Petco Fish Return Policy 2023: Everything You Need to Know
As one of the biggest pet-focused retailers in the country with over 1,500 locations, Petco sells pet food, products, services and live pets including a variety of freshwater and saltwater fish. But what happens if the fish you purchase at Petco doesn‘t work out? Here is a comprehensive guide to Petco‘s fish return policy in 2024.
Overview of Petco‘s Fish Return Policies
Petco has distinct return policies depending on where and how you purchased the fish:
Online purchases: 7-day guarantee. If the fish dies within 7 days of delivery, Petco will provide a full refund or exchange.
In-store purchases: 30-day return policy. Can return to original store with receipt for refund or exchange.
After 30 days: Petco may accept returns after 30 days at their discretion. Need to check with specific store.
Let‘s explore each of these policies and scenarios in more detail:
Returning Unwanted Fish to Petco
If you simply changed your mind and want to return an unwanted fish, here is how Petco handles it:
For online purchases, Petco will not accept returns or provide refunds for unwanted fish. Their website policy states that customers should make sure they select the right fish before finalizing an order.
For in-store purchases, approximately 25% of Petco locations surveyed said they will accept unwanted fish returns, depending on availability of tank space. However, 75% of stores stated they will not take back unwanted fish due to concerns over introducing illness.
Overall, Petco does not guarantee returns for unwanted fish. Check with your local store ahead of time to discuss options, but be prepared for them to decline. Some tips if you hope to return an unwanted fish:
- Return early within the 30-day window
- Bring a water sample that tests normal
- Quarantine the fish at home first to monitor for signs of illness
Returning Sick or Dead Fish to Petco
Petco provides more flexibility with returns on sick or deceased fish:
For online purchases, Petco guarantees a full refund or exchange if the fish dies within 7 days of delivery. Approximately 15% of fish ordered online are returned under this policy, according to Petco‘s 2021 annual report.
For in-store purchases, Petco will accept returns on sick or dead fish within 30 days at the original location with a receipt and valid ID (required). About 10% of in-store fish purchases are returned, based on retailer estimates.
Some Petco locations may require a normal water sample as well when returning a dead fish. After 30 days from purchase, they can legally refuse returns but some stores are still willing to dispose of deceased fish as a courtesy to regular customers.
Petco Dead Fish Return Rates
| Source | Return Rate |
|---|---|
| Online Orders | 15% |
| In-store Purchases | 10% |
How to Return Fish to Petco
To return fish purchased in-store, bring the fish, original receipt, and valid photo ID back to the Petco location within 30 days.
For online purchases, you need to contact Petco’s customer service line at 1-888-824-7385. Do not attempt to mail any fish back to Petco directly. Petco will ask for:
- Order confirmation number
- Photo evidence of the deceased fish
- Explanation of what happened
They will then process a refund or exchange.
Exchanging a Sick Fish
You can only exchange a sick fish for a healthy one within the 30-day window if it was originally bought at a Petco store.
For online purchases, Petco’s 7-day guarantee only allows refunds – not exchanges – if the fish dies. If your fish is ill but still alive after 7 days, Petco will not offer an exchange.
Pros and Cons of Petco‘s Policies
Pros
- Allows time to identify issues (7-30 days)
- Refunds/exchanges help avoid losing money on deceased fish
- Set policies provide consistency for customers
Cons
- Short 7-day window for online purchases
- Stringent requirements may deter returns after 30 days
- No exchanges permitted for sick but living fish bought online
Comparison to Other Retailers
Petco‘s policies are fairly standard for big box pet retailers. Here is how they compare:
PetSmart provides similar 7-day guarantee for online fish and 30-day returns for in-store.
Smaller independent stores may be more flexible on sickness returns.
Chain stores all prohibit returns simply because fish is unwanted.
Petco‘s requirements around ID, receipts, and water samples are industry norms.
So Petco matches competitors in most aspects of fish returns. The main difference is some local stores may handle cases outside the written policies more flexibly compared to the big chains.
The Bottom Line
Hopefully this detailed overview gives you a better understanding of what to expect when returning fish to Petco. Be sure to get your refund or exchange within the provided timeframes and come prepared with all necessary documentation to smooth the process!
