Return policy comparison · 2026
Chewy vs Tuft + Paw
Policy data verified April 17, 2026 (Chewy) and July 24, 2026 (Tuft + Paw)
Winner
Chewy
A+
5.0 / 5.0 · Exceptional
Tuft + Paw
C+
2.4 / 5.0 · Fair
The verdict
Chewy has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A+ (5.0/5.0) against Tuft + Paw's C+ (2.4/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 365-day window (industry-leading) versus 30-day window (industry standard).
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
ChewyTuft + Paw
Return window · worth 2.0
Restocking fee · worth 1.0
Return shipping · worth 1.0
Holiday window · worth 0.5
Transparency · worth 0.5
Key terms side-by-side
| Chewy | Tuft + Paw | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 365 days | 30 days (furniture: unused, original packaging; litter/food: first order only) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes | No - fee deducted |
| Restocking fee | None | None published |
| Return shipping | Free | Customer pays: "Return shipping costs are not included." |
| Holiday extension | ✓ Not specifically extended | None published |
| Non-returnable | Prescription medications (special process), gift cards | Used or opened furniture, litter/food after the first order, packages with an incorrect address (treated as lost) |
| Watch-out items | Standard 365-day window | Really Great Cat Litter and Really Great Cat Food: one-time money-back guarantee on the first order only, no returns accepted after that |
Chewy tip
Chewy often refunds WITHOUT requiring you to send the item back. Customer service widely praised.
Tuft + Paw tip
Furniture has to be unused and in its original packaging to qualify for a refund, so unbox carefully if you're unsure you'll keep it; the litter and food guarantee only covers your very first order ever, so treat it as a one-time trial rather than an ongoing return option.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Chewy or Tuft + Paw?
Chewy has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A+ (5.0/5.0) against Tuft + Paw's C+ (2.4/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 365-day window (industry-leading) versus 30-day window (industry standard).
What is Chewy's return window?
Chewy's return window is 365 days.
What is Tuft + Paw's return window?
Tuft + Paw's return window is 30 days (furniture: unused, original packaging; litter/food: first order only).
Does Chewy or Tuft + Paw offer free returns?
Chewy: Yes. Tuft + Paw: No - fee deducted.