As an experienced retail industry analyst and self-proclaimed picky shopper, I‘m always evaluating what you can (and can‘t) buy from major retailers like Amazon. One question I get a lot is whether you can purchase pets, particularly dogs and cats, on Amazon.com.
The popularity of this question is no surprise given that 68% of U.S. households own a pet and over $123 billion was spent on pet care products and services in 2021, according to the American Pet Products Association. More people than ever are looking to add furry companions to their families. But is Amazon the place to find them?
In short, no, Amazon does not allow dogs, cats, or most other animals to be sold on its site. There are a few exceptions for some aquarium fish and small invertebrates. But in general, you won‘t be able to order your next pet with your Amazon Prime account.
In this in-depth guide, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know about Amazon‘s pet policies, the pet supplies you can buy there, and how to responsibly find your next dog, cat, or other animal companion.
Why Doesn‘t Amazon Sell Pets?
Amazon maintains a strict prohibition on live animals being listed by marketplace sellers, other than select aquarium species. At first glance, this might seem odd for the "everything store." Amazon made its name selling books before rapidly expanding into every other consumer product category.
So why not add pets to the mix? Animal sales could be a lucrative new market, after all. The reason comes down to logistics, ethics, and Amazon‘s retail strategy.
Selling and shipping live animals poses major challenges that Amazon is not equipped or willing to take on. Ensuring the proper care, feeding, and humane treatment of puppies, kittens, etc. would require totally different systems and seller standards than Amazon‘s usual inventory.
There‘s also huge potential for things to go wrong. Animals could get sick, injured, or worse in transit. Buyers could receive pets that don‘t match the listing description. Unscrupulous breeders could try to sell on the platform. All of these scenarios open up legal liabilities that outweigh any profits for Amazon.
Even setting aside the ethical concerns, live pets are simply a poor fit for Amazon‘s retail model. Amazon is fundamentally a platform for selling standardized consumer products at scale. Agricultural products like plants and animals don‘t neatly fit its systems.
"I suspect that Amazon does not want to deal with the complexities specific to shipping live animals. Most Amazon products are standardized, non-perishable items that can be stored in warehouses and shipped via traditional methods like UPS or FedEx. Ensuring the safe transport of live animals would require a totally different logistics operation," said Jason Goldberg, Chief Commerce Strategy Officer at Publicis.
So while it might seem counterintuitive for Amazon not to sell such a popular product category, it makes sense when you look closely at the company‘s strategy and capabilities. There‘s little upside and a lot of potential downside. Other large pet retailers like Petco and PetSmart sell certain small pets in their stores but similarly do not ship animals sold online.
Pet Products on Amazon: What You Can Buy
Just because Amazon doesn‘t sell dogs or cats doesn‘t mean pet owners should write off the ecommerce giant completely. Amazon has a massive selection of pet products across all the major categories. You can find heavily discounted pet staples on Amazon that are typically much pricier at other pet stores or supermarkets.
According to market research firm Packaged Facts, Amazon captured 35% of online pet product sales in 2021, making it the largest single retailer of pet supplies online. Amazon even has its own private label pet brand called Wag selling dog food, cat litter, pet treats, and more.
Some of the most popular and widely available pet products on Amazon include:
Dog Supplies
- Dry and wet food
- Treats and chews
- Food and water bowls
- Collars, leashes, and harnesses
- Crates and carriers
- Beds and furniture
- Toys and balls
- Waste bags and potty pads
- Flea and tick treatments
- Shampoos and grooming tools
Cat Supplies
- Dry food and wet food
- Treats
- Litter and litter boxes
- Litter scoops and mats
- Food and water bowls
- Collars and harnesses
- Furniture and scratchers
- Toys and laser pointers
- Flea treatments
- Grooming tools
Fish & Aquarium Supplies
- Fish tanks and hoods
- Tank stands and cabinets
- Gravel and sand
- Filters and pumps
- Heaters and thermometers
- Water conditioners and treatments
- Decorations and plants
- Fish food and supplements
- Aquarium lights
- Nets and cleaning supplies
With such a wide array of products, Amazon offers a one-stop-shop for all your pet care needs. You can take advantage of low prices, Prime two-day shipping, and the Subscribe & Save program to get your pet essentials delivered regularly.
Some pet owners prefer to shop at specialty pet retailers in order to get expert guidance on nutrition and find the highest quality options. But for affordable, everyday staples, Amazon is hard to beat. Just be sure to consult your vet and read reviews carefully to avoid any low-quality or sketchy products.
How to Responsibly Find Your Next Pet
Now that we‘ve established you can‘t impulse-buy a puppy on Amazon, let‘s talk about how to ethically add a new companion to your household. Animal welfare organizations agree that adopting from a shelter or rescue group is the most responsible way to get a dog or cat.
Every year, approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. shelters and about 920,000 are euthanized. Adopting helps save these at-risk animals and frees up shelter space for others.
"Many pets end up homeless due to no fault of their own – because of financial hardships, lifestyle changes, or lack of affordable pet care in communities. By adopting, you can be part of the solution to this problem while finding a loving, deserving companion," said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA President and CEO.
The easiest way to find adoptable pets near you is to visit Petfinder, a database that aggregates listings from over 11,000 animal shelters and rescue groups. You can search by type of pet, breed, age, size, and gender to find a match.
