This Guide Explains Chewy vs Petco Pricing, Shipping, and Member Benefits Clearly

Owning a pet comes with ongoing expenses, from food and treats to medications and routine care. Choosing the right retailer can help you manage those costs while giving your pet access to quality products and services.  Chewy vs Petco remains one of the most common comparisons among pet owners because both companies offer extensive selections, competitive pricing, and convenient shopping experiences.

Although they serve many of the same customers, each retailer focuses on different strengths. Chewy emphasizes online convenience, competitive pricing, and customer service, while Petco combines online shopping with physical stores that provide grooming, veterinary care, and training.   Understanding these differences can help you decide which retailer fits your shopping habits and your pet's needs

Price is often the biggest factor when choosing where to shop. Both retailers offer competitive pricing, although differences appear across several product categories.

Dog Food

Dog food is one of the largest recurring expenses for most pet owners.

• Product: Dog Food
• Chewy: $55–$90
• Petco: $60–$95

Chewy generally offers slightly lower prices, especially when combined with Autoship discounts.

Cat Wet Food

Buying in bulk can help reduce monthly costs

• Product: 24-Pack Cat Wet Food
• Chewy: $18–$45
• Petco: $20–$48

Chewy frequently offers lower starting prices for multi-pack options.

Pet Medications

Medication prices vary by prescription and dosage.

• Product: Prescription & OTC Medications
• Chewy: $45–$150
• Petco: $50–$155

Both retailers operate licensed online pharmacies, though availability depends on your veterinarian's prescription.

Toys and Accessories

Pet owners regularly replace toys, beds, collars, and feeding accessories.

• Product: Toys & Accessories
• Chewy: $5–$25
• Petco: $7–$30

Chewy maintains a small pricing advantage across many everyday accessories.

Delivery costs become important for recurring purchases.

Chewy Shipping

• Free shipping on orders over $49
• Standard shipping typically $4.95–$8.95
• Autoship simplifies recurring deliveries
• Fast shipping available in many locations

Chewy works well if you typically place larger monthly orders.

Petco Shipping

• Free shipping on orders over $35
• Same-day delivery available in many markets
• Same-day delivery fee typically $9.95–$14.99

Petco's lower free-shipping minimum benefits shoppers placing smaller orders.

Both retailers carry thousands of products covering nearly every pet category.

Chewy Offers

• Dog food
• Cat food
• Bird supplies
• Fish supplies
• Small pet products
• Horse supplies
• Reptile supplies
• Prescription medications
• Pet pharmacy
• Autoship subscriptions

Petco Offers

• Dog and cat supplies
• Aquarium products
• Reptile supplies
• Small animal products
• Bird supplies
• Live fish (select locations)
• Grooming products
• Veterinary products
• Pet wellness items

The online catalogs are comparable, although Petco's stores provide immediate access to many products.

Chewy

Chewy operates entirely online. Available services include:

• Virtual veterinary consultations
• Online pharmacy
• Customer support

There are no physical locations for grooming, vaccinations, or training.

Petco

Petco offers a full-service retail experience. Typical service pricing includes: Service: Grooming

• Estimated Price: $30–$90

Service: Veterinary Visits

• Estimated Price: $50–$100

Service: Dog Training

• Estimated Price: $100–$300

Petco is a convenient option if you prefer completing multiple pet care tasks during one visit.

Chewy Autoship

Chewy's Autoship program includes:

• 5–10% recurring discounts
• Automatic deliveries
• Flexible scheduling
• No membership fee

It works particularly well for food, litter, and medications purchased regularly.

Petco Vital Care

Petco Vital Care costs approximately: $19.99 per month Benefits may include:

• Grooming savings
• Pharmacy discounts
• Training rewards
• Additional member promotions

The membership provides the most value for customers who frequently use Petco's in-store services.

Returns can make a significant difference when products don't work for your pet.

Chewy Return Policy

• Up to 365 days
• Customer-friendly support
• Straightforward return process

Chewy maintains one of the most generous return policies among major pet retailers.

Petco Return Policy

• Typically 30–60 days
• Return period varies by product category
• Certain products may have additional requirements

While still reasonable, Petco's policy offers less flexibility than Chewy's.

Chewy Pros

• Competitive pricing
• Large online inventory
• Excellent return policy
• Autoship discounts
• Responsive customer service
• Convenient home delivery

Chewy Cons

• No physical stores
• No grooming services
• No in-person veterinary clinics

Petco Pros

• Physical store locations
• Grooming services
• Veterinary clinics
• Dog training
• Lower free-shipping minimum

Petco Cons

• Slightly higher pricing
• Shorter return window
• Monthly membership cost for Vital Care

The answer depends on how you shop.

Choose Chewy if you:

• Buy pet food regularly online
• Want competitive pricing
• Prefer home delivery
• Appreciate flexible returns
• Like automatic subscription savings

Choose Petco if you:

• Visit physical stores
• Need grooming appointments
• Use veterinary services
• Want professional dog training
• Prefer same-day pickup or delivery

Is Chewy cheaper than Petco?

For many products, yes. Dog food, cat food, medications, and accessories are often priced slightly lower at Chewy, though promotions can change prices.

Does Petco price match Chewy?

Petco has offered price matching on qualifying products. Check the current policy before purchasing since terms may change.

Which retailer has the better return policy?

Chewy provides a 365-day return policy, making it significantly more flexible than Petco's typical 30–60 day return window.

Is Chewy online only?

Yes. Chewy operates exclusively online and does not have physical retail stores.

Does Petco offer veterinary services?

Yes. Many Petco locations provide veterinary care, wellness clinics, vaccinations, and grooming services.

Which membership saves more money?

Chewy Autoship works well for recurring purchases because it has no membership fee. Petco Vital Care can deliver greater value if you frequently use grooming, pharmacy, and veterinary services.

Both retailers provide reliable shopping experiences, but they serve different priorities. Chewy stands out for competitive online pricing, convenient home delivery, generous return policies, and Autoship savings. 

Petco offers added value through physical stores, grooming, veterinary care, and training services that many pet owners appreciate.

Before placing your next order, compare current prices, available promotions, and the services your pet uses most often. A quick comparison can help you maximize savings while choosing the shopping experience that best fits your routine.