petco.com

November 14, 2025

What Petco.com Is and What the Company Does

Petco.com is the official online store for Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc., one of the largest pet retailers in the United States. The website functions as a full e-commerce platform where customers can buy pet food, supplies, health products, accessories, and much more for a wide variety of animals, including dogs, cats, fish, birds, reptiles, and small mammals. It also provides access to services, membership programs, and pet care resources.

At the core, Petco.com is designed to be a one-stop online marketplace for pet owners. You can browse and purchase thousands of products — from everyday essentials like food and treats to specialized items like prescription medications and grooming supplies. The site supports multiple shopping options like same-day delivery, buy-online-pick-up-in-store, and repeat delivery subscriptions. You’ll also find links to services such as grooming, veterinary care, training, and adoption events.

The online store mirrors what you’d expect in a physical Petco location but with added digital conveniences. It’s organized so you can shop by pet type (dog, cat, fish, etc.), by category (food, supplies, health & wellness), or by brand. You can also manage prescriptions, sign up for rewards and memberships like Vital Care, and explore educational content.

How Petco Started and Grew

Petco’s origins go back to 1965. Walter Evans founded what was then called United Pharmacal Company (UPCO) in San Diego, California. It was originally a mail-order supplier of veterinary products. That evolved into the Petco brand we know today, and by the late 1970s and early 1980s, the company began opening retail stores.

The company expanded rapidly through the 1980s and 1990s. By 1988, Petco had acquired other pet supply chains and expanded its footprint across multiple states. In 1994, it went public on the NASDAQ as a major pet specialty retailer. Over the next decades, Petco continued to grow its store base and expand into new product categories and services.

Today, the business has approximately 1,500 physical stores across the U.S. and Mexico, in addition to its online operations. The headquarters are in San Diego and San Antonio, and the company employs tens of thousands of people.

What Products You Can Find on Petco.com

Petco.com carries an extensive range of pet products that generally fall into these broad categories:

Food & Treats: Dry and wet food for dogs and cats, life-stage food (puppy/kitten), premium and specialty diets, treats and chews.
Supplies & Accessories: Bowls, beds, crates and kennels, leashes and harnesses, training pads, travel gear, tech accessories, and toys.
Health & Wellness: Vitamins and supplements, flea & tick prevention, calming aids, dental care, and pharmacy items.
Live Animals: In some regions, you can learn about live animals available for adoption (though actual purchase practices vary by location and Petco’s adoption partnerships).
Services Links: While you don’t book these directly on the product pages, Petco.com provides access to scheduling grooming, training, veterinary visits, and adoption events.

The site also offers deals, seasonal collections, guides for pet care, and options to manage your pet’s prescriptions.

Services and Features Connected to the Website

Petco.com isn’t just a product catalog — it’s tied to services and programs that extend beyond online shopping:

Same-Day Delivery & Pickup: You can choose to have products delivered to your home on the same day (where available) or pick them up at a nearby Petco store.
Repeat Delivery: The platform allows you to set up recurring orders for items you use regularly — food, litter, supplements, etc.
Rewards & Memberships: Options like Vital Care help you get value from frequent purchases and bundled services.
Educational Resources: Pet care guides, tips, and support content are integrated, helping owners make informed decisions.

There are also links to Petco’s pet adoption networks and community programs like Petco Love, a nonprofit that supports animal welfare and adoption events.

Business Position and Strategy

Petco has shifted its identity over the years from a traditional pet supply retailer to a health and wellness company focused on pets. The company talks about delivering comprehensive solutions that help pets thrive — not just selling products but also offering services like veterinary care, training, grooming, and insurance.

This strategy reflects broader trends in the pet industry, where owners increasingly view pets as family members and invest in health, nutrition, and care services. That demand has helped fuel growth in areas like vet services and personalized pet care offerings, which Petco emphasizes in its public strategy discussions.

At the same time, Petco has responded to shifting consumer expectations on sustainability and animal welfare. Initiatives have included plans to make half of its products “sustainable” by a future deadline.

Recent Developments and Challenges

In recent years, Petco has navigated both growth opportunities and challenges:

The company celebrated 60 years of operation, marking its long history in the pet market.
It has adjusted leadership and strategic plans to align with profitability goals and changing consumer behavior.
There have been some store closures and profit fluctuations as the business refines its operational model.
On animal welfare fronts, Petco has at times shifted its policies — for example, recommitting to adoption-only approaches for certain animals.

These kinds of moves show Petco balancing commerce with broader expectations around pet wellbeing and sustainability.

Key Takeaways

Petco.com is an e-commerce platform for one of the largest pet retailers in the U.S., offering products and access to services for pets and their owners.
The company started in 1965 as a mail-order veterinary supply business and evolved into a nationwide retailer with about 1,500 stores.
You can find food, health products, accessories, and care essentials for many kinds of pets on the site.
The website connects with services like grooming, veterinary care, training, and adoption events.
Petco positions itself as a health and wellness company, not just a retailer, reflecting trends in pet care spending.
Recent years have brought both strategic pivots and operational challenges as Petco continues to adapt.

FAQ

Is Petco.com only for dogs and cats?
No. The site offers products and services for a wide range of pets, including fish, birds, reptiles, and small animals.

Can I get veterinary services through Petco.com?
You can schedule or find information about veterinary services, but actual appointments are typically handled through store locations or partnered clinics.

Does Petco still sell live animals online?
The site connects you with live animal availability, though practices vary by location and the company has emphasized adoption through partnerships rather than pure retail sales.

Does Petco offer same-day delivery?
Yes — in many areas, same-day delivery is available for online orders through Petco.com.

Is Petco a public company?
Yes. Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc. is publicly traded and has undergone multiple IPOs over its history.