In today’s digital-first era, pet parents expect convenience, reliability, and personalization in managing their furry friends’ needs. Chewy, a pioneer in the petcare eCommerce space, has set a benchmark by blending intuitive design, vast product offerings, and exceptional customer experience. If you’re planning to create a Chewy-like petcare app, it’s crucial to know the must-have features that will delight users and also understand the cost to develop a petcare app like Chewy.

This blog will walk you through the top features to include, their benefits, and the development costs associated with such an app.

 

Why Build a Chewy-like Petcare App?

Petcare is no longer limited to local stores or occasional vet visits. With the rise of mobile commerce and on-demand services, apps like Chewy have made it possible for pet owners to:

  • Buy food, toys, and accessories instantly.

  • Access prescription medicines with ease.

  • Get expert advice and personalized recommendations.

  • Enjoy seamless doorstep delivery.

By replicating and enhancing these features, businesses can tap into the booming global petcare market, which is expected to grow exponentially over the next decade.

 

Top Features to Include in a Chewy-like Petcare App

1. User-Friendly Onboarding

A smooth onboarding experience with quick registration options (email, phone, or social login) ensures users can start shopping without hassle. Pet profile creation during onboarding adds personalization by capturing details like pet type, age, breed, and dietary needs.

Why it matters: It builds trust and tailors recommendations right from the start.

 

2. Comprehensive Product Catalog

Chewy stands out for its vast inventory. Your app should feature an extensive catalog of pet food, healthcare essentials, grooming products, toys, and accessories. Smart categorization, advanced filters, and search functionality make it easier for users to find exactly what they need.

Why it matters: A well-structured catalog reduces cart abandonment and boosts sales.

 

3. Personalized Recommendations

AI-powered recommendation engines can suggest products based on the pet’s breed, health, or purchase history. For example, if a user buys grain-free dog food, the app could recommend complementary treats or supplements.

Why it matters: Personalization increases engagement and customer loyalty.

 

4. Subscription & Auto-Delivery Services

One of Chewy’s most-loved features is its auto-ship service. Offering subscription options for recurring purchases (like monthly food or medicine deliveries) ensures convenience for users and recurring revenue for businesses.

Why it matters: It reduces the risk of customers forgetting essential supplies and boosts retention.

 

5. In-App Veterinary Support

Integrating telehealth or vet consultation features allows users to connect with certified veterinarians for advice on diet, health concerns, or emergencies. Live chat, video calls, or AI chatbots can make this feature highly effective.

Why it matters: This positions your app as more than just an eCommerce platform—it becomes a trusted petcare companion.

 

6. Prescription Management

Chewy excels in delivering prescription medicines after verification. A similar feature in your app can let users upload prescriptions, get vet approvals, and order medication seamlessly.

Why it matters: It adds a critical layer of trust and compliance.

 

7. Push Notifications & Alerts

Push notifications keep users updated about deals, order status, reminders for subscription renewals, or vaccination schedules.

Why it matters: Strategic alerts increase engagement while maintaining customer satisfaction.

 

8. Multiple Payment Options

Offer secure and diverse payment gateways—credit/debit cards, UPI, wallets, or even buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) services. This ensures users never abandon carts due to limited payment options.

Why it matters: Convenience in payment leads to higher conversion rates.

 

9. Loyalty & Rewards Program

Incentivizing purchases with loyalty points, discounts, or referral bonuses keeps users coming back. Gamified elements like streaks or badges can also enhance engagement.

Why it matters: Loyalty programs increase customer lifetime value.

 

10. Real-Time Order Tracking

From warehouse to doorstep, real-time order tracking builds transparency and confidence. Integrating GPS ensures users know exactly when their pet supplies will arrive.

Why it matters: Reduces queries and enhances user satisfaction.

 

11. Customer Support Integration

Round-the-clock customer support via chatbots, live chat, or phone ensures quick resolutions to issues like delayed delivery or product returns.

Why it matters: Strong support builds brand credibility.

 

12. Ratings & Reviews

Allowing users to share product reviews, upload photos, or rate services helps build community trust and guides other customers in making informed choices.

Why it matters: User-generated content is a powerful tool for credibility and sales.

 

Tech Stack Recommendations

To create a scalable and robust Chewy-like app, you can consider the following stack:

  • Frontend: React Native or Flutter for cross-platform apps.

  • Backend: Node.js or Django for reliable server-side operations.

  • Database: MongoDB or PostgreSQL.

  • Cloud Hosting: AWS or Google Cloud.

  • AI & Analytics: TensorFlow, Firebase Analytics, or custom ML models.

Development Costs of a Chewy-like Petcare App

The cost to develop a petcare app like Chewy depends on several factors such as app complexity, platform choice, team expertise, and feature set. Here’s a breakdown:

 

1. Basic MVP Version

  • Features: User onboarding, product catalog, cart, payment, and order tracking.

  • Estimated Cost: $30,000 – $50,000

2. Mid-Level App

  • Features: MVP + subscriptions, push notifications, loyalty program, reviews, and customer support.

  • Estimated Cost: $50,000 – $90,000


3. Advanced Chewy-like App

  • Features: Mid-level + AI recommendations, in-app vet support, prescription management, and advanced analytics.

  • Estimated Cost: $90,000 – $150,000+

 

Choosing the Right Development Partner

The success of your petcare app heavily relies on the development partner you choose. Collaborating with the Best Mobile app development Company ensures high-quality UI/UX, robust backend development, and seamless integration of advanced features. Similarly, if you’re targeting Android users specifically, working with the Best Android app development company can help you optimize performance and deliver an engaging experience to a wider audience.

 

Conclusion

A Chewy-like petcare app isn’t just an eCommerce platform—it’s a complete ecosystem for pet parents. By integrating essential features like personalized recommendations, subscriptions, vet consultations, and robust prescription management, you can deliver unmatched value to your users. While the development costs may vary, investing in the right features and technology ensures long-term scalability and customer loyalty.