The Petco return policy gives you 30 days to return most items for a full refund—or up to 60 days for store credit. Items must be in resellable condition, but opened pet food can be returned with a receipt. Online purchases can be returned by mail or in-store, though shipping fees may apply. This 2025 guide walks you through all return rules, restrictions, and timelines so you can shop—and return—with confidence.
Key takeaways
- Petco allows returns within 30 days for a full refund; 31–60 days for store credit.
- Most items must be unused, in original packaging, and resellable.
- Opened pet food is returnable within 30 days with proof of purchase.
- Prescription medications, personalized items, and saltwater aquatic life are non-returnable.
What is the Petco Return Policy?
Petco offers a straightforward return policy:
- Most items can be returned within 30 days of purchase for a full refund.
- If you return an item between 31 and 60 days, you will receive store credit instead of a refund to your original payment method.
- Returns after 60 days or without proof of purchase are eligible only for store credit at the item’s lowest selling price.
- Holiday or promotional periods may sometimes extend the return window, but always check your receipt or Petco’s website for specific details.
Product-Specific Timeframes
- Most merchandise: 30 days (full refund), 31–60 days: store credit
- Pet food (non-prescription): 30 days, Opened food accepted if unsatisfactory
- Prescription food/meds: Not returnable, Contact customer service if defective
- Live fish/aquatic life: Case-by-case, Saltwater aquatic life not returnable
Condition Requirements for Returns
To qualify for a return or exchange:
- Items must be in new, unused, and resellable condition, ideally in original packaging with all tags and labels attached.
- Pet food can be returned even if opened, as long as it’s within the 30-day window and you have proof of purchase.
- Damaged or defective items should be reported immediately; Petco will provide instructions for these cases.
- Used items (like grooming clippers) are generally accepted only if they are in like-new condition. Excessive wear or damage may disqualify the item from return.
Petco was founded in 1965 in San Diego, California, by a group of animal lovers who wanted to create a store that catered to the unique needs of pet owners. Petco was the first pet store to offer veterinary services in-house, with the opening of its first veterinary hospital in 1986.
Proof of Purchase: What You Need
Petco requires proof of purchase for all returns. Accepted forms include:
- Original paper receipt
- Order confirmation email (printed or digital)
- Packing slip (for online orders)
- Store return receipt (from your Petco account or app)
- Gift receipt (refunds issued as store credit)
- Loyalty account purchase history (for members)
If you lack proof of purchase, you may still receive store credit at the lowest selling price, but Petco reserves the right to decline such returns.
Valid government-issued photo ID is required for all returns, regardless of payment method.
In-Store vs Petco Online Returns
In-Store Returns
- Bring the item, proof of purchase, and a valid ID to any Petco or Unleashed by Petco location.
- Most refunds are processed immediately; credit card refunds may take 1–10 business days to appear, depending on your bank.
Online Returns
- Initiate the return via Petco.com or the Petco app using your order number and email.
- Print the prepaid shipping label and mail the item back.
- Return shipping fees are deducted from your refund unless the item is defective or incorrect.
- Refunds are processed once the item is received at the fulfillment center (typically within 7–10 business days).
Home Pickup
- Contact Petco customer service to schedule a home pickup.
- Pack the item, attach the provided shipping label, and hand it to the courier.
Non-Returnable and Final Sale Items
Certain items are not eligible for return or exchange at Petco:
- Prescription medications and pharmacy products
- Personalized or customized items
- Saltwater aquatic life (live fish, corals, invertebrates)
- Opened or used items not in resellable condition (with exceptions for pet food)
- In-store services (grooming, dog training)
- Clearance or “final sale” merchandise (as marked)
- Third-party electronics (e.g., Ring, iRobot) may require returns directly through the manufacturer
Defective items in these categories may still be eligible for a refund or exchange; contact customer service for instructions.
How to Start a Return at Petco
In-Store
- Bring the item, proof of purchase, and valid ID to any Petco location.
- Visit the customer service desk.
- Staff will inspect the item and process your refund or exchange.
Online/Mail
- Log in to your Petco account or use the order lookup tool.
- Select the item(s) to return and follow the prompts.
- Print the return shipping label.
- Pack the item securely and include the packing slip or order confirmation.
- Drop off at your preferred shipping location or schedule a pickup.
Home Pickup
- Contact customer service to request a pickup.
- Prepare the item as instructed and attach the prepaid label.
- Hand the package to the courier.
Without Proof of Purchase
- Visit a store with the item and a valid ID.
- Store credit may be issued at the lowest selling price, subject to manager approval.
Petco Refund Policy
- Within 30 days: Refund to the original payment method (credit card, debit, PayPal, cash, etc.).
- 31–60 days: Refund as Petco store credit.
- No receipt/after 60 days: Store credit at the lowest price.
- Gift returns: Store credit issued.
- Original shipping fees: Non-refundable unless the return is due to Petco’s error.
- Refund timeline:
- In-store: Immediate to 10 business days (bank dependent)
- Online/mail: 7–10 business days after receipt at warehouse
“Petco is a company that truly values the human-animal bond and strives to enhance the lives of pets and pet owners through its products, services, and philanthropic efforts.” – Dr. Marty Becker, Veterinarian and Author.
Return Policy Full Breakdown
- Petco allows returns within 30 days for a full refund; 31–60 days for store credit.
- Proof of purchase and a valid government-issued ID are required for all returns.
- Most items must be unused, in original packaging, and resellable.
- Opened pet food is returnable within 30 days with proof of purchase.
- Prescription medications, personalized items, and saltwater aquatic life are non-returnable.
- Online purchases can be returned in-store or by mail; shipping fees apply for mailed returns.
- Refunds are issued to the original payment method or as store credit, depending on timing and documentation.
- Gift returns and returns without receipts are refunded as store credit.
- In-store returns are typically processed immediately; online returns take 7–10 business days.
- Shipping fees are non-refundable unless the item is defective or incorrect.
- Home pickup for returns is available by contacting customer service.
- Clearance and final sale items are not eligible for return unless defective.
- Returns may be limited or declined based on loss prevention systems.
- Petco’s satisfaction guarantee applies to pet services, with no set time limit for complaints.
- Always check for product-specific exceptions or extended holiday return windows.
Petco Return policy FAQs
Can I return opened pet food to Petco in 2025?
Yes, opened pet food can be returned within 30 days with proof of purchase.
What if I lost my receipt for a Petco return?
Returns without a receipt may be eligible for store credit at the lowest selling price, with valid ID.
Can I return online purchases to a Petco store location?
Yes, online orders can be returned at any Petco or Unleashed by Petco location.
How long does it take to receive a refund from Petco after a return?
Refunds are typically processed within 7–10 business days, but in-store returns may be immediate.
Are shipping fees refunded on Petco online returns?
No, original shipping fees are non-refundable unless the return is due to Petco’s error.
What items are non-returnable under the Petco return policy?
Prescription medications, personalized items, saltwater aquatic life, and certain electronics.
Is a government-issued ID required for returns at Petco?
Yes, a valid photo ID is required for all returns.
Can I return a gift to Petco without a receipt?
Yes, with a gift receipt, you’ll receive store credit.
What happens if I return an item to Petco after 60 days?
Returns after 60 days may be declined or only eligible for store credit at the lowest price.
How do I return a defective or damaged item to Petco?
Contact customer service for instructions, especially for prescription food or pharmacy items.