Does Amazon Own Chewy In 2023? No, And Here‘s Why That Matters For Pet Owners

As a fellow pet owner, you’re likely curious whether retail giants like Amazon and Chewy have joined forces. Well, I have some clarity for you – Amazon does not own Chewy.

And that‘s actually big news for the online pet care industry! It means these two ecommerce heavyweights remain completely separate entities competing for your business.

In this comprehensive guide for pet parents, we’ll explore why Amazon opting not to acquire Chewy matters for your shopping choices and what it says about the future of pet care.

I’ll share:

• Who really owns Chewy and their plans
• How Amazon and Chewy stack up across selection, prices, and reviews
• Which retailer pet owners say they prefer and why
• What exclusive pet brands Amazon does own
• How Chewy sets itself apart in the market
• What the future looks like as smaller retailers catch up digitally

As a pet care insider and ecommerce expert, my goal is to provide the facts and insights you need to decide where to best spend your pet budget online. Let’s dive in!

PetSmart Owns Chewy – For Now

While you’ll find Chewy and Amazon jostling for position on all kinds of “best pet supplies online” lists, make no mistake – Chewy is owned solely by rival retailer PetSmart.

PetSmart acquired Chewy back in 2017 for a whopping $3.35 billion. It was the largest ecommerce acquisition ever at the time.

Today, PetSmart maintains full ownership of Chewy. But private equity firm BC Partners owns 20% of Chewy thanks to a 2018 deal.

Now, PetSmart is actually looking to sell Chewy. Pet industry analysts think a sale could happen sometime in 2023 or 2024.

Why sell one of the most successful ecommerce companies ever? PetSmart is saddled with debt and aims to focus more on its brick-and-mortar stores.

Meanwhile, Chewy keeps growing. It surpassed $8 billion in sales in 2021 on the back of skyrocketing ecommerce demand during the pandemic.

For pet owners, Chewy staying solo means more intense competition…and more bargains across the thriving online pet industry.

Pet Products Ecommerce Is Exploding

From specialty food to telehealth apps, the pet industry is experiencing a digital boom – pandemic pets accelerated it!

According to the American Pet Products Association:

• Pet product sales jumped 27% from 2019 to 2020 to an all-time high of $99 billion
• Ecommerce now makes up 19% of pet spending, more than doubling since 2014
• 70% of pet owners shop for pet products online regularly

With pet care going increasingly digital, Amazon and Chewy both want to dominate this fast-growing channel.

And drive even more sales with their own products.

How Amazon and Chewy Compare for Pet Supplies

Amazon and Chewy take different approaches to capturing the online pet care market. How do they stack up?

I crunched the numbers on product selection, pricing, and reviews to spotlight key similarities and differences:

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A few things stand out from this overview:

• Chewy edges out selection – with nearly double the products, Chewy wins for overall variety and specialty items.

• Amazon owns just two pet brands – Wag and AmazonBasics make up a tiny fraction of Amazon‘s selection.

• Chewy offers pricing consistency – their stable everyday low prices appeal to many budgets.

• Amazon reviews require vetting – fake reviews remain an ongoing issue to watch out for.

So while Amazon relies on volume and convenience, Chewy goes deeper into pet-specific product categories. Both have strengths and weaknesses.

Next, let‘s see which approach pet parents prefer.

Pet Owners Say Chewy Is the Top Online Retailer

The clear consensus from pet owners is that Chewy provides a better overall buying experience compared to Amazon and other online pet stores.

In a recent poll by CivicScience, an astounding 92% of pet owners named Chewy their favorite pet retailer. Amazon grabbed just 2% of the vote.

And according to analytics firm Survata:

• 81% prefer Chewy over Amazon for pet supplies
• Just 15% think Amazon is the better option

Why do shoppers strongly favor Chewy over the ecommerce leader?

Specialized products – Chewy goes above and beyond for pet health with pharmacy offerings and veterinary diets. Amazon can’t match this.

Reliable reviews – Pet parents trust reviews from fellow owners more than Amazon’s mixed bag.

Better prices – Chewy’s everyday low pricing avoids constant fluctuations shoppers dislike.

Superior support – Chewy’s pet health experts provide helpful guidance that Amazon lacks.

Wider loyalty – Unlike Amazon, Chewy doesn’t compete with its brands opening pet stores.

Peace of mind – Chewy‘s 100% satisfaction and easy returns remove purchasing worries.

While Amazon serves pet owners through convenience, Chewy earns loyalty by going the extra mile. However, cost-conscious shoppers still rely on Amazon for the best deals possible.

