Adopting a pet doesn't come with a manual. When Ben and Ariel Zvaifler came home with an 8-week-old goldendoodle, they realized they had no idea what they were doing.
After reading contradicting information online, the Zvaiflers had a hard time finding products that were suitable for their dog's changing needs. The problem ultimately sparked inspiration for the couple's company, PupBox, a box subscription service that facilitates the puppy parenting process by delivering appropriate training products and information to new puppy owners.
Two years after starting the business, the Zvaiflers went on "Shark Tank," seeking $250,000 for a 10% stake in their company. The husband-and-wife team nailed the art of the pitch, coming prepared with a wagon full of golden retriever puppies that stole the show.
"Our experience on Shark Tank was exhilarating," Ben Zvaifler said in an email to CNBC. "We didn't know what to expect, but bringing the puppies on the show really lightened the mood. The Sharks loved the product and all that was left was for us to know our numbers and answer their questions."
"I must say, your strategy of putting puppies on Sharks' laps have really taken the teeth out of 'em," Kevin O'Leary said, before leading into the valuation. "Why is it worth 2 million bucks? It's not profitable yet," Kevin O'Leary asked.
"$2.5 million," Robert Herjavec corrected.
"The numbers that we are projecting out for end of year — this year and next year — are very reasonable for us to attain. And with the Sharks' help, we think we can really do a lot more," Ben Zvaifler said.
Shooting for the stars in valuation was just the beginning for the Zvaiflers. Since their appearance on "Shark Tank," PupBox has been acquired by Petco Animal Supplies, Inc., one of the largest pet retailers in the world. The business has also scaled its subscriber base by 10 times in the last two years.
"The biggest lesson learned was that hard work and persistence pays off," Ben Zvaifler said in an email to CNBC. "Startups are a whirlwind filled with constant emotional highs and lows. The key to success is being able to weather those ups and downs and focusing on your vision, customer and product."
Find out if PupBox lands a deal with a Shark on "Shark Tank" on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on CNBC.