Chewy is the better option for users who want pet-specific customer service, a curated selection of products, and a licensed pet pharmacy. Amazon is a better choice for users who want the widest selection of products and brands and fast, free shipping with Amazon Prime.
| Attribute | Amazon Pet Supplies | Chewy |
|---|---|---|
| Price Competitiveness | Prices are roughly the same as Chewy, with varied pricing due to the marketplace model. Offers discounts for recurring orders, typically 5% off. | Aims for competitive pricing, typically 5-10% lower than traditional retail stores. Average product pricing undercuts physical pet store prices by approximately 7.3%. Offers price-matching against major competitors like Amazon, Petco, and PetSmart within 7 days of purchase. Pricing algorithm adjusts in real-time, with price variations occurring approximately 3-4 times per week based on market demand, competitor pricing, and inventory levels. |
| Shipping Speed and Reliability | Fast and efficient shipping, including free two-day shipping with Amazon Prime and free standard shipping for orders over $25 for non-Prime members. | Generally offers efficient and reliable shipping times, with most orders arriving within 1-3 business days after processing. Ships to all contiguous US states using FedEx. Orders are delivered 7 days a week before 10 p.m. |
| Product Selection and Variety | Wider range of products due to its marketplace model. Offers a wide range of brands. Filters focus more on brand, price, and flavor. | Boasts approximately 130,000 different products from over 3,500 trusted brands, covering a wide spectrum of pet needs. Specializes exclusively in the pet industry and owner supplies. |
| Subscription Services and Discounts | Subscribe & Save offers discounts on recurring deliveries, typically 5%. | Autoship offers a 35% discount on your first order and 5% off future orders. Autoship service covers approximately 70% of recurring pet product deliveries, with an average customer retention rate of 66% in 2023. |
| Customer Service Responsiveness | More general customer service, not specifically focused on pet-related expertise. | Has a dedicated team of customer service representatives available 24/7 via phone, email, or chat. Customer service is USA based. |
| Return and Refund Policies | Return policies are easy and painless. | Offers a generous return policy, allowing returns for most items within 365 days. Accepts full refunds (as well as exchanges) without the need for original packaging or the receipt. The only items that they do not accept returns or exchanges for are prescription medications. |
| Website and App Usability | Website can be overwhelming due to the vast selection. | Focuses on making pet parenthood simpler and more enjoyable. The Chewy Pharmacy embodies this by providing a dependable, user-friendly platform for ordering vital chewy pet meds and prescription foods. Site is geared toward quality pet food, making it easier to find what you're looking for. |
| Availability of Exclusive Brands/Products | Wider selection of products, including rare or niche items. | Offers a curated selection focused on pet-specific brands. |
| Pet Pharmacy Services | Less specialized pharmacy offerings. | Provides a licensed pet pharmacy. Chewy Pharmacy is a licensed pharmacy permitted to dispense pet prescriptions. |
| Auto-Ship Options | Subscribe & Save offers a similar service to Chewy's Autoship. | You can easily set up chewy prescriptions and chewy vet diet items for automatic refills through Autoship. Chewy will manage the necessary prescription re-authorizations with your vet according to the original script. |
| Loyalty Programs | Amazon Prime provides a wide range of benefits, including free shipping and video streaming. | Autoship program is a strong differentiator. |
| Ratings | Not available | Not available |