3 Low-Cost Inserts That Make Customers Remember Your Pet Brand

Many pet businesses focus on picking the right products, speeding up shipping, and staying active on social media. However, the packaging customers get is often easy to overlook. For online pet brands, this matters because the package is usually the first time customers physically connect with your business. 

The pet industry is getting more competitive. The American Pet Products Association (APPA) expects U.S. sales of pet food and treats to reach $69.7 billion in 2026. This means customers have more choices than ever when shopping online for pet products. 

The good news is you do not need expensive custom boxes to create a memorable unboxing experience. Adding simple touches like thank-you cards, inserts, stickers, or branded labels can make orders feel more personal and professional without raising your fulfillment costs much. 

If you ship products often, small packaging upgrades can help customers remember your brand long after they receive their order. 

A lot of pet businesses already add thank-you cards to their packages, especially for repeat customers. Just a few kind words can make your packaging feel friendlier and more memorable, without much extra effort. 

Try to avoid formal wording and use language that feels more personal and relatable to pet owners. 

For example:  

“Thanks for treating your pup to something special.”  

Or:  

“Thanks for trusting us with your pet’s care.”  

Make Your Insert Helpful, Not Just Promotional 

One simple way to make your packaging inserts better is to add something your customers will find useful. 

For example:  

• A pet supplement company can include feeding reminders or storage tips.  
• A grooming business can share quick coat care advice between appointments.  
• A pet bakery can explain how to keep treats fresh longer.  
• A toy brand can include safety or cleaning instructions.  

This way, your insert becomes something customers might want to keep, instead of tossing it right away. It also shows that your business is helpful and knows its stuff, which helps build trust with your customers over time. 

Keep Things Simple 

You don’t need to handwrite a note for every order. As your business grows, that can become difficult. 

Many small businesses use printed thank-you cards with handwritten-style signatures, branded packaging inserts with a short personal message, or custom stickers and labels  

to make their packaging feel unique. 

This approach helps you manage fulfillment while still giving customers a personal touch.

Including discounts in your packaging can encourage customers to order from you again. You might also add helpful tips or ideas, so customers know what to do after using your product. This is especially useful for pet businesses, since many products are part of daily routines and ongoing care. 

Help Customers Get Better Results 

A helpful insert can make the customer’s experience better and encourage them to buy from you again. 

For example, a grooming salon might share this information and remind customers to book their next appointment: 

“Most doodles benefit from grooming every 6 to 8 weeks to help prevent matting.”  

A pet supplement company can help set expectations and encourage customers to keep using the product: 

“Consistent daily use usually provides the best results within 30 to 45 days.”  

A pet food or treat company can add simple inserts with portion sizes, storage tips, or feeding transition instructions for sensitive pets. These details help reduce confusion and make customers feel more confident about their purchase. 

Use Small, Helpful Calls-to-Action 

Your packaging inserts don’t have to use strong sales messages. Simple reminders often work best. 

For example:  

• “Running low? Reordering early helps avoid shipping delays.”  
• “Scan here for seasonal grooming tips.”  
• “Join our rewards program for repeat customer perks.”  

This approach aligns well with customer retention strategies such as loyalty cards, appointment reminders, and rewards programs. 

Small pet businesses can upgrade their packaging affordably by using custom stickers and labels. This approach works well if you use standard shipping boxes or plain mailers. 

The best part is that you don’t need fully custom packaging to create a branded experience. Even small, branded touches can make your orders look more professional. 

How Stickers and Labels Can Make a Big Impact 

Seal Stickers 

Adding a branded sticker to seal tissue paper or wrapping inside the box makes your packaging look cleaner and more thoughtful. 

Customers notice this small upgrade as soon as they open the package. 

Product Labels 

Custom labels also help you stay organized and make your products look better. 

For example: 

• Grooming products with matching labels appear more professional. 
• Packaging for pet treats feels more consistent across your product lines. 
• Storage instructions are easier for customers to read. 

Consistent labels also make your overall branding stronger. 

Fun Bonus Stickers 

Pet owners often keep stickers much longer than you might expect. 

Many customers put pet-themed stickers on water bottles, laptops, notebooks, or pet supply bins. This keeps your brand visible long after the order arrives. 

Funny or breed-specific designs tend to be especially popular with pet owners. 

Small packaging details can make a big difference in the pet industry because pet owners often see their pets as part of the family. A thoughtful package creates a positive experience that customers are more likely to remember and share. Simple touches like thank-you cards, branded labels, helpful insert cards, and fun stickers make an order feel more personal and professional. These details strengthen brand recognition, encourage repeat purchases, and keep your business top of mind long after the package arrives.