By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Bark and Dunkin’ are launching a limited-edition collection of Pumpkin Spice-themed dog toys to raise funds for the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation.
The dog toy collection was created to celebrate the five-year anniversary of Bark and Dunkin’s charitable licensing partnership.
Since the two brands first began their collaborative partnership in 2020, Bark and Dunkin’ have raised more than $10 million to support the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation.
“We’re excited to continue our Dunkin’ and Joy in Childhood Foundation partnership for the fifth year in a row and create more custom dog toys inspired by Dunkin’s iconic brand that support a good cause,” said Bark VP, Dave Stangle. “This collaboration allows us to connect with more dogs and dog parents by tapping into daily rituals many people bring their dog on, like coffee runs. For the first time, dogs can join in on the pumpkin spice fandom we see towards the end of every summer and get their pumpkin spice fix, just like humans.”
Inspired by Dunkin’s fall flavors, Bark’s in-house product design team developed a dog toy range that features a variety of squeakers, crinkles, rubber, t-shirt rope and more.
The licensed collection includes a Dunkin’ Signature Latte toy, a Dunkin’ Snackin’ Bacon dog toy, a Pumpkin Donut dog toy and a Dunkin’ Mocha Latte toy.
“While Dunkin’ guests are fueling up for the day, they can also share the pumpkin spice fun with their dogs by picking up the new, seasonal Bark toy, knowing their donation helps support children in need,” said Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation director, Mollie Collum. “Together with Bark, we’ve raised more than $10 million to bring joy to kids facing hunger and illness. This latest collection will expand our reach and deepen the nationwide impact of our foundation’s programs.”
The limited-edition Bark x Dunkin’ collection is available to consumers through select Dunkin’ locations and the official Bark website following a donation to the Joy in Childhood Foundation.
The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation is a charitable organization that partners with food banks, children’s hospitals and nonprofit organizations to provide funding for environments and experiences that benefit kids in need.
Since 2006, the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation has provided more than $50 million to hundreds of different national and local charities across the country through contributions from its its franchisees, guests, vendor partners and employees.
In 2018, the Joy in Childhood Foundation introduced its Dogs for Joy initiative to bring full-time facility dogs to children’s hospitals across the U.S.
The facility dogs are trained to help pediatric patients by teaching them to take medication, keeping them calm during medical interventions, providing general emotional support, encouraging physical activity and more.
To date, the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation has funded 49 facility dogs across 33 hospitals.
Founded in 2011, Bark is a multinational pet care company that specializes in creating dog-focused toys, health products, food, services, treats, experiences and more.
The company offers its products through its network of retail partners, as well as through online subscription services such as BarkBox and Bark Super Chewer.
Part of Inspire Brands portfolio of restaurant brands Dunkin’ is a US-based coffee and donuts company that operates more than 13,700 restaurants in close to 40 global markets.
Bark and Dunkin’ Celebrate Five Years of Partnership with Pumpkin Spice Dog Toys
