SmallBizGenius Analysis

Petco receives overwhelmingly negative reviews, with customers frequently citing issues with online orders, customer service, and grooming services. While some customers praise specific in-store experiences, the overall sentiment points to significant operational and service-related problems.

Category Breakdown

Scores based on analysis of 292 recent reviews

Online Order Issues

2.0/10

Numerous customers report issues with online orders, including delays, incorrect items, and orders not arriving. Many reviewers also had issues canceling orders or getting refunds in a timely manner, such as one reviewer stating, "I placed an order on August 28, that was supposed to arrive in 2 days, and it's been 4 days and I have no product, and now they're saying it will be an additional 3 more days...WORST SERVICE WITH NO RESOLUTION."

42 reviews mention this

Customer Service

3.0/10

Many reviewers express dissatisfaction with Petco's customer service, describing it as rude, unhelpful, and difficult to understand. Customers report long wait times, unhelpful online chat agents, and difficulty resolving issues, with one reviewer stating, "Online chat is either an AI or illiterate. Did not contact vet even though I asked them to."

35 reviews mention this

Grooming Services

4.0/10

Grooming services receive mixed feedback, with some customers happy with the results but others reporting poor haircuts and unprofessional service. Some customers also reported unexpected additional fees, as one reviewer stated, "The only complaint is price when booked was $80 then when we picked up they had tacked on another $25 in additional fees."

15 reviews mention this

Vet Services (Vetco)

3.5/10

Several reviewers report negative experiences with Vetco clinics inside Petco stores, citing rude or unprofessional vets and concerns about negligence. One reviewer stated, "Technicians have been super amazing but the vet was a super rude, see you next Tuesday type personality."

8 reviews mention this

In-Store Experience

8.0/10

A small number of reviewers praise positive in-store experiences, highlighting helpful and knowledgeable staff. These reviewers often mention specific employees and locations, such as one reviewer stating, "I had a wonderful experience with the staff at the Ridge Road West Petco. We stopped in to get advice about an aquarium issue we’d been struggling with for two months, and Dalton was incredibly helpful."

7 reviews mention this

Website and App Issues

2.5/10

Several customers complain about issues with Petco's website and app, including difficulty placing orders and technical glitches. One reviewer stated, "Petco's user interface has to be the worst ordering system I've ever faced."

6 reviews mention this

Product Quality

4.0/10

Some reviewers express concerns about the quality of products, particularly live animals and pet toys. One reviewer reported receiving infected fish, stating, "Petco sent me a bag of infected, dying (some already dead) Koi fish."

5 reviews mention this

Pros & Cons

What Customers Love

Helpful and knowledgeable staff at some store locations Mentioned 7x
"People are friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and know their products."
Convenient access to a wide range of pet supplies Mentioned 3x
"I love petco everyone is always so nice and friendly and they only carry products that are really good for animals!"
Well-managed new stores Mentioned 1x
"Georgetown Store: New, but really well managed."
Grooming services can be great Mentioned 1x
"We had our dogs groomed today. They did a great job."
Website support can resolve issues Mentioned 1x
"Called website and they knew exactly what I was talking about and resolved the issue."

Common Complaints

Frequent issues with online orders, including delays, incorrect items, and non-delivery Mentioned 42x
"I placed an order on August 28, that was supposed to arrive in 2 days, and it's been 4 days and I have no product..."
Poor customer service, including rude staff and unhelpful support Mentioned 35x
"Absolutely unacceptable experience at the Camarillo PETCO. The groomer, with a rude and dismissive attitude from..."
Inconsistent grooming services and unexpected fees Mentioned 15x
"When I picked him up he was completed shaved. My fur baby has been different since returning home."
Negative experiences with Vetco clinics, including rude vets and concerns about negligence Mentioned 8x
"Technicians have been super amazing but the vet was a super rude, see you next Tuesday type personality."
Website and app issues, making it difficult to place orders Mentioned 6x
"Petco's user interface has to be the worst ordering system I've ever faced."

Common Questions About Petco

Answers derived from customer review patterns

Is Petco legit and trustworthy?

Based on 100 reviews, Petco's trustworthiness is questionable, particularly regarding online orders and customer service. Many customers report issues with delayed or incorrect orders, as well as difficulties in obtaining refunds or cancellations. While some customers have positive in-store experiences, the overwhelming negative feedback suggests significant risks associated with relying on Petco for consistent and reliable service. Therefore, it's crucial to carefully consider these potential issues before making a purchase.

Based on 45 reviews

Does Petco have good customer service?

The majority of reviews indicate that Petco's customer service is subpar. Customers frequently complain about rude or unhelpful staff, long wait times, and difficulty resolving issues through online chat or phone support. Many reviewers describe frustrating experiences trying to get assistance with orders, refunds, or other problems. While a few reviewers mention positive interactions with specific employees, the overall sentiment points to significant deficiencies in Petco's customer service.

Based on 35 reviews

Is Petco worth it for small business?

For small businesses, Petco's reliability is a major concern based on the reviews. The frequent issues with online orders, inconsistent grooming services, and poor customer service make it a risky choice for businesses needing dependable pet supplies or services. While some businesses might find value in specific in-store experiences, the potential for order delays, incorrect items, and difficulty resolving issues could negatively impact operations. Therefore, small business owners should carefully weigh the risks before choosing Petco as a supplier.

Based on 20 reviews

What is Petco's return policy like?

The reviews suggest that Petco's return policy can be problematic. Several customers report difficulty canceling orders or obtaining refunds, even when issues arise due to Petco's errors. Some reviewers mention being denied returns or refunds without clear explanations, while others describe lengthy processes and unhelpful customer service representatives. This inconsistency and difficulty in processing returns can be frustrating for customers, making it essential to understand the specific terms and conditions before making a purchase.

Based on 10 reviews

Why are Petco's online orders so problematic?

Several factors contribute to the issues with Petco's online orders. Many customers report problems with order fulfillment, including delays, incorrect items, and orders not arriving at all. Some reviewers also mention technical glitches on the website and app, making it difficult to place orders correctly. Additionally, the customer service team appears to struggle with resolving these issues efficiently, leading to further frustration for customers. These combined factors create a consistently negative experience for many Petco online shoppers.

Based on 15 reviews