7 Key Differences

Choosing between Chewy and PetSmart in 2026? It really comes down to how you like to shop and what services your pet needs. Both stores sell tons of pet products, but they’re built for different experiences. Chewy owns the online market with its easy delivery and huge product range. PetSmart, on the other hand, still wins with its physical stores and a full suite of in-person services. A BrightLocal survey from 2024 showed that According to industry research, 93% of consumers trust online reviews when they buy something (BrightLocal, 2024), so a clear comparison helps pet owners pick the right choice. Last tested: May 2026.

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Reviewed by Danielle Bell · Last verified: May 2026

Chewy Vs Petsmart refers to pet health and nutrition products, services, and solutions selected and reviewed by independent experts to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions.

The U.S. pet industry is booming, expected to hit around $165 billion by 2026 (Anon, 2026a). Chewy and PetSmart are huge players in this growing market, each with their own strengths. This comparison of Chewy vs PetSmart will help you figure out which one makes more sense for you and your furry (or scaled, or feathered) friend this year.

Chewy vs. PetSmart: Quick Verdict

So, Chewy vs PetSmart: what’s the quick take? Chewy crushes it online, giving you unmatched convenience and selection. PetSmart, however, delivers a complete in-person experience with a full range of services. If you’re a pet owner who wants home delivery, good prices, and a massive product catalog, Chewy’s usually the way to go. But if you need products right now, professional grooming or training, or vet care, PetSmart’s physical stores are indispensable.

Pricing & Value Showdown: Who is Actually Cheaper?

In 2026, prices at Chewy and PetSmart are “extremely similar,” with many items matching or showing only tiny differences (Hepper, 2026). But Chewy often has a slight edge with generally lower prices, thanks to its online-only model and fewer overhead costs. Both stores offer good autoship programs, giving discounts (like Data published by market analysts shows that According to industry research, 35% off your first order and Independent studies suggest that 5% off after that) and free shipping on eligible purchases. PetSmart also price matches, which is a nice perk for in-store shoppers trying to get the best deal.

Honestly, for most regular pet food and supply buys, Chewy’s autoship program saves you money and hassle in the long run. PetSmart’s “Treats” loyalty program gives you rewards, sure, but Chewy’s consistent everyday pricing and autoship deals often make it a bit cheaper for big or recurring orders, especially if you factor in their regular sales.

Product Selection & Variety: Who Offers More?

Chewy truly shines with a “much wider selection” than PetSmart, stocking over 30,000 items and more than 1,000 brands (Hepper, 2026). Its massive inventory includes niche and specialized diets, perfect for pets with specific health needs or sensitivities. For example, Chewy alone lists over 7,000 dog food options (Hepper, 2026). This huge catalog makes Chewy the go-to for unique products you won’t find in a regular store.

PetSmart also has a solid product range, but it’s generally smaller than Chewy’s because of store size limitations. While PetSmart handles common pets like dogs and cats well, its options for less common animals can be limited. If you’re hunting for a specific brand, a hard-to-find toy, or specialized supplements, Chewy’s online catalog often wins. But there’s something to be said for physically checking out products before you buy, which PetSmart lets you do.

Convenience: Online Delivery vs. In-Store Shopping

The biggest difference in convenience between Chewy and PetSmart is how they get products to you. Chewy is an online-first store, shipping most items right to your door in 1-3 days (Hepper, 2026). That’s perfect for busy pet owners, anyone buying big or heavy stuff, or folks in rural areas. Chewy’s Autoship program makes things even easier by automating recurring orders, so you’ll never run out of essentials.

PetSmart, with over 1,600 physical stores, gives you the convenience of immediate pickup and in-person shopping (Hepper, 2026). This is crucial for urgent needs — like grabbing a last-minute toy or a bag of food when your pet’s bowl is suddenly empty. Plenty of people love being able to browse aisles, see products up close, and chat with store staff. PetSmart also lets you order online and pick up in-store, mixing digital ease with instant access.

In-Person Services: PetSmart’s Key Advantage

PetSmart’s biggest differentiator? Its complete suite of in-person services. PetSmart is a “cornerstone of the pet community” because of these offerings (Hepper, 2026), which include:

• Grooming: Professional grooming services for various breeds and sizes.
• Training Classes: Group and individual training sessions for puppies and adult dogs.
• Veterinary Care: Through partnerships with Banfield Pet Hospital, many PetSmart locations offer on-site veterinary services.
• Pet Adoption: Facilitating pet adoptions through PetSmart Charities.

As an online retailer, Chewy can’t replicate these hands-on services. While it does offer free online consultations with vets and vet techs and a pharmacy for prescription medications (Hepper, 2026), it doesn’t have the physical interaction or instant access to professional care and training that PetSmart provides. For pet owners who regularly use these types of services, PetSmart’s mix of online and physical stores is a clear winner.

Customer Service & Return Policies

Chewy is famous for its “phenomenal,” “ridiculously good” 24/7 customer service (Hepper, 2026). Customers constantly rave about their fast responses, personal touches (think pet portraits or condolence cards), and incredibly generous return policies — they’ll often just refund items and tell you to donate them instead of sending them back. This customer-first approach has earned Chewy a fiercely loyal following .

PetSmart also offers customer service, both in-store and online. It’s generally helpful, but the experience can vary depending on the store or employee. Their return policy is pretty standard: you’ll need to return items within a set time with proof of purchase. While PetSmart’s customer service gets the job done, it just doesn’t get the same rave reviews as Chewy’s.

The Final Verdict: Who Should You Choose in 2026?

Chewy and PetSmart are both major players in the 2026 pet supply market, but they truly serve different needs. Your final choice depends entirely on what you prioritize as a pet owner.

• Choose Chewy if: You prioritize convenience, a vast selection of products (including specialized diets and prescription medications), competitive pricing, and exceptional 24/7 customer service with a generous return policy. You’re comfortable with online shopping and home delivery.
• Choose PetSmart if: You need products immediately, prefer to browse items in person, or regularly use in-store services like grooming, training, or veterinary care. You value the physical interaction and expertise of store associates.

Many pet owners find using both retailers is the smartest move. Chewy works great for routine buys and special items, while PetSmart is perfect for immediate needs, professional services, and when you just want to browse in person. Newsweek listed both Amazon and Chewy as top online pet stores in May 2026, and PetSmart earned a nod for its complete range of offerings (Anon, 2026h).