Whether you are a fellow pet parent or just starting your journey with a new fur-baby, you’ve likely seen the ads for Chewy+. As someone balancing a busy schedule as a university instructor and PhD student, I’m always looking for ways to streamline my “adulting” tasks—especially when it comes to caring for my two cats.

After using the service for a while to keep my household running smoothly, I wanted to share my perspective on whether the $49 annual membership is actually worth it.

Why I Made the Switch

With two cats to account for, the sheer volume of “stuff” we go through is surprisingly high. Between the heavy bags of litter and the constant need for food, running to the store became a chore I didn’t have time for.

I now use Chewy+ for almost everything:

• Specialty Food: Keeping both cats happy and healthy.
• Litter: Which, let’s be honest, is the heaviest thing to lug from a retail shelf.
• Prescriptions: The ease of having their medications approved and sent directly to the house is a game-changer.
• Toys and “The Extras”: Because two cats need a lot of enrichment to stay out of trouble.

The Two Perks That Win Me Over

While there are several benefits to the program, there are two specific reasons why Chewy+ stays in my budget:

1. The 5% Back Rewards

This is the biggest financial “win.” For every eligible order (which includes most of the food and prescriptions I already buy), I earn 5% back in rewards.

• How it works: These rewards accumulate in your account after your order ships.
• The Benefit: I can apply these rewards to future orders to instantly save money on the next batch of litter or a new scratching post. It feels like a built-in discount on things I was going to buy anyway.

2. Lightning-Fast, Free Shipping

As a PhD student at Temple, my schedule is often packed with research and grading. I don’t always realize we’re low on kibble until we’re really low.

• No Minimums: Usually, you have to spend $49 to get free shipping on Chewy. With Chewy+, shipping is free regardless of the order size.
• Speed: I genuinely appreciate how quickly the boxes arrive at my door. Often, it’s only a day or two between clicking “order” and seeing that blue box on my porch.

Is It Worth It for You?

If you have multiple pets, as I do, the math almost always works out in your favor. If you’re spending roughly $80 a month on pet supplies, the 5% rewards alone pay for the membership fee by the end of the year.

For me, the $49 is a small price to pay for the time I save and the convenience of never having to worry about a “cat food emergency.” If you value quick shipping and love seeing your total drop at checkout thanks to earned rewards, Chewy+ is a “no-brainer.”

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