says your subscription automatically renews unless you cancel. Am I reading this wrong or misunderstanding your article. I may still try it, but I was excited to see there was no auto renew until I read the FAQ. I just got a shelter dog yesterday. A wonderful standard dachshund that’s is five years old. He gets along well with my 12.5 doxie. We had an “empty the shelter” day in which no adoption fees are charged. I’m so in love with our new doxie!
Jessica Rhae says
I just looked. I read it like you did. They must have changed their policy, and not let me know, since I wrote the review a couple of years ago. I try to keep checking on these things but with so many reviews it’s hard for me to keep up. Thanks for letting me know so I can change that. Thanks for giving a needy Doxie a good home 🙂