Ever bought the wrong dog food or a toy your cat completely ignored? It happens to the best of us — but with Chewy, you’ve got a full year to make it right. Yes, 365 days to return or exchange anything that doesn’t work for your pet. Before you start shopping, check Groupon’s latest Chewy discount codes to save even more on your pet supply hauls.

Most pet stores give you 30 days, maybe 60 if you’re lucky. Chewy gives you an entire year under their 100% satisfaction guarantee — and they’ll even cover return shipping.

What Makes Chewy's Return Policy Different

Here’s what sets Chewy apart from almost every other pet retailer: they actually want you to be happy with your purchase — even if it takes you months to decide. Their return policy is generous, simple, and built around customer trust.

365 Days vs. Industry Standard

While most stores cap returns at 30 days, Chewy gives you a full year. That’s enough time to see if your dog really likes that new food or if the cat tree can handle your kitten’s energy. It’s like a built-in trial period for everything you buy.

To see how Chewy compares with other pet retailers, check our Chewy vs. PetSmart comparison.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Chewy’s satisfaction guarantee is exactly what it sounds like: a promise that you’ll love what you buy, or you’ll get your money back. No restocking fees. No “final sale” fine print. Even opened or used items can be returned — from bags of food to chewed-up toys. Yes, really.

Free Return Shipping

Chewy covers return shipping costs, saving you $10–$20 per return depending on weight. You’ll receive a prepaid FedEx label by email — just pack it, attach the label, and drop it off. And if you want to save even more on regular orders, check out our guide to Chewy Autoship savings.

How to Return Items to Chewy

Chewy’s return process is refreshingly simple. No forms, no waiting weeks for approval — just a quick chat or call with customer service.

Step 1: Contact Customer Service

Reach Chewy’s 24/7 team via live chat or at 1-800-672-4399. Have your order number ready (or just your email) and explain what didn’t work out. Even “my cat didn’t like it” is a perfectly fine reason.

Step 2: Get Your Return Label

Within a few hours, you’ll receive an email with your prepaid return label. The label covers all shipping costs and includes drop-off instructions — usually FedEx.

Step 3: Pack and Ship

Pack the item securely, attach the label, and drop it off at any FedEx location. You can reuse the original box or grab any that fits. You’re done in minutes.

What You Can (and Can't) Return

Chewy’s policy covers almost everything they sell — with just a couple of sensible exceptions.

Eligible Items

• Opened or partially used pet food and treats
• Toys that didn’t hold up or weren’t a hit
• Beds, crates, and furniture your pet rejected
• Grooming tools and health products
• Leashes, collars, and other accessories

Prescription Medications

Prescription meds can’t be returned once they’ve shipped, except if Chewy sent the wrong item or it arrived damaged. This is standard across all pharmacies for safety reasons.

Gift Cards and Autoship Orders

Gift cards aren’t refundable, but items from Autoship follow the same 365-day policy as regular orders. Your subscription doesn’t limit return eligibility.

The “Keep It” Policy That Saves You Time

Sometimes Chewy goes a step further — they’ll tell you to keep the item and still issue a full refund. This is common for lower-cost items or opened products like pet food or litter. It saves you time and saves Chewy the return shipping costs.

Donate Instead

Chewy often encourages customers to donate “keep it” items to local animal shelters. It’s a win-win: you get your refund, shelters get supplies, and nothing goes to waste.

Why Pet Parents Love This Policy

Chewy’s return policy builds loyalty because it’s built on empathy. From refunding opened products to sending sympathy flowers when a pet passes, their service goes far beyond the basics. It’s what turns first-time shoppers into lifelong customers.

The 365-day return window gives you peace of mind to try new things — from orthopedic beds to specialized diets — without the fear of wasting money if your pet doesn’t approve.