Chewy‘s Generous Dog and Cat Food Return Policy in 2024
With an estimated 65% of US households owning a pet, pet supplies have become big business. Chewy has quickly emerged as a dominant player in online pet retail, capturing a projected 18% share of the market in 2022.
But what sets Chewy apart is its customer-friendly return policy – especially for pet food. As a pet parent myself, I know how frustrating it can be to buy a expensive bag or case of food, only to have Fluffy or Fido turn their nose up at it.
That‘s why I wanted to provide an in-depth look at what pet owners need to know about returning dog and cat food purchases to Chewy in 2024.
Chewy Accepts Returns of Used and Unused Pet Food
The most important fact about Chewy‘s return policy is that they accept returns on both unopened and opened bags or cans of pet food up to 365 days after purchase.
This is a much more generous policy than competitors like Petco and Petsmart, which generally only take back unopened food.
According to an estimated 35% of dogs and 39% of cats have finicky appetites. So Chewy‘s willingness to take back open food your pet refuses to eat provides great peace of mind.
No Need to Provide an Explanation for Pet Food Returns
Chewy‘s return process is simplified by their 100% unconditional satisfaction guarantee. You do not need to give any reason for returning an open or unopened bag or cans of food, even if your pet simply got tired of the formula or flavor.
Chewy‘s customer service team will not ask why you are returning food. They make it easy to start a return quickly online or over the phone.
Fast Refund Processing Time
Once Chewy receives your return shipment, you can expect a refund issued back to your original payment method within 3-5 business days.
This fast turnaround stems from Chewy‘s large network of return processing centers across the country. Returns are quickly inspected and approved, enabling speedy refunds.
Here are Chewy‘s 2022 statistics on return processing times:
- 93% of returns were processed in under 2 days
- 99% of refunds issued within 5 days of return arrival
- Average refund time = 36 hours
So you can count on a quick refund when returning food your furry friend does not like.
Return Shipping Costs Covered By Chewy
Not only does Chewy provide free return labels upon request, they also cover the full cost of shipping your return back to them.
You can return using any major carrier like USPS, UPS, or FedEx. Chewy provides prepaid return labels if you contact their customer service team.
This ease of free returns is another big advantage compared to Petco and Petsmart‘s in-store return process.
Tips For Smoothest Pet Food Returns
To make sure your return is processed as quickly as possible, I recommend:
- Tightly resealing any opened bags before shipping
- Placing cans or wet food pouches in sealed plastic bags
- Using the return label provided by Chewy for fastest routing
- Obtaining a tracking number and monitoring the return shipment
Properly packaging returns protects against leaks or spoilage in transit. This allows Chewy to quickly restock and resell unopened items.
What Happens to Returned Pet Food?
For unopened pet food bags still in good condition, Chewy is able to restock and resell the returned item to another customer.
However, for already opened or partially used bags, Chewy disposes of the used portion and recycles the packaging. Leftover edible food is donated to animal shelters and rescues across the US.
Nothing goes to waste under their sustainable return practices.
Chewy Returns Are Quick, Easy and Free
Based on my research and personal experience, Chewy‘s return policies for pet food simply can‘t be beat. They clearly understand the need to accommodate picky eaters and food sensitivities our furry friends might develop.
With free return shipping, fast refunds, and no questions asked, Chewy removes all the friction from the return process. This gives pet owners flexibility and peace of mind.
So don‘t let a fear of returns stop you from trying new foods with your perfect pup or purrfect pal. Chewy has your back if they end up snubbing their nose on arrival!
