Chewy has become one of the most recognizable names in online pet retail, often mentioned in the same breath as e-commerce giants like Amazon. Because of its scale, logistics capabilities, and digital-first business model, many consumers naturally wonder whether the company is owned by Amazon or connected to it in some way. The short answer may surprise some pet owners and investors alike.
TLDR: Chewy is not owned by Amazon. The company was founded independently in 2011, acquired by PetSmart in 2017, and later spun off through an initial public offering (IPO) in 2019. Today, Chewy operates as a publicly traded company, though PetSmart remains a significant shareholder. Despite competition with Amazon, the two companies are not affiliated.
The Simple Answer: Is Chewy Owned by Amazon?
No, Chewy is not owned by Amazon. While the two companies both operate in e-commerce and sell pet supplies, they are entirely separate businesses. Chewy competes with Amazon in the pet category but has followed a distinct corporate and ownership path.
The confusion often arises because:
- Both companies specialize in fast home delivery.
- Both use subscription-based purchasing models.
- Both offer a vast range of pet products.
- Chewy’s supply chain operations resemble Amazon’s fulfillment model.
However, ownership and corporate control have always remained separate.
Chewy’s Founding and Early Growth
Chewy was founded in 2011 by Ryan Cohen and Michael Day. The founders aimed to create a pet-focused e-commerce platform offering exceptional customer service and a wide selection of pet products.
The company was built around several core principles:
- Customer obsession – prioritizing pet parents’ needs.
- Competitive pricing – matching or beating major competitors.
- Fast shipping – often within one to two days.
- Personalized service – handwritten notes, holiday cards, and 24/7 support.
From the beginning, Chewy positioned itself as a specialized alternative to Amazon rather than an affiliate. The leadership team focused intensely on building brand loyalty among pet owners, recognizing that pet products often result in repeat purchases and long-term customer relationships.
The 2017 Acquisition by PetSmart
In 2017, Chewy was acquired by PetSmart in a deal valued at approximately $3.35 billion. At the time, this was one of the largest e-commerce acquisitions in history.
This acquisition marked a pivotal moment in Chewy’s ownership history. Instead of being bought by Amazon, Chewy became part of a traditional brick-and-mortar pet retail company.
Why PetSmart Bought Chewy
PetSmart saw Chewy as a strategic opportunity to:
- Expand its e-commerce capabilities rapidly.
- Compete more effectively with Amazon.
- Leverage Chewy’s strong online brand presence.
- Integrate digital and in-store offerings.
For PetSmart, acquiring Chewy was largely defensive — a move designed to secure a strong online foothold in a rapidly shifting retail environment.
Chewy’s IPO and Public Ownership
In 2019, Chewy filed for an initial public offering (IPO). When the company went public, it issued shares on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol CHWY.
Image not found in postmetaAlthough Chewy became a publicly traded company, PetSmart retained a majority stake after the IPO. Over time, however, ownership has diversified as institutional investors, mutual funds, and individual shareholders have purchased stock.
What This Means for Ownership
Today, Chewy is:
- A public company.
- Traded on the NYSE.
- Owned by a mix of institutional investors, retail investors, and large stakeholders.
Amazon has no ownership stake in Chewy.
Chewy vs. Amazon: Competitors, Not Partners
Although Chewy is not owned by Amazon, the comparison between the two companies is constant. Both compete aggressively in the online pet supply category.
Key Differences Between Chewy and Amazon
| Category | Chewy | Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Public company (NYSE: CHWY) | Public company (NASDAQ: AMZN) |
| Primary Focus | Pet products only | All retail categories |
| Subscription Service | Autoship | Subscribe & Save |
| Customer Service Model | Pet specialized support team | Generalized large scale support |
| Brick and Mortar Presence | Limited physical presence | Minimal retail stores |
One of Chewy’s distinguishing characteristics is its laser focus on pets. Unlike Amazon, which sells nearly everything, Chewy concentrates solely on pet-related products and services.
Corporate Structure of Chewy
Understanding Chewy’s corporate structure helps clarify why Amazon is not involved in ownership.
1. Public Shareholders
As a publicly traded company, Chewy is owned by shareholders who purchase stock on the NYSE.
2. Institutional Investors
Large financial institutions, such as mutual funds and pension funds, hold significant portions of Chewy shares.
3. Board of Directors
Chewy operates under a board of directors responsible for corporate governance, oversight, and executive leadership decisions.
4. Executive Leadership
The executive team manages day-to-day operations, strategic planning, and company performance.
This structure mirrors most large publicly traded corporations and does not involve Amazon in any capacity.
Why People Think Amazon Owns Chewy
There are several reasons for the misconception:
- Logistics similarities: Chewy’s fast shipping resembles Amazon Prime delivery.
- E-commerce dominance: Consumers often associate major online retailers with Amazon.
- Subscription similarity: Autoship operates similarly to Subscribe & Save.
- Market competition: Media coverage frequently compares the two.
However, competitive similarity does not indicate shared ownership.
Financial Independence and Strategic Direction
Chewy’s financial filings, earnings reports, and SEC disclosures clearly outline its independence. The company makes its own strategic decisions, including:
- Pricing models
- Veterinary service expansion
- Private-label pet brands
- Telehealth and pet pharmacy services
Chewy’s growth into services such as online vet consultations further differentiates it from Amazon’s broader retail strategy.
The Role of PetSmart Today
Although Chewy is publicly traded, PetSmart has historically remained a major shareholder following the IPO. That said, Chewy operates independently with its own management team and brand identity.
PetSmart itself is owned by private equity firm BC Partners, which acquired PetSmart in 2015. This additional layer of ownership can sometimes make corporate relationships appear complex, contributing to confusion about Amazon’s involvement.
Still, at no point has Amazon owned Chewy shares as part of a controlling stake or acquisition.
Conclusion
Chewy is not owned by Amazon and never has been. The company was founded independently, acquired by PetSmart in 2017, and became a publicly traded corporation in 2019. Today, it operates as its own entity under a standard public company structure with diversified shareholders.
While Chewy and Amazon compete in the same space and share operational similarities, they remain distinct companies with separate leadership, ownership, and corporate governance. Understanding Chewy’s ownership history makes it clear that any connection between the two is purely competitive — not structural.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who currently owns Chewy?
Chewy is a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CHWY). It is owned by institutional investors, retail shareholders, and significant stakeholders, including PetSmart as a major historical shareholder.
2. Did Amazon ever try to buy Chewy?
There is no public record indicating that Amazon successfully acquired or owned Chewy. PetSmart acquired Chewy in 2017.
3. Is Chewy affiliated with Amazon in any way?
No. Chewy and Amazon are entirely separate companies with no ownership affiliation.
4. Why does Chewy seem similar to Amazon?
Both companies use fast shipping logistics, operate online marketplaces, and offer subscription services. These operational similarities can make them appear connected, but they are direct competitors.
5. Is PetSmart owned by Amazon?
No. PetSmart is owned by private equity firm BC Partners and is not controlled by Amazon.
6. Can investors buy shares of Chewy?
Yes. Since Chewy is publicly traded, individuals can purchase shares through brokerage accounts under the ticker symbol CHWY.