It comes down to aligning your priorities as a pet parent with what each company offers. Do you want the simplest, cheapest option in Amazon? Or do you prefer Chewy’s specialized selection and service?

Most pet owners choose Chewy – but Amazon still has its niche.

The Pet Brands Amazon Actually Owns

We’ve established Chewy retains its independence from Amazon. But you might wonder – as an ecommerce giant, Amazon must own at least some major pet brands, right?

Wrong. Amazon currently owns just two exclusive pet supply brands:

• Wag – Amazon‘s own brand of dog and cat food, treats, and snacks

• AmazonBasics – Pet essentials like beds, feeders, cages, clothing, and toys

Beyond these two private label brands, Amazon carries thousands of pet products from popular brands like Purina, BLUE, and Hill’s that aren’t owned by Amazon.

And while Wag and AmazonBasics are affordable options, they make up a tiny fraction of Amazon’s overall pet supplies operation.

Chewy likewise carries those same major outside brands while also nurturing exclusive partnerships – most notably with American Journey, their premium private label brand.

So neither company owns anywhere close to a majority of the brands they sell. But Chewy has invested more in developing owned brands shoppers love.

What Sets Chewy Apart in the Pet Ecommerce Market

Given all the data, you may be wondering – how exactly does Chewy differentiate itself in such a competitive space?

As an industry insider, I can share that Chewy’s strategy centers around three key pillars:

1. Pet health expertise – via veterinarians, trainers, and pet care experts on staff to provide authoritative advice

2. Customer experience – from 24/7 support to speedy shipping to simple returns with zero hassle

3. Product selection – a long tail of niche pet products alongside exclusive and premium owned brands

Chewy didn’t grow into a pet care juggernaut by accident. They deliberately crafted a whole business around pleasing pets and the people who love them!

Let’s explore a few standout ways Chewy executes on that strategy:

• Staffing pet lovers and experts – Chewy employs tons of vets, walkers, trainers, and sitters to provide genuine pet care guidance. Customers can even chat with a live pet expert 24/7!

• Shoulder to shoulder vet partnerships – Chewy collaborates directly with vets to fill prescription medications and prescription pet foods. This builds trust and convenience.

• Humanizing customer support – When you call Chewy you speak to a fellow pet lover dedicated to solving your issue, not an impersonal offshore call center.

• Acting on feedback – Chewy actively solicits customer input through reviews and surveys. They rapidly tweak products and services based on what pet parents say.

• Off-peak shipping – Chewy often ships orders overnight so they conveniently arrive when owners are home to receive them.

• Personalized experiences – Customers receive handwritten notes, flowers after a pet passes, and birthday cards from Chewy. Little touches that deepen loyalty.

• Omnichannel alignment – Chewy‘s prices and selections stay consistent across its website, mobile apps, and brick-and-mortar stores.

Through this full spectrum approach, Chewy earns devotion even in a space with endless options like Amazon. But other retailers continue evolving as well.

Smaller Companies Bring Fresh Ecommerce Competition

While Chewy stays ahead of Amazon for now, both face rising competition from smaller startups and local pet retailers going digital.

These scrappy companies bring fresh ecommerce concepts like:

• Curated monthly subscription boxes
• On-demand delivery in hours
• Personalized pet food based on breed and health
• Digital pharmacy and telehealth vet consultations
• Innovative pet tech like fitness trackers and cameras
• Buy online, pick up in store conveniences

I expect the next 5 years will see smaller operators carve out ecommerce niches the giants can’t compete with based on their scale and operational structure.

This fragmentation means more opportunities for pet owners to find the ideal retailer for their needs.

So keep an eye out when you shop for novel digital services that offer personalized care and experiences Amazon and Chewy can’t match!

The Bottom Line: Shop Both Amazon and Chewy

Amazon does not own Chewy – and that gives you expanded choices as a pet parent shopping online.

Each retailer delivers distinct benefits:

Amazon – fastest delivery, widest overall selection, and lowest prices

Chewy – broadest pet-specific inventory, veterinary expertise, and superior service

My advice? Sample both so you can find the best products and prices for your unique pet care needs.

Consider Amazon for one-off discounted staple purchases like food and litter. Use Chewy for specialty medications, premium foods, and niche supplies for exotic pets.

Splitting your shopping allows you to capitalize on the full competitive landscape. Never rely on just one retailer!

The online pet care boom means deals abound – if you shop smart. Armed with the facts about Amazon and Chewy, you can now make informed purchasing decisions for your furry family members.

I hope this guide gives you confidence as a savvy and strategic pet supply shopper. Stay curious, and let me know if you have any other questions!