Adopting a dog from a shelter is a rewarding way to find your next pet. (Image: Unsplash)
If you have your heart set on a particular breed, don‘t rule out adoption. About 25% of dogs in shelters are purebred. You can also look for local breed-specific rescue organizations or search the American Kennel Club‘s Rescue Network.
For example, Labrador retrievers have been the most popular dog breed in the U.S. for 31 years in a row. Luckily, there are hundreds of regional Lab rescue groups.
If you decide to work with a breeder, do extensive research to find a responsible one. Reputable breeders perform genetic testing, provide detailed health records, and insist on meeting buyers in-person to ensure a good fit. They will never sell puppies online sight-unseen.
"Responsible breeders are looking to place their pups in the best homes possible. They interrogate potential buyers thoroughly and usually will not release a pup until they are 8 to 12 weeks of age," according to PuppySpot, a service that connects vetted breeders with buyers.
Some key signs of a responsible dog breeder include:
- Providing AKC or UKC registration papers for purebred puppies
- Performing health tests on breeding dogs and puppies
- Requiring a contract with a health guarantee and spay/neuter agreement
- Offering guidance on caring for the puppy and a lifetime of support
- Willing to take a puppy back at any time if the buyer cannot keep them
In contrast, backyard breeders and puppy mills are more interested in making a quick buck than ensuring the health and welfare of their dogs. Avoid any breeder that has lots of different breeds, always has puppies available, or sells animals under 8 weeks old. Anyone who insists on shipping you a puppy without an in-person meeting is likely a scammer.
What About Exotic Pets and Animals?
Dogs and cats are by far the most common pets in the U.S., but what if you‘re interested in something more exotic? Amazon prohibits the sale of pretty much any mammal, bird, or reptile.
Some animals that fall under Amazon‘s restricted items policy include:
- Primates like monkeys and apes
- African grey parrots, macaws, cockatoos and other threatened bird species
- Venomous or endangered snakes and lizards
- Wild-caught amphibians and reptiles
- Endangered fish and invertebrates
Basically, if a species is threatened or endangered, Amazon won‘t allow it to be listed. The same goes for any animal that could pose a danger to consumers if shipped, like a python or scorpion.
Even legal exotic pets like hedgehogs, sugar gliders, and kinkajous are a no-go for the ecommerce giant. These unique creatures have very specific care requirements that make them unsuitable for online sales.
"Some pets might seem really cool and exotic, making them tempting to buy, but many exotic animals don‘t make good pets and can suffer in normal home environments. They often have very complex social, physical and behavioral needs that are difficult to meet," said Meredith Whitney, PETA Captive Animal Welfare Researcher.
Instead of an impulse purchase, exotic pet ownership requires careful research and planning to ensure you can meet the animal‘s needs. If you‘re set on an exotic pet, look for a specialized breeder with ample experience in that species. You can also contact rescue groups and sanctuaries to see if they have surrendered exotics in need of homes.
The bottom line: the vast majority of live animals should not be shipped like a normal online purchase. It‘s simply not in the best interest of the animal‘s health and safety. Amazon is smart to steer clear of the practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
To wrap up, here are quick answers to some of the most common questions about buying pets and pet supplies on Amazon:
Q: Does Amazon sell live animals?
A: Amazon does not allow most live animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds to be sold. The only exceptions are select aquarium fish and invertebrates like snails and shrimp.
Q: Can you buy pet food and supplies on Amazon?
A: Yes, Amazon is actually the largest online retailer of pet products with a huge selection of food, toys, habitats, grooming supplies and more. You‘ll find all the major brands at competitive prices.
Q: Is it a good idea to buy a dog online?
A: In general, no. Animal welfare groups warn against buying puppies online due to the risk of scams and puppy mills. It‘s best to meet a dog in-person before committing to ensure the breeder is responsible and the puppy is healthy.
Q: How much do fish cost on Amazon?
A: The price of aquarium fish on Amazon varies widely depending on the species and size. Common fish like guppies or neon tetras can be under $5, while some cichlids or koi can cost $50+. Expect to pay more for expedited shipping as well.
Q: What‘s the safest way to get a new pet?
A: Adopting from a reputable local animal shelter or rescue group is the most responsible way to add a dog or cat to your family. If you want a specific breed, look for a breed-specific rescue or extensively vet any breeder you work with. Avoid pet stores and online sellers.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to buying pets online, Amazon is not the place to look. Dogs, cats, and other furry friends are not allowed to be sold on the platform. And even if they were, ordering an animal to be shipped to your home is generally not a good idea.
Luckily, Amazon does offer a huge selection of affordable pet food, toys, and supplies for every stage of your animal‘s life. You can get everything you need delivered to your door at the click of a button.
Just be sure to do your research, consult your vet, and read plenty of reviews before purchasing any new pet products. Not everything that pops up on Amazon is going to be the healthiest or safest option for your individual pet.
When you‘re ready to add a new companion to your home, start by searching local animal shelters and rescue groups. Adopting is a fulfilling way to save a life and find a loving, loyal friend. Avoid the temptation to buy a puppy or kitten online from an unknown source. Your pet will thank you!
