Chewy.com is one of the largest online retailers for pet products, offering tremendous exposure for new pet brands. But unlike Amazon, Chewy operates a curated marketplace, you must apply and be approved before selling. This guide walks ecommerce sellers through that process.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Approved and Sell on Chewy
1. Apply via Chewy’s Vendor Portal
Visit Chewy Partner Hub and submit your vendor request. Include info on your brand and products. Chewy category managers review each request.
2. Create Your Vendor Profile
If accepted, you’ll be invited to create a Vendor Portal account. Enter:
- Business entity details (name, address, EIN)
- Primary contact for Chewy
3. Submit Compliance Docs
You may be asked to provide:
- Business license or resale cert
- Certifications (FDA, NASC, etc., for pet food/supplements)
- Agreement to ethical standards (no child labor, safe workplaces, etc.)
4. Add Banking & Tax Info
Upload a voided check or bank letter, and complete a W-9. This ensures you can be paid promptly for fulfilled orders.
5. Upload Product Catalog (PAF Template)
Chewy requires a detailed spreadsheet which can be accessed via the Vendor Portal with:
- Product name, UPC/SKU, category
- Descriptions, dimensions, images
- Pricing info (cost + retail)
Pro Tip: Use high-quality product images. Listings with poor visuals or missing info are often rejected.
6. Confirm Fulfillment Setup
Chewy vendors typically drop-ship orders directly to customers. You’ll need to list:
- Warehouse locations (if applicable)
- Lead times and shipping capabilities
7. Sign Agreements & Submit Final Application
Once your info is entered, sign all agreements (SLAs, terms, return policies, etc.) via DocuSign and submit. Stay responsive, delays or unanswered questions can stall onboarding.
8. Integrate EDI/API and Test Orders
Chewy uses Rithum (formerly DSCO) for order processing. Most vendors integrate via:
- EDI/API (for automation)
- Manual entry (only for very low volume sellers)
Chewy sends test orders to ensure your system handles purchase orders, tracking, and invoicing correctly.
9. Launch & Start Selling
After passing tests, your listings go live. Orders begin flowing in. You’ll be expected to:
- Ship orders fast (often same-day or next-day)
- Hit 1–3 day delivery windows for most pet items
Key Tips for New Chewy Sellers
Keep Inventory Accurate
Maintain at least a 98% in-stock rate. Use real-time inventory sync if possible.
Meet Shipping Speed Requirements
Late shipments damage your seller score. Aim for same-day shipping with fast carriers.
Use Correct Packing Materials
Never include invoices or branded materials unless Chewy explicitly allows. Ship with plain packing or Chewy-provided labels.
Monitor Your EDI System
Don’t “set it and forget it.” Periodically reconcile portal data with your system.
Price Realistically
Set competitive retail pricing. Negotiate cost terms that preserve profit after fulfillment expenses.
Respond Promptly to Chewy
Use the Vendor Portal inbox or email to stay in touch. Responsiveness helps you stay in good standing.
Plan for Returns
Chewy often handles refunds without requesting items back. You’ll usually absorb the cost of the return.
Use Chewy Ads
Promote products via Chewy’s internal ad network. This can boost visibility and drive initial traction.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | What to Do Instead |
| Incomplete Application | Double-check forms, licenses, and image quality before submitting |
| Poor Integration | Test EDI/API thoroughly with Chewy’s help |
| Including Packing Slips | Only use Chewy-approved shipping labels—no invoices or marketing inserts |
| Shipping to P.O. Boxes | Ship only to valid US street addresses (no APO/FPO or P.O. boxes) |
| Missing SLA Deadlines | Treat Chewy orders as priority and staff accordingly |
| Overselling | Sync inventory daily (or in real-time) to avoid out-of-stocks |
| Ignoring Messages | Monitor inbox for compliance questions or product errors |
| Unrealistic Pricing | Research pricing and build in a profit margin that includes fulfillment costs |
| Misunderstanding Returns | Know Chewy’s policy—many items aren’t returned physically, but you’ll still be refunded less |
Thinking About How to Fulfill Your Orders?
If fulfillment is starting to take over your day (and your dining room), we should talk.
Request a free quote from eFulfillment Service.
Why Use a 3PL for Chewy Fulfillment?
Fulfilling Chewy orders in-house can get overwhelming as volume grows. A 3PL (third-party logistics provider) can:
- Store your inventory
- Pack and ship orders to Chewy customers
- Handle tracking and updates via EDI/API
Benefits of Using a Chewy-Compatible 3PL:
- Fast Turnaround: Many Chewy orders require 24-hour fulfillment.
- Chewy Integration: The 3PL should support DSCO (EDI) or API feeds.
- Pet Product Experience: Items like kibble, supplements, and toys often have special handling needs.
Recommended 3PL: eFulfillment Service (EFS)
- Specializes in pet product fulfillment
- Integrates with Chewy, Amazon, Shopify, etc.
- Offers no setup fees or minimums
- Real-time inventory management and fast shipping
Using a 3PL like EFS removes the logistics burden and helps you hit Chewy’s strict fulfillment metrics consistently.
Managing Fulfillment doesn’t have to be a hassle.
Partnering with a 3PL like eFulfillment Service means you can focus on growing your business while we handle the details. Request a Free Quote Today!
FAQs: How to Sell Pet Products on Chewy.com
Can anyone sell on Chewy?
No. Chewy is invitation-only and curated. You must apply and be accepted.
What products are allowed on Chewy.com?
Any pet-related product: food, treats, toys, grooming supplies, supplements, bedding, etc.
Does Chewy.com have seller fees?
No monthly fees. Chewy takes a margin from the difference between your wholesale price and their retail price.
Do I have to ship the orders myself?
Yes, unless you're in a wholesale program. Most sellers either drop-ship or use a 3PL to fulfill orders directly to customers.
Can I use a 3PL for selling on Chewy.com?
Yes. Many sellers use 3PLs like eFulfillment Service to handle warehousing and shipping.
How do Chewy.com returns work?
Chewy usually does not require returns. They may issue refunds or replacements directly and deduct the cost from your payout.
How can I increase my sales on Chewy?
- Run Chewy Ads (sponsored placements)
- Join promotions or seasonal sales
- Offer Autoship for consumables
- Monitor reviews and Q&A
- Expand your product line over time
Summary & Key Takeaways:
By following this guide, new sellers and pet brands should have a clear roadmap on how to start selling on Chewy.com. Chewy offers an exciting opportunity to tap into a huge pet-loving customer base, and with proper preparation and the right partnerships (from Chewy’s onboarding team to 3PL support like eFulfillment Service), you can successfully launch and grow your pet product business on this platform. Good luck with your Chewy journey, with great products and diligent execution, your brand could become the next pet success story on Chewy!
Ready to talk pet fulfillment solutions? The team at eFulfillment Service is happy to help answer questions and set you up for fulfillment success. Here’s to fewer headaches and more growth ahead!
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