Jump right in: Shipping Heavy Pet Products: Costs & How to Save

• Look for Industry Experience
• Evaluate Speed and Coverage
• Check Scalability
• Assess Packaging and Branding Options
• Ask About Returns Management
• Review Technology Integration
• Compare Costs (But Do not Choose on Price Alone)
• Consider Customer Service and Support
• Summary

1. Choose a Fulfillment Partner with Pet Industry Experience

Not all fulfillment companies understand the unique needs of pet products. From the bulky bags of kibble to delicate pet accessories, experience matters to not only you the seller but your end fur customers as well.

Find a provider with a history in ecommerce fulfillment for niche industries who will anticipate challenges your brand may have, like packaging heavy items securely or handling temperature-sensitive goods (treats, supplements, foods). Do they collaborate with logistic carriers and are they able to provide discounted rates on these larger bulky shipments? Ask potential partners about their experience specifically with pet supplies, not just general eCommerce.

2. Evaluate Speed and Coverage

Pet parents want their fur-babies to get their favorite treats, toys, and supplies as quickly as possible and meeting that expectation is key to keeping them happy and loyal. When evaluating a fulfillment partner, it is important to look beyond just the number of warehouse locations they operate. Instead, focus on two critical factors:

• Processing Times: How quickly do they receive and process incoming inventory?
• Order Turnaround: How efficiently do they pick, pack, and ship orders once they go into processing?

A fulfillment center with a single, well-placed central location, supported by strong affiliate partnerships with national and regional carriers, can often deliver faster and more cost-effective service than a network of multiple warehouses. By shipping from one strategically located hub, you can minimize transit times, streamline logistics, and significantly reduce overall shipping costs.

The right fulfillment strategy is not about geography; it is about efficiency, carrier relationships, and ensuring your customers (and their fur-babies) get their orders when they expect them.

Pro tip: Two-day or next-day shipping options can be a competitive advantage in the pet industry. 

3. Ensure the Fulfillment Service Can Scale with Your Business

Scalability for a fulfillment center refers to its ability to manage changes in order volume, inventory levels, and operational complexity efficiently, without sacrificing speed, accuracy, or customer satisfaction. Your pet supply business may start small, but what about during peak seasons like holidays or National Pet Day sales?

Making sure your fulfillment partner can be able to scale with you—managing higher order volumes without delays or errors—is essential to gaining brand recognition from your customers. Learn how scalable fulfillment operations can grow alongside your brand as order volumes expand.

4. Review Packaging, Branding, and Unboxing Options

We have all seen the BarkBox commercials where the puppy is anxiously waiting to get into the monthly subscription box that just arrived, it is like they know it is for them. In 2011 BarkBox started a subscription box of toys and treats for pets.

Not only do the pet supply shoppers enjoy the “unboxing” experience but so does you are fur baby. A fulfillment service that allows branded packaging, inserts, or eco-friendly materials can help reinforce your brand and customer loyalty.

Example: Biodegradable packaging, as well as eco-friendly toys, aligns well with the eco-conscious pet owners. You can explore eco-friendly fulfillment packaging to enhance both sustainability and customer appeal.

5. Check the Fulfillment Provider’s Returns Management Process

Returns are an unavoidable part of any e-commerce business, and the pet industry is no exception. Whether it is due to size discrepancies, material preferences, or even ingredient sensitivities, customers will occasionally need to send products back. For example, pet products such as harnesses, collars, or apparel are frequently returned when the fit is not right, while consumable items returned if a pet does not react well to them.

Because of this, it is crucial to partner with a fulfillment provider that can manage returns efficiently and professionally. A seamless, customer-friendly returns process not only builds trust but also encourages repeat business. Look for a service that offers well-defined return workflows, clear instructions for customers, and prompt restocking of returned items. This ensures minimal disruption to inventory levels and keeps your customers satisfied with the overall experience.

A good starting point is reviewing how reverse logistics and returns management processes can save your team time and maintain strong customer satisfaction.

6. Verify Technology and eCommerce Platform Integration

Technology is one of the biggest qualities you should look for in a potential fulfillment partner. There are items that will require lot and expiration date tracking as well as FIFO so you are not sitting on outdated stock that cannot ship. Do they utilize a WMS system so that you can track inventory seamlessly?

Your fulfillment provider should integrate seamlessly with your eCommerce platforms like (Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon) for real-time order tracking, inventory updates, and analytics. This reduces manual errors and keeps operations smooth, especially when needing Omni-Channel experience.

Learn more about how Shopify order fulfillment integration simplifies inventory management and keeps your pet supply business running smoothly.

7. Compare Fulfillment Costs and Service Value

While pricing is undoubtedly a major consideration when selecting a fulfillment partner, it is important to remember that the lowest cost option is not always the most effective or beneficial for your business. Take the time to thoroughly review and compare each provider’s fulfillment fees, storage costs, shipping rates, and value-added services such as kitting, returns processing, or custom packaging.

A dependable partner that offers accurate, timely, and consistent order fulfillment can significantly enhance your customers’ experience and loyalty. This is an investment that often pays for itself through improved satisfaction, repeat business, and brand reputation.

You can explore the true cost of fulfillment services to better understand how to evaluate your options.

8. Assess Customer Support and Account Management Quality

When issues arise, you need a responsive and knowledgeable support team capable of resolving them quickly, not one that leaves you waiting in a long queue, struggling with language barriers, or receiving unhelpful automated replies.

Prioritize fulfillment providers that offer dedicated account managers or 24/7 customer support. Having a resolute account rep, regardless of your eCommerce business size, can be a true game-changer. They can guide you through the setup process, connect you with affiliate partners who offer specialized consultations, and help elevate your brand through collaborations with packaging and branding experts.