Understanding the Difference Between Petco and Chewy
Pet owners often have a wide array of retailers to choose from when shopping for pet supplies.
Petco and
Chewy are two of the most prominent names in the industry, but they are frequently mistaken for being the same company due to the similarities in their offerings. However, Petco and Chewy are
completely separate entities, each with its own business model, ownership, and market approach.
Ownership and Business Structure
Petco is a national pet retailer operating both physical stores and an online platform. Founded in 1965, Petco has brick-and-mortar locations across the United States and Mexico. It was publicly traded for several years, taken private twice, and most recently went public again in 2021 under the ticker symbol WOOF.
Chewy, on the other hand, is a fully online retailer founded in 2011. It became well known for its customer service and vast online inventory. In 2017, Chewy was acquired by PetSmart, although it now operates as a separate entity under its own branding and management. Chewy went public in 2019.
Key Differences
- Business Model: Petco operates a hybrid model with in-store and online sales, while Chewy is exclusively e-commerce.
- Ownership: Petco operates independently as a publicly traded company; Chewy operates separately under the PetSmart umbrella but is also publicly traded.
- Product Availability: Petco offers in-person services like grooming, veterinary care (Vetco), and pet adoption, which Chewy doesn't provide.
- Brand Strategy: Chewy focuses on fast, automated distribution with a strong emphasis on subscription services (Autoship) and personalized products. Petco emphasizes customer experience through its stores and partnerships.
Product Overlap and Brand Presence
Both retailers carry
reputable dog food brands such as Hill's Science Diet, Royal Canin, ORIJEN, Merrick, Taste of the Wild, and more. These high-quality options emphasize real animal protein as the first ingredient and are often enhanced with vitamins, probiotics, and omega fatty acids. While the product overlap is significant, each company hosts occasional exclusive deals and brand offerings.
Why Customers Confuse Petco with Chewy
- Both offer a broad selection of pet essentials online.
- They feature overlapping product lines and price promotions.
- Strong marketing campaigns can obscure the companies’ separate identities.
Shopping Considerations
When choosing between Petco and Chewy, pet owners should consider the following:
- Service Needs: For grooming, vaccinations, or same-day pickup, Petco is the better choice.
- Convenience: Chewy’s Autoship and fast home delivery make it excellent for recurring purchases.
- Variety: Both offer diverse inventories, but some brands may only be available through specific retailers due to exclusive agreements.
- Customer Experience: Chewy is renowned for its personalized customer service, including hand-written notes and unexpected gifts.
- Health Services: Petco’s Vetco clinics provide in-person veterinary services not available through Chewy.
Nutritional Quality and Brand Comparison
Both Petco and Chewy sell highly rated, veterinarian-recommended foods. To ensure the best nutrition:
- Look for real animal proteins like chicken, beef, salmon, or lamb as the first ingredient.
- Check for omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, probiotics, and antioxidants.
- Avoid excessive fillers, artificial colors, and preservatives.
- Select formulas based on life stage, breed size, allergies, and medical needs.
Conclusion
While Petco and Chewy may appear similar due to overlapping product lines and shared market space, they are
distinct companies with different ownerships, approaches, and services. Understanding these differences can help pet owners make informed decisions while ensuring the health and happiness of their furry companions.
