Spring is peak "spoil the dog" season, and with Checkmate, you can do so at a fraction of what you would normally spend.
Somewhere between the pandemic puppy wave and whatever we're calling this spring, dogs quietly became the main character. They have their own streaming content, their own travel itineraries, their own food startups pitching like DTC founders. The average millennial is now spending more on their dog's birthday than their own, and Google Trends keeps coughing up searches for "enrichment toys" at the rate people used to search for sourdough.
BarkBox has been in the middle of all of this since 2011, but the last ninety days have been a particularly loud stretch for the company. A new celebrity podcast, a limited-edition Harry Potter box, a food line that donates 100% of profits, and an actual, literal airline adding European routes this summer.
We're all guilty of spoiling our pets, but using Checkmate can help lower the finances, which means even more dog toys with all the extra cash you're saving!
The April Drop: For the Harry Potter Lovers
BarkBox tends to have some sort of incentive to sign up for their subscription services, and this month, its all about Hogwarts. Sign up for a 6- or 12-month BarkBox plan this month and the first box arrives with a free Sorting Hat plush (squeaky, of course), alongside the Harry Potter collection's greatest hits: a Dobby, a Golden Snitch, a Mandrake, and an Aragog for the dogs who like their playtime with a side of mild horror. The cast of characters has been a sleeper hit for BarkBox for years, and the Sorting Hat is the current door prize. If you're confident your retriever belongs to Gryffindor, now's your chance to find out.
Worth noting: the Harry Potter bundle is only available with a BarkBox or Super Chewer subscription, so this isn't something you can cherry-pick à la carte on Amazon later.
Reimagining Subscription Boxes:
BarkBox's month-to-month themed boxes are the reason the service has the retention it does. February's "Playground Puppy Love" leaned into elementary-school Valentine's Day nostalgia, complete with a Square Bear plush voted "Most Likely to Proofread" and a set of Hide A Treat Hearts for dogs who like a small puzzle with their snacks. January's "Slobber Party" was a full sleepover fantasy. Each box lands with two toys, two bags of treats, and a chew, all built around a specific bit.
February 2026 BarkBox
The writing on the inserts are genuinely funny, which is not a sentence you get to write about most subscription boxes. Although its technically for your dog, the marketing is all done with the pet parents in mind.
BarkBox has two types of subscription boxes: The Standard BarBox and the Super Chewer Box.
If you have a puppy who destroys regular plush in under a minute, the Super Chewer box uses denser nylon and rubber builds, but are still designed with the same quirky theme in mind. Plans start at $19.99 for a half-box.
Plans start at $23 a month on the annual commitment, $26 on the six-month, or $35 month-to-month. Free shipping across the board.
If you commit to the yearly subscription service, you'll even receive a year's worth of toys for free ($144 value!). Be sure to use the Checkmate app and extension to activate this exclusive offer.
Food for a Cause
BARK in the Belly, the company's premium consumables line, quietly became one of the more interesting pet-food launches in years. It debuted with two high-protein recipes and has been expanding into toppers, treats, and dental through 2026, now available on BARK's site, Chewy, and Amazon.
The best part: BARK is pledging 100% of profits from the line to BARK Gives, its canine-hunger initiative that sends food and resources to rescues and shelters every quarter. Not only are you taking care of your pup with quality food, but you're helping hungry dogs in need while providing for your own.
Bark in the belly dog food
New subscribers get 50% off their first bag of BARK in the Belly by using the code: BELLY50. If you've been stalling on switching food brands, this is a low-risk way to try it.
Why All of This Works:
Co-founded in 2011 by Matt Meeker (who also co-founded Meetup), BARK has done something most pet-industry companies haven't, which is build a brand voice dog people actually recognize.
The toys are designed in-house.
The themes change monthly.
The insert cards read like a copywriter who's genuinely enjoying themselves.
That's why Target shelved BarkBox in stores starting 2024, and why the subscription business keeps growing even as competitors cycle through.
Dog owners will do anything to keep their pets happy, and Checkmate helps keep everyone's bank accounts happy. Splurging on your pooch is a no-brainer, but with Checkmate, we can help you save on all your pet necessities, its a win-win for everyone!
