Happy Pet Box Co. — Our 2025 Story

Happy Pet Box Co. began in the simplest, most meaningful way.

In the summer of 2025, my son and I were walking along the beach in Martha’s Vineyard, talking about how much we love animals and how badly we wanted to give back. We didn’t know exactly how yet—we just knew animals were the answer.

Each day, we walked the beach collecting beautiful seashells and dreaming out loud about what Happy Pet Box Co. could become. Those beach walks became our planning meetings.

Our hope was simple: create something that helps animals, helps people, supports small businesses, and spreads kindness.

It Started With a Seashell 🐚

We decided to start small by selling the seashells we had collected online.

Our very first sale was to a wonderful woman named Jane, who believed in our mission and wanted to help us give back. We’re still friends to this day.

That first sale felt like a sign—a little push from something bigger than us telling us, keep going.

We used that money to register our domain name and officially begin Happy Pet Box Co.

From the very beginning, our goal was never just about making a profit. We wanted to create something where everyone could benefit:

• Pets who deserve happiness, enrichment, and love
• Families struggling to afford food or care for their animals
• Rescues and shelters doing incredible work
• Small businesses whose wonderful products deserve to be discovered
• Customers looking for meaningful, high-quality products for the pets they love

Giving back has always mattered more to me than money. It’s what I’ve always felt I was put on this earth to do.

Then We Sold Our First Happy Pet Box 🐰

There is one day I will never forget.

I was having an incredibly difficult day and ended up in the emergency room. And somehow, right in the middle of all of that, we sold our very first Happy Pet Box on Etsy.

I was sick, exhausted—and unbelievably excited. I couldn’t wait to get home and tell my son.

That very first box went to a bunny named Kodak.

Kodak’s mom loved the Binky Box and especially loved the handwritten note my son tucked inside. We still talk to her today.

Kodak will always hold a special place in our hearts because he was the first little reminder that maybe this crazy idea my son and I dreamed up while walking the beach really could become something meaningful.

Then Christmas Came… 🎄

And everything changed.

We sold more boxes than we ever imagined.

It felt like confirmation that what we were doing mattered—and, even better, those sales gave us the ability to start doing exactly what we had dreamed about on those beach walks:

giving back.

With our profits, we were able to help our friend Hugh stay together with his best friend’s pets after their owner passed away. He loved those animals but couldn't afford everything they needed, so we stepped in to help with dog food, veterinary visits, vaccinations, nail trims, and care for the dogs and cats.

We also helped our friend Ann when she was struggling to afford hay and a litter box for her bunnies. We’re still friends today and regularly chat about animals and life.

Those are the moments that make every late night, every box packed, and every bit of work worth it.

2025 Became a Year of Rescues ❤️

My daughter found a cat abandoned on the street—something that happens far too often. We brought her home, named her Nova, used our funds to have her spayed, and completely fell in love with her.

Nova wasn't going anywhere.

She became family.

Then came Willow.

Willow was a tiny bunny who had been abandoned on the streets of Stamford. She spent more than a month at the shelter, frightened and without the kind of environment a prey animal needs to feel safe.

We adopted her for just $5.

It didn't take long for us to realize that Willow wasn't simply another animal we were helping.

She was home.

And then, of course, there is Bailey.

My bunny. My girl. My constant companion and best friend.

Bailey was rescued from a hoarding situation. Today, she travels with me to Vermont and has become such an important part of my life.

She is one of my biggest reminders of why we do this.

More Than a Pet Box Company

2025 taught us something we will never forget:

Happy Pet Box Co. isn't just a business. It's a mission—and it works.

Every box we create is packed with love and intention. No two boxes have to be exactly the same because no two pets are exactly the same.

We carefully choose the products we include, support other small businesses whenever we can, and proudly tell our customers where products come from so that when their pet falls in love with something, they can continue supporting the wonderful makers behind it.

Because we believe there is room for all of us to succeed.

Every box creates happiness.

Every purchase helps us give back.

Every small business we support grows a little stronger.

Every act of kindness has the chance to become another.

And that's exactly what my son and I dreamed about during those walks along the beach.

We hope you'll continue this journey with us as Happy Pet Box Co. grows.

Because when people come together to make life a little happier for animals—and for the humans who love them—everybody wins.

Thank you for believing in our little company, supporting our mission, and helping us spread happiness.

One box at a time. 🐾💕

With love,

Shelby & Chris

Happy Pet Box Co.

Spreading Happiness One Box at a Time. 🐾

A new way to shop for pet treats and toys—where every box helps us give back to animals, people, rescues, and the small businesses we love.