chewy.com
What Chewy.com Is
Chewy.com is one of the biggest online destinations for pet products in the United States. It operates primarily as an e-commerce retailer that sells food, treats, toys, health supplies, accessories and more for a wide range of animals — dogs, cats, birds, fish, small animals, reptiles and even farm animals.
On its site you can browse hundreds of thousands of SKUs from all kinds of brands. You’ll find everything from dry and wet food to collars, crates, grooming tools, supplements and prescription medications. Chewy also offers services like Autoship — a recurring order program that delivers products on a schedule you set, often at a discount — and a paid membership called Chewy+ that gives perks like free shipping and rewards.
The business is focused on serving “pet parents” — people who treat their animals as family — with convenience, competitive pricing, and customer service that’s available year-round.
Origins and Growth
Chewy launched in 2011 under the name “Mr. Chewy,” founded by Ryan Cohen and Michael Day with a mission to bring the neighborhood pet store experience to a broader online audience.
From its early days as a startup, Chewy grew quickly. By 2017 it had captured a significant share of online pet food sales in the U.S. and was attracting attention from major retail players. That year PetSmart acquired Chewy for about $3.35 billion, at the time one of the largest e-commerce acquisitions ever.
In 2019 Chewy went public on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol CHWY, raising capital and increasing its profile as a serious competitor in online retail.
Since then, the company has continued to expand its offerings, customer base and revenues. In recent years Chewy has added wellness services like virtual vet visits and an expanding network of brick-and-mortar veterinary clinics called Chewy Vet Care.
How Chewy’s Platform Works
Chewy’s website and mobile app function much like other large online retailers:
- Product catalog: Customers can shop tens of thousands of products across categories like food, toys, healthcare, bedding and more.
- Autoship: This is Chewy’s recurring delivery option. You choose products and a delivery frequency, and Chewy ships them automatically. Many customers use this to ensure regular supplies of food, treats or medications without having to reorder.
- Chewy+: A subscription program offering perks such as free shipping with no order minimums, 5 % rewards on purchases, and exclusive offers.
- Customer support: Chewy emphasizes customer service, offering support around the clock and a satisfaction guarantee on orders.
Apart from retail products, Chewy also operates a pharmacy for pet medications and supplies, with information and support available through its platform.
Chewy’s Business Model
Chewy makes money primarily by selling pet products and supplies through its online channels. That’s the core of its revenue — products sold directly to consumers.
On top of product sales, subscription services like Autoship and Chewy+ contribute to recurring revenue. These keep customers engaged and purchasing on a regular basis, which stabilizes sales and builds loyalty.
Chewy also has been exploring services that can broaden its revenue base, such as veterinary care and telehealth for pets. Those healthcare services sit alongside the traditional retail business and serve to deepen the company’s relationship with customers over the lifetime of their pet ownership.
Market Position and Competition
In the U.S., Chewy is one of the largest online pet retailers. It competes with traditional brick-and-mortar pet stores, big box retailers with pet departments, and other online platforms. What sets Chewy apart is its sheer breadth of product selection, its focus on customer experience and its heavy use of subscription services.
The company has more than 20 million active customers and has grown its sales significantly over the years. Autoship orders, in particular, make up a large portion of total sales, demonstrating how integral recurring purchases are to the company’s long-term strategy.
Recent Developments and Challenges
In recent years Chewy has seen both strong financial performance and operational shifts:
- Revenue growth and earnings: Chewy has reported growth in revenue and active customers, with its Autoship program driving much of that traction. Strong earnings have helped lift the company’s share price at times, even as market expectations can fluctuate.
- Operational adjustments: Like many large retailers, Chewy has made workforce changes in some fulfillment centers as part of broader efficiency moves; layoffs were reported at a Dallas fulfillment center in 2025.
- Pet spending trends: Even amid economic uncertainty, pet owners have tended to maintain spending on animal care and supplies, which benefits companies like Chewy that cater directly to that demand.
What Customers Can Buy
Chewy isn’t just a place for food and bowls. The platform covers:
- Food and treats for all types of animals.
- Toys and enrichment items to keep pets entertained.
- Health and wellness products including flea and tick treatments, vitamins and supplements.
- Accessories like bedding, leashes, grooming tools, carriers and more.
- Prescription diets and medications through Chewy’s pharmacy offerings.
This wide range of offerings makes it possible for owners to source most of what a pet might need from a single online destination.
Customer Experience and Support
Chewy emphasizes convenience and support. The company offers customer service 24/7 via call, email and chat, and stands behind its products with a satisfaction guarantee. That means if something doesn’t fit or a pet doesn’t like what was ordered, Chewy can help with replacements or returns.
Their approach is meant to mimic — as much as possible — the feel of a neighborhood pet store where staff know you and your pet. It’s part of how Chewy has built loyalty among owners who might otherwise shop around for supplies from multiple places.
Key Takeaways
- Chewy.com is a major U.S. online retailer of pet food, supplies and healthcare products.
- It was founded in 2011 and grew quickly, eventually going public in 2019.
- The company’s core business is e-commerce sales, supported by subscription services like Autoship and Chewy+.
- Chewy has expanded into services like telehealth and veterinary clinics.
- Strong customer service and a vast product catalog are central to its strategy.
FAQ
Is Chewy.com only available in the United States?
Yes. Chewy primarily serves customers in the United States through its online platform.
Can I return items bought on Chewy?
Chewy offers a satisfaction guarantee on orders. If a product doesn’t meet your needs, you can often return or replace it.
What is Autoship?
Autoship is a subscription delivery feature that sends selected products on a regular schedule you choose, usually with a small discount.
Does Chewy sell pet medications?
Yes. Chewy’s pharmacy includes prescription diets and medications, and the company offers information and support around those products.
What is Chewy+ membership?
Chewy+ is a paid membership program that offers free shipping, rewards on purchases and exclusive offers.
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