Chewy Return Policy, Explained
Chewy takes returns within 365 days of purchase with free return shipping, opened food and litter included; activated gift cards and guest orders are excluded.
By Olivia HarperContributing writer. Policy checked .
On this page
Store policies change. This is a summary in our own words of Chewy's return policy and return pickup help pages, read on October 27, 2026. The official pages are the ones that apply; check them before you send anything back.
How long you have
Chewy gives you 365 days from the date of purchase to return an item, and the return shipping is free. Unless Chewy tells you that you can keep the item, you have to send it back to get a refund or a replacement. Chewy also says it may refuse a return or refund when it sees abuse, at its own discretion.
| Item | What Chewy says |
|---|---|
| Most items | Returnable within 365 days, free return shipping |
| Opened food and litter | Returnable |
| Damaged or expired items | Returnable |
| Personalized items | Returnable |
| Vet Diet items | Returnable |
| Prescription items | Contact Chewy Pharmacy first |
| Chewy gift cards | Not returnable once activated |
The list of returnable items is unusual for a store selling pet supplies: an opened bag of food your pet refused or litter your cat will not use can still go back.
Prescription items
Prescription medications follow a separate path. Chewy asks you to contact Chewy Pharmacy by chat or at 1-877-977-3879 before you return them.
Packing and sending the item
Every item has to be packed in a box before it ships back. A used Chewy box works, or any other sturdy shipping box. Chewy does not take ownership of a returned item until it reaches Chewy, so keep your tracking details. If a return gets lost in transit, Chewy asks you to chat or call 1-800-672-4399.
Depending on the item, the type of return, carrier availability and your location, Chewy may offer a pickup instead of a carrier drop-off. If a pickup is possible, Chewy shares the steps when you create the return; otherwise you get a label and instructions.
Refunds and shipping costs
You choose whether the refund goes back to your original payment method or onto your Chewy account balance. If the original method cannot be used, for example because the card has expired, Chewy puts the money on your account balance.
Shipping charges are refunded only when you return the whole order. If you send back just some items from an order, the shipping fee you paid stays with Chewy.
Gift card purchases
There is one group that cannot get a refund at all: shoppers without a Chewy account who paid with a Chewy gift card, through guest checkout or another route. If you plan to pay with a gift card, signing in to an account first keeps the return option open.
Quick checklist
- Check the purchase date is within 365 days.
- For prescription items, contact Chewy Pharmacy first.
- Start the return and see whether a pickup or a label is offered.
- Pack the item in a sturdy box and keep the tracking details.
- Pick a refund to the card or to your Chewy balance.
Sources
Chewy return policy and How to start a return, Chewy Help. Policy checked October 27, 2026.