Nobody plans to return their pet's food or, well, their actual pet — but life happens. Maybe Fluffy turned her nose up at that premium kibble, or your new goldfish didn't make it through the first week. Here’s what to know about Petco’s return policy so you’re not stuck with items (or a situation) that isn’t working out.
The good news? Petco offers a generous 60-day return window for most items, with full refunds available for the first 30 days. But first, take a look at Groupon's latest Petco discount codes and keep your pet budget in check.
60 Days to Decide: How Petco's Return Timeline Works
Petco’s return policy gives you time to see whether that new toy, leash, or food is actually a hit with your pet.
| Return Window |
What You Get |
Requirements |
| Days 1-30 |
Full refund to your original payment method |
Proof of purchase (receipt, order confirmation, or rewards lookup) |
| Days 31-60 |
Merchandise credit |
Proof of purchase (receipt, order confirmation, or rewards lookup) |
This applies to pretty much everything: toys, food, accessories, grooming supplies, and even live animals. The 30-day sweet spot is your golden window — whether it's a leash your dog destroyed in record time or a scratching post your cat completely ignores.
Returning Live Animals: What You Need to Know
Yes, you can return live animals to Petco — and honestly, it's sometimes the most responsible thing to do if you realize you're not prepared for a new pet.
Freshwater Fish and Small Pets: 30-Day Window
Companion animals (like birds, hamsters, and guinea pigs) and freshwater fish can typically be returned within 30 days of purchase. This gives you time to see if your new pet's a good fit for your family.
Just bring your receipt and any care instructions or accessories that came with your pet. The store wants to ensure the animal goes to a good home or gets proper care while waiting for adoption.
Saltwater Fish: Final Sale
Saltwater aquatic life generally can’t be returned or exchanged. These fish can be more delicate and expensive, so it’s worth double-checking your tank setup (and water parameters) before you buy.
Online Fish Orders: 7-Day Guarantee Plus 30-Day Life Promise
If you order fish online, Petco offers a 7-day guarantee, plus a 30-day “life” promise from arrival for aquatic life. If something goes wrong during shipping or in those first weeks, contact Petco support as soon as possible so they can help with next steps.
Pet Food Returns: Even Opened Bags Are Fair Game
This is where Petco is especially pet-parent friendly. Pets can be picky, and Petco doesn’t want you stuck with a 40-pound bag of food your dog refuses to touch.
In many cases, you can return opened pet food within 30 days for a full refund. This policy's a game-changer for pet parents trying to find the right diet. Whether your cat turns her nose up at the new flavor or your dog has a bad reaction, you're covered.
Bring the bag (even if it’s mostly empty) and your proof of purchase. “Opened” generally means the package has been unsealed.
Lost Your Receipt? Here's What You Can Do
Use Your Rewards Account for Purchase Lookup
If you're signed up for Petco Vital Care Premier rewards program or Petco's free rewards program, the store may be able to look up your purchase history. This is one of the best reasons to join — it'll save the receipt panic by tracking your purchases automatically.
When a Manager Can Help
Officially, returns without receipts aren't eligible for refunds. However, some customers report that store managers occasionally offer store credit for small items at their discretion. Don't count on this, but it doesn't hurt to ask politely — especially if you're a regular customer.
What's Off-Limits for Returns
A few items are final sale, no matter what:
- Prescription medications — Can't be returned for safety and legal reasons
- Saltwater aquatic life — These are final sale
- Gift cards — Standard retail policy
- Customized items — Like engraved tags or custom aquarium setups
In-Store vs. Mail: Your Return Options
In-store returns are usually fastest — just bring your item and receipt to any Petco location. Staff can process your return immediately and answer questions.
Mail returns work for online purchases. You'll need to contact customer service for a return shipping label, then send the item back. Takes longer but saves you a trip.
Pro tip: If you bought something online but there's a Petco store nearby, call ahead to ask if they can process your return in-store. It's often faster than shipping it back.
Make Your Return Smooth: Quick Tips
- Keep your receipts — This solves 90% of return headaches
- Join the rewards program — It's free and acts as receipt backup
- Check your Petco credit card statements — They can serve as proof of purchase
- Return sooner rather than later — That 30-day full refund window's your friend
- Bring original packaging when possible — Not always required, but it helps
- Be honest about why you're returning — Staff wants to help, and knowing the reason speeds things up
Quick Answers to Common Questions
Can I return an animal to Petco?
Yes, companion animals and freshwater fish can be returned within 30 days of purchase. Saltwater aquatic life can't be returned. All returns require your original receipt.
What's Petco's return policy on opened food?
Opened pet food can be returned within 30 days for a full refund, even if the bag's mostly empty. Just bring your receipt and the remaining food.
Can I make a return at Petco without a receipt?
Officially, no — but if you're in their rewards program, they may be able to look up your purchase. Some store managers occasionally offer store credit at their discretion.
How long do I have to return something to Petco?
You've got 60 days total. Returns within 30 days get full refunds, while returns between 31-60 days receive merchandise credit.
Can I return online purchases to a Petco store?
Often yes, but call your local store first to confirm. In-store returns of online purchases are usually faster than mailing items back.
Ready to Make Your Return?
Find your nearest Petco store or check out their Vital Care program to make future returns even easier. Before your next purchase, browse Groupon's Petco discount codes to save without changing your routine.
