Petco's main services and product categories
Petco operates as a pet supply retailer with physical locations and an online store. The company sells food, toys, grooming supplies, medications, and live animals including fish, birds, small mammals, and reptiles. Most Petco locations also offer in-store grooming services, veterinary clinics (in select locations), and training classes.
The store layout is generally organized by pet type — dog, cat, fish, bird, small animal, and reptile sections — so you can navigate to what you need based on the animal you own. Petco also operates Petco Love, a nonprofit organization focused on pet adoption and animal welfare, which operates adoption centers inside many Petco stores.
Pricing varies by location and product type. Petco's prices are typically higher than warehouse clubs like Costco but competitive with other specialty pet retailers. The company runs regular sales and promotions, both in-store and online, which you can check on their website or through their mobile app.
Key Takeaways
- Petco sells pet food, supplies, live animals, and medications across multiple pet categories, with most locations offering grooming and some offering veterinary services.
- You can shop in person at physical locations or online through Petco.com, with options for delivery or in-store pickup depending on your location and item.
- Petco's Rewards program tracks purchases and offers discounts on future transactions, and membership is free to join through their website or app.
- Petco locations often house adoption centers run by Petco Love, where you can view available animals for adoption separate from the animals Petco sells.
- Prescription medications and some specialty items require verification or may only be available through their online pharmacy or in-store veterinary clinic.
How to shop at Petco in person and online
In-store shopping at Petco works like any retail pet supply store: you browse the aisles, select items, and check out at the register. Staff members are usually available to answer questions about products, though their depth of knowledge varies by location and employee. If you cannot find something, ask at customer service — they can tell you whether it is in stock elsewhere in the store or if you need to order it online.
Online shopping through Petco.com allows you to browse the full catalog, which is larger than what any single store carries. You can choose delivery to your home (timing depends on your location and the item) or in-store pickup at a location near you, usually within one to three days. The website shows stock status for each store, so you can see before you drive whether an item is available for pickup.
Petco's mobile app mirrors the website and adds features like barcode scanning to check prices and reviews in-store. You can also use the app to locate your nearest store, check hours, and manage your Rewards account.
Understanding Petco's Rewards program
Petco Rewards is a free membership program that tracks your purchases and gives you points toward discounts. You earn one point per dollar spent on most items, and points can be redeemed for dollars off future purchases once you reach a threshold (the current threshold is typically 100 points for a $5 reward, though this varies). The program also sends personalized offers to your email and app based on what you buy.
To join, you create an account on Petco.com or in the app with your email address and zip code. You can also sign up in-store at the register. Once enrolled, you link your account to your phone number or email at checkout so purchases are tracked automatically. There is no cost to join or maintain membership, and you do not have to use it — you can shop without it if you prefer.
Petco Rewards members also receive early access to some sales and occasional bonus point promotions. The program is separate from Petco's credit card, which offers additional benefits if you choose to explore for one.
Petco's grooming and veterinary services
Most Petco locations have an in-store grooming salon that offers baths, haircuts, nail trimming, and ear cleaning for dogs and cats. Grooming is priced by service and pet size, and you can book appointments online through Petco.com or by calling the store directly. Wait times vary by location — some locations take walk-ins, while others require advance booking, especially during busy seasons.
Select Petco locations also house a veterinary clinic operated by Vetco, a subsidiary of Petco. These clinics offer routine services like vaccinations, microchipping, flea and tick prevention, and basic health checks. They do not perform surgery or handle emergency care. You can find which locations have veterinary clinics on Petco.com and book appointments online or by phone.
Grooming and veterinary services are separate from the retail store, so you pay directly for those services at the time of the appointment. Prices are set by location and service type, and you can ask for a quote before booking.
Petco's live animal sales and adoption centers
Petco sells live fish, birds, small mammals (like hamsters and guinea pigs), and reptiles in most locations. These animals are kept in dedicated sections of the store, and staff can answer basic questions about care and housing. Petco also sells the tanks, food, and supplies needed for each type of animal.
Separately, many Petco locations host adoption centers run by Petco Love, the nonprofit organization. These adoption centers feature dogs, cats, and other animals available for adoption from local shelters and rescue organizations. The animals in the adoption center are not for sale — they are there for adoption only, and adoption fees go to the rescue organization, not to Petco. You can view available animals on Petco Love's website and then visit the adoption center in person to meet them.
The live animal sales section and the adoption center are distinct operations within the same store. If you are interested in adopting rather than purchasing, ask a staff member to direct you to the adoption center.
Medications and prescription items at Petco
Petco sells over-the-counter pet medications, flea and tick prevention, and supplements in-store and online. Many of these items are available without a prescription and can be purchased like any other product.
Prescription medications and prescription-strength flea and tick prevention require a valid prescription from a veterinarian. You can fill prescriptions through Petco's online pharmacy by uploading your prescription or having your veterinarian send it directly to Petco. Some in-store locations with a Vetco clinic can also fill prescriptions on-site. Shipping times for prescription medications vary, so check the estimated delivery date when you order.
If you have a prescription from your own veterinarian, you can use it at Petco's pharmacy even if you have never visited a Vetco clinic. Petco's pharmacy will contact your veterinarian to verify the prescription before filling it.
Petco's return and exchange policy
Petco allows returns and exchanges of most items within 30 days of purchase with a receipt. Items must be in original condition and packaging. Live animals can be returned, but policies vary by location — some locations will take them back, while others may not, so ask before purchasing if you have concerns.
If you purchased an item online and want to return it, you can initiate a return through your account on Petco.com or bring it to a physical store. Refunds are issued to your original payment method, and return shipping is free for most items if you use Petco's prepaid label.
Grooming and veterinary services have separate cancellation and refund policies. Check with the specific service location or Petco.com for details on those policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Petco price match with other retailers?
Petco does not have a formal price match policy. However, you can check prices at competitors online and in-store, and Petco occasionally runs sales that match or beat competitor pricing. Your best option is to compare prices across retailers before purchasing, especially for larger or recurring purchases like pet food.
Can I return live animals to Petco?
Policies on returning live animals vary by location. Some Petco stores will accept returns of fish, birds, and small animals within a certain timeframe, while others do not. Ask the staff member selling you the animal what the return policy is before you purchase, or call your local store to confirm.
How do I know if my local Petco has a veterinary clinic?
You can search for Petco locations with veterinary clinics on Petco.com by entering your zip code and filtering for "Vetco" or "Veterinary Services." Not all locations have clinics, so checking online before you visit saves a trip.
What happens to my Petco Rewards points if I do not use them?
Petco Rewards points do not expire as long as your account remains active. However, if your account is inactive for an extended period, Petco may close it. Check your account periodically or set a reminder to make a purchase at least once a year to keep your account open and your points safe.
Can I use my Petco Rewards at other pet retailers?
No, Petco Rewards points can only be redeemed at Petco locations and on Petco.com. They cannot be used at other pet supply retailers or transferred to other programs.