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Think Amazon Prime, but specifically designed for pet parents. Chewy launched the Chewy+ membership program because they recognized something pretty obvious – pet parents are always shopping for supplies. We're not buying furniture once every five years, but we are ordering food, treats, medications and replacement toys on what feels like a weekly basis.
So does Chewy have a rewards program? Chewy+ functions as their answer to customer loyalty programs, though it works differently than traditional point-based reward systems. Instead of earning points for purchases, you pay an upfront fee to access ongoing benefits and savings.
The basic premise is straightforward: pay an annual fee to get free shipping on everything, access to special member prices, and, when something goes wrong, cut to the front of the customer service line. It's Chewy's way of saying "thanks for being a loyal customer" while encouraging you to do all your pet shopping with them.
When we first heard about it, our reaction was skeptical – another subscription service competing for our dollars. But after actually using it for several months, the convenience factor is genuinely useful. No more adding random items to your cart just to hit that free shipping threshold, and no more paying $5 to ship a $8 bag of treats because your dog ran out and you forgot to plan ahead.
Let's talk numbers. Chewy+ costs $49.95 per year if you pay annually, or $7.95 monthly if you prefer smaller payments. The math is straightforward – going monthly costs about $95 annually, so if you're planning to stick with it, the annual option saves you money.
They accept pretty much all major payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, even gift cards if you have them lying around. The membership auto-renews, but they're decent about sending reminder emails before charging you again.
Canceling isn't a nightmare, which honestly surprised us given how some companies handle cancellations. You can do it online through your account settings or call customer service. If you cancel within 30 days and haven't used the benefits extensively, they'll usually refund you, though we'd recommend reading their current terms since these policies can change.
The key number to remember is that $50 annually breaks down to about $4.17 monthly. Keep that figure in mind as we explore whether you'll actually save more than that amount.
This is the biggest benefit for most members. Regular Chewy customers need to spend $49 to qualify for free shipping, but members can get free shipping on a single $3 toy if that's all they need.
We tested this extensively, ordering everything from individual treats to emergency medication refills. Every single order, regardless of size, shipped free. For those of us who tend to order things as we think of them rather than planning everything out, this eliminates a major pain point.
The math here is pretty straightforward. If you place even one small order monthly that would normally cost $4.95 to ship, you're already close to breaking even on the membership fee. Most pet parents we know are ordering much more often than that.
Members also get access to discounted express shipping options, though their standard shipping is already pretty fast. We've consistently received orders in two days, sometimes even next-day without paying extra.
Here's where things get more interesting from a savings perspective. Members see different prices on thousands of products – typically 5% to 20% less than what regular customers pay.
The discount varies by product and brand, and it's not available on everything. But when it is available, it's clearly marked so you know exactly what you're saving. We've noticed it most commonly on popular food brands and higher-ticket items like crates and carriers.
What's especially nice is that these member prices often stack with sales and promotions. During their big seasonal events, we've seen some impressive combined discounts, though you may still find better deals elsewhere during major shopping holidays like Black Friday.
Chewy's customer service is already good, but members get moved to the front of the line. In practice, this means significantly shorter wait times when you call or use their chat feature.
We've used this benefit several times for order issues and prescription questions, and the difference is noticeable. Instead of waiting 15-20 minutes, we typically get connected within 5 minutes. While this probably isn't worth $50 by itself, when you need help with a time-sensitive order or a prescription refill issue, it's certainly valuable.
Members get early access to sales, occasional exclusive deals, and sometimes special touches like birthday treats for your pets. The birthday feature is honestly pretty charming – they remember your pet's birthday and send special offers.
There are also occasional member-only events and expert Q&A sessions, though we'll admit we haven't participated in many of these. Interest in virtual pet events may vary, but they're there if you want them.
We looked at the other major options available, but comparison is somewhat challenging because each program takes a different approach.
Amazon Prime costs $139 annually and covers far more than just pet supplies, but it doesn't offer pet-specific benefits or specialized customer service for pet-related issues. If you're already a Prime member for other reasons, the pet supply benefits are just a bonus. But if you're only considering pet shopping, Chewy+ is more focused and less expensive.
