Does Chewy Sell Live Fish in 2024?
As pet owners increasingly buy products online, Chewy has become the go-to source for pet supplies. But when it comes to live animals, Chewy does not sell fish or any other pets.
Why Doesn‘t Chewy Sell Live Fish?
Industry research shows the live pet market reached $1.8 billion in 2021 in the U.S. So why doesn‘t the leading online pet retailer sell fish?
Shipping and fulfillment challenges likely prevent Chewy from entering the live fish market. Transit times through delivery services risk the health and survival of fish. Even specialty shippers see average DOA (dead on arrival) rates around 2% for fish. That‘s considered normal attrition, but unacceptable for a mass retailer like Chewy.
Additionally, an online-only merchant lacks the on-site aquaculture capabilities to properly house fish. Live pet sellers require climate-controlled farms and storage to uphold animal care standards.
| Live Fish Seller Type | Can Sell Live Fish? | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Online-only retailer like Chewy | No | Lack of shipping reliability and on-site livestock facilities |
| Physical fish/pet stores | Yes | In-store aquariums; short customer transport times |
| Online livestock retailers | Yes* | Specialized packaging and shipping methods; higher DOA risk |
* with added delivery costs and risks
When consumers buy live fish, most survey data shows they prefer to see, select, and transport fish themselves, hence the dominance of brick-and-mortar stores.
So an online-exclusive store faces substantial challenges selling live aquatic pets. While pet supplies require only basic delivery logistics, living animals have much more complexity and risk.
Does Chewy Sell Fish Supplies?
While they don‘t sell the fish themselves, Chewy does offer all the core products aquarium owners need:
Over 11.5 million US households own fish, meaning 1 in 10 households keep aquarium pets. From first-time hobbyists to devoted enthusiasts, Chewy seeks to gain their continued business for supplies even if they must buy fish elsewhere.
Where Can I Buy Live Fish in 2024?
When ready to add finned friends to your tank, visit one of these top sources:
Local Fish Stores
Specialty aquarium shops with on-site breeders and well-informed staff offer the best fish selection and health. The 35% of fish owners who consider themselves hobbyists over casual owners especially prefer patronizing local fish stores.
Chain Pet Retail Locations
Big box stores like PetSmart and Petco provide affordable, common freshwater species. While lacking specialty or saltwater fish, chain stores let beginners conveniently purchase fish during pet essentials trips.
Online Livestock Retailers
Order marine species, rare varieties, or any fish not locally available from online sellers that safely ship to your door. LiveAquaria.com and AquaBid.com rank among the most popular. Expect to pay premium pricing and shipping fees around $35-$50.
No retailer matches the simplicity of adding to cart and purchasing with standard shipping like Chewy. But by knowing the specialty sources above, aquarists can confidently bring home healthy new fish.
Conclusion
Chewy‘s rise to become the largest e-commerce pet platform still comes with limitations, live animal sales being one. Yet home aquarium owners need not look far to buy fish from retailers meeting unique hobby needs – then enjoy one-stop supply shopping back at Chewy.
