Petco Perks and Vital Care

Petco's corporate site now presents two membership tiers: a free tier called Petco Perks and a paid tier called Petco Perks Premier. The company's 10-K filed March 31, 2025 described a two-tier Vital Care program, with free Vital Care Core and paid Vital Care Premier. The 10-K filed March 13, 2026 still listed both Vital Care names among Petco's trademarks. In its results for the quarter ended August 1, 2026, Petco said a membership program relaunch drew stronger-than-expected points redemption. Those redemptions cut into sales, which had been running ahead of plan before the relaunch.

The program has a long history behind it. Petco says it launched PALS, short for Petco Animal Lovers Save, in 1997 as the pet industry's first customer loyalty program. In September 2020 it launched Vital Care as a paid wellness plan for routine pet care. By fiscal 2024 Petco described Vital Care as a two-tiered offering. Core members made more than 90% of Petco's transactions in fiscal 2023 and again in fiscal 2024, so nine in ten checkouts ran through a member account.

The free Petco Perks tier pays points toward Petco Cash on nearly everything Petco sells, from food and litter to grooms and vet visits. Petco brands earn 3x points. Members also get Autoship savings, a birthday treat for the pet and personalized offers. The Petco app adds a grooming perk that makes the eighth groom free. Members track, load and redeem Petco Cash in the app. Petco's fact sheet lists $15 of Petco Cash as 15,000 points and $5 as 5,000 points, which puts the exchange at 1,000 points per $1.

Petco Perks Premier is a paid upgrade sold with an annual commitment. It costs $24.99 a month for dogs and cats and $9.99 a month for birds, reptiles, fish and small pets. The dog and cat plan adds $15 of Petco Cash each month and 10% off all food. It also takes 20% off every dog groom and 20% off cat litter, and it covers unlimited vet exams at Petco. The small pet plan adds $5 of Petco Cash each month, 15% off food and 15% off supplies. Petco puts the yearly value of Premier at more than $600.

Partners extend the program past Petco's stores. Employees and customers of the San Diego Padres get Perks benefits and discounts, and so do those of JSX, a pet-friendly public charter service. Through Hill's Pet Nutrition and its Food, Shelter and Love program, Petco gives Perks benefits to shelters such as San Diego Humane Society and Brandywine SPCA. In its fiscal 2025 report, Petco said points produced a certificate that generally had to be used within 45 days. The same report said its annual plans bundle vet exams, discounts and extra loyalty points.

A dog or cat Premier plan costs $299.88 over a year ($24.99 x 12). Of that, $180 returns as Petco Cash ($15 x 12), which is 60% of the fee. Petco's 10-K counted about 300 full service veterinary hospitals in its network at January 31, 2026. The $9.99 small pet plan lists $5 of Petco Cash a month plus food and supply discounts. In the quarter ended August 1, 2026, Petco said points redemption after the relaunch ran stronger than expected and held back sales.