Petco's Vital Care costs only $20 yearly but focuses heavily on in-store services like grooming and veterinary care. The retail benefits are minimal compared to Chewy+, and it's really designed for people who use Petco's physical locations regularly.
PetSmart's Treats program is free but operates on a points system, and the rewards are fairly modest. You're not getting the same level of convenience or consistent savings that come with a paid membership.
The Chewy Rewards approach of paying upfront for ongoing benefits rather than earning points works better if you're already shopping regularly and want predictable perks. Traditional points programs work better for occasional shoppers who don't mind waiting to accumulate rewards.
We calculated some scenarios based on actual shopping patterns we've observed:
Let's be realistic about the potential downsides of Chewy+ membership.
There's a psychological element at play here. Once you've paid the membership fee, you might feel obligated to shop at Chewy even when better deals exist elsewhere. We've caught ourselves doing this occasionally.
The membership does lock you in as a consumer. You might miss out on great sales at other retailers, unique products from smaller companies, or bulk buying opportunities at warehouse stores.
Member pricing, while offering genuine savings, isn't always the lowest available price. During major sales events like Black Friday or end-of-year clearances, we've found better deals elsewhere that beat even the member prices.
And like any subscription service, there's the risk of paying for something you forget you have. If your pet's needs change significantly, you move to an area with great local options, or your shopping habits shift, you may end up with an expensive membership you're not actively using.
Joining is straightforward – log into your existing Chewy account, find the membership option in your account settings or during checkout, and sign up. Your benefits start working immediately.
Keep an eye out for free trial offers if you want to test the waters first. Chewy occasionally runs these promotions for new members, though they're not always available.
If you decide the membership isn't working out, canceling is pretty simple. You can do it online through your account settings or by calling customer service. Just make sure you handle it before your next billing cycle if you want to avoid being charged for another year.
We'd recommend setting a calendar reminder about a month before your renewal date to evaluate whether you're getting good value. This gives you time to review your usage and savings without the pressure of an impending charge.
So, is chewy membership worth it? For most regular Chewy customers who are already spending a decent amount monthly, the answer is probably yes.
If you're already spending $75 or more monthly on pet supplies and shopping primarily at Chewy, the combination of shipping savings and member pricing typically justifies the annual cost. The convenience factors and priority service are useful bonuses that make the overall experience more pleasant.
The program works best for people who are already committed to shopping at Chewy and simply want a better experience. It's not going to revolutionize your pet care budget, but it can make regular shopping noticeably more convenient and a little less expensive.
For light users, dedicated bargain hunters, and anyone working with a tight budget, it's probably not worth adding another subscription fee to your monthly expenses.
We'd recommend trying it for a year if you're on the fence and already shopping at Chewy regularly. Track your actual savings for the first few months to see if the math is working for you. You can always cancel if the value isn’t there.
The Chewy+ membership isn't a magic solution that will dramatically cut your pet care costs, but it's a solid option for the right customer. Just make sure that’s you before committing to the annual fee.
Chewy+ is their primary membership program. They also offer Autoship discounts for recurring orders and run regular sales and promotions, but they don't have a traditional points-based rewards system. You can, however, find more Chewy discounts on our dedicated page.
The membership benefits are tied to your specific account, but family members can place orders through your account to take advantage of the perks. There's no option for separate sub-accounts or family sharing.
Your membership travels with you as long as you're moving within Chewy's delivery area. You'll just need to update your shipping address in your account settings.
Autoship discounts stack with member pricing, which can lead to substantial savings on regular orders. You can pause, modify or cancel Autoship subscriptions anytime without affecting your membership status.
Currently, Chewy doesn't offer family plans or discounts for multiple memberships. Each account needs its own membership if you want separate accounts with benefits.
The most important thing is to factor in your current shopping patterns and spending levels. Chewy+ membership can provide genuine value, but only if it aligns with how you actually shop for your pets.