If you're a pet owner in 2026, you've almost certainly heard of Chewy and Petco. Both offer online ordering with subscription (autoship) programs that promise convenience and savings. But which one actually saves you more money? Which has better customer service, faster delivery, and fewer headaches? We've analyzed both platforms in depth—comparing discounts, fees, product selection, return policies, and real-world pricing on popular pet products.
By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly which service to choose based on your pet's needs and your budget.
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📋 Table of Contents
- 1. How Autoship Works
- 2. Chewy Autoship: Discounts & Perks
- 3. Petco Repeat Delivery: Discounts & Perks
- 4. Direct Feature Comparison
- 5. Real Price Comparison (5 Popular Products)
- 6. Customer Service & Return Policies
- 7. Pros and Cons at a Glance
- 8. How to Maximize Your Savings
- 9. Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
- 10. Frequently Asked Questions
How Autoship Works
Both Chewy and Petco offer subscription programs where you schedule recurring deliveries of pet food, treats, litter, and other supplies. In exchange for committing to regular shipments, you receive a discount on every order, plus perks like free shipping. The idea is simple: you never run out of essentials, and you save money in the process. But the details—discount percentages, product exclusions, cancellation policies—differ significantly.
Chewy Autoship: Discounts & Perks
Chewy Autoship
5–10% discountChewy's Autoship program is the gold standard for pet supply subscriptions. You get 5% off on your first order, and if you spend $49 or more, shipping is free. For subsequent deliveries, discounts vary by product—typically 5–10%—and you can adjust frequency, skip a delivery, or cancel anytime online.
🎯 Chewy Perks You Might Not Know:
- First-time autoship: Extra 20% off your first order (often via promo codes).
- Return policy: If your pet doesn't like the food, Chewy often refunds even if the bag is open.
- Handwritten cards: Chewy is famous for sending personalized thank-you notes.
Petco Repeat Delivery: Discounts & Perks
Petco Repeat Delivery
5–10% discountPetco's Repeat Delivery program is very similar: you get 5% off your first order and 10% off subsequent orders on thousands of items. They also offer free shipping on orders over $35 (slightly lower threshold than Chewy). You can modify or cancel anytime.
🎯 Petco Perks You Might Not Know:
- Pals Rewards: Earn points on every autoship order that can be redeemed for future discounts.
- Vital Care Premium: For $19/year, get 20% off all Repeat Delivery orders (among other perks).
- In-store pickup: You can sometimes opt for free in-store pickup if you need it faster.
Direct Feature Comparison
| Feature | Chewy Autoship | Petco Repeat Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Discount on first order | 5% (often 20% with coupon) | 5% |
| Discount on recurring orders | 5–10% (product-dependent) | 10% (flat) |
| Free shipping threshold | $49 | $35 |
| Loyalty points on autoship | No (but occasional extras) | Yes, Pals Rewards |
| Return policy on opened items | Excellent – often refunds without return | Standard – returns accepted within 30 days, unopened only usually |
| Brand selection | Excellent, especially for specialty/independent brands | Excellent, plus in-store exclusive lines |
| Delivery speed | 2–3 days average | 2–3 days average |
| Customer service reputation | Legendary – chat, phone, email | Good, but mixed reviews |
| Autoship management | Easy online dashboard | Easy online dashboard |
Real Price Comparison: 5 Popular Products
We compared prices on five best-selling pet items as of February 2026, factoring in the standard autoship discounts (assuming you already have the subscription set up). Note: Prices can vary by region and promotions, but these are representative.
| Product | Chewy Price (w/ Autoship) | Petco Price (w/ Autoship) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Dog Food (30 lb) | $62.99 (5% off = $59.84) | $64.99 (10% off = $58.49) | Petco ($1.35 cheaper) |
| Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice (24 lb) | $74.98 (5% off = $71.23) | $76.99 (10% off = $69.29) | Petco ($1.94 cheaper) |
| Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Platinum Cat Litter (37 lb) | $22.99 (5% off = $21.84) | $23.49 (10% off = $21.14) | Petco ($0.70 cheaper) |
| Greenies Regular Dog Dental Treats (27 oz) | $28.99 (5% off = $27.54) | $29.99 (10% off = $26.99) | Petco ($0.55 cheaper) |
| Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Dental Health Dog Food (15 lb) | $44.99 (5% off = $42.74) | $46.49 (10% off = $41.84) | Petco ($0.90 cheaper) |
Note: Chevy's discount varies by product; we used the average 5% for consistency. Some products on Chewy may offer higher discounts (up to 10%). Petco's flat 10% on recurring orders often gives it a slight edge, but Chewy sometimes has lower base prices.
Customer Service & Return Policies
One area where Chewy consistently outshines Petco is customer service. Chewy is legendary for its support: they answer calls quickly, have 24/7 chat, and are known for extraordinary gestures—like refunding a large bag of food that your pet didn't like, even after opening, and often telling you to donate it to a shelter. Petco's customer service is good, but more standard: returns typically require unopened items within 30 days, and you may need to ship back at your own cost unless the item was damaged.
🐾 Chewy's "No Questions Asked" Returns
If your pet refuses to eat the food you ordered, Chewy will almost always refund your money, even if the bag is open. They'll ask you to donate it to a local shelter. This builds immense loyalty and reduces waste.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
✅ Chewy Strengths
- Exceptional customer service
- Generous return policy (even open items)
- Wide variety of boutique and specialty brands
- Fast, reliable shipping
- Personal touches (handwritten cards)
✅ Petco Strengths
- Flat 10% off all recurring orders
- Lower free shipping threshold ($35)
- Pals Rewards points on autoship
- Vital Care program for 20% off
- In-store pickup option
How to Maximize Your Savings
Whichever you choose, here are a few tips to save even more:
- Stack with credit card rewards: Use a card that offers extra cashback on pet stores or online shopping.
- Combine with manufacturer coupons: Both Chewy and Petco accept manufacturer coupons (check terms).
- Sign up for Vital Care at Petco if you spend $500+/year: The $19 annual fee can pay for itself quickly with 20% off.
- Watch for first‑autoship promo codes: Chewy often has 20–30% off your first autoship order. Petco sometimes runs similar promotions.
- Adjust delivery frequency to match consumption: Avoid stockpiling too much; you can always postpone a delivery.
Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
If you value customer service above all and want a hassle‑free experience with a generous return policy, Chewy is the clear winner. Their support is unmatched, and the occasional higher base price is offset by peace of mind.
If you're looking to maximize every dollar and don't mind a more standard return policy, Petco often comes out ahead on price—especially with the flat 10% recurring discount and Pals Rewards points. The lower free‑shipping threshold also helps for smaller orders.
For the best of both worlds, consider using Chewy for food your pet might be picky about (so you can return if needed) and Petco for staple items you know they love. You can always cancel or pause either subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, both Chewy and Petco allow you to cancel, pause, or modify your subscription online anytime. There are no long‑term contracts.
On Chewy, discounts vary by product but apply to most items. On Petco, the 10% recurring discount applies to thousands of items, but some exclusions (like gift cards, live animals, certain prescriptions) may apply.
Generally, autoship discounts cannot be combined with other percent‑off promo codes, but they often stack with site‑wide sales. Check the terms at checkout.
Yes, both offer prescription diets on autoship, but you'll need to provide a valid prescription from your vet. The process is straightforward.
Chewy tends to have a wider selection of smaller, independent, and specialty brands. Petco also carries many specialty lines, but Chewy's inventory is often deeper.