Petco’s general return window is 60 days from purchase for items eligible under its Easy Returns policy. For many petco.com purchases, returns can be handled either in a Petco (or Unleashed by Petco) store or through a Petco.com warehouse return by mail. Timing matters for the refund method: returns made within 30 days of the initial shipment date are generally eligible for a refund back to the original form of payment, while returns made 31–60 days after shipment are generally issued as merchandise credit. Returns without a receipt or made after 60 days are typically not eligible for return or exchange.
For in-store returns of online orders, proof of purchase is commonly required. Acceptable proof may include a store return receipt accessed from order history, a purchase confirmation email, or a confirmation from a self-serve returns platform. Petco may also require a valid government-issued ID for returns and exchanges, and returns can be limited or declined under refund verification and loss-prevention controls. If a store cannot immediately issue funds, a corporate check may be used instead.
Some categories have important exclusions or special handling. Prescription medicine and pharmacy products are not eligible for returns in-store or by mail; if there is an issue such as incorrect or damaged medication, Customer Care is the primary channel to address it. Personalized items and certain vendor-direct products may also be restricted from in-store returns and may require a return authorization process. Live animal policies differ from standard merchandise: aquatic life purchased online is generally covered by a limited live-arrival/short-term guarantee (with required contact within the stated timeframe), and companion animals ordered online are generally covered only for arrival alive and healthy with a short reporting window; “changed mind” returns are not typically offered once shipment occurs.
To improve the likelihood of a smooth refund, the return should be initiated promptly, the order details and shipment date should be verified, and all documentation should be kept (order number, confirmation email, and any photos required for damage or loss claims). For order changes or cancellations, there is typically only a limited window after placement, and contacting Customer Care quickly is the most practical approach. When a return is accepted, the outcome generally depends on the return timing (refund vs. merchandise credit), the product category, and whether the purchase meets eligibility rules.
