PupJoy

What's in the box: A delivery you put together yourself from dog toys, treats and natural chews, often a mix of rotating curated picks and repeat favorites.

PupJoy is a dog subscription service based in Chicago. Instead of sending a fixed mystery box, it lets you build your own delivery. You choose from categories such as toys, treats and chews. In the same shipment you can mix curated picks chosen for variety with specific favorites set to repeat. The company says it selects, tests and packs everything at its Chicago, Illinois headquarters, and it sources from independent brands in the US, Europe and South America. The shop also sells PupJoy exclusives, including sausages and bites made with bone broth, and toys such as a fire hose tug toy and a wine cork dog toy. You can browse by need, with sections for puppies, chewers, seniors, eco-friendly goods and USA-made items, and there is a gift option. According to the site, subscribers can change their selections or delivery schedule, or cancel, at any time. PupJoy says it won a Petcare Innovation Prize. The main tradeoff is effort. The flexibility that makes PupJoy appealing also means more decisions than a standard surprise box, so owners who want a hands-off monthly delivery may find it more involved. What you pay depends on what you choose, so check current costs on the site.