Shipping Policy for Pet Supplies, Food, and Toys

1. Scope of Application

 

This Shipping Policy (“Policy”) applies to all orders of pet supplies, food, and toys placed through petvitalneeds (“we,” “us,” or “our”) website, mobile application, or authorized retailers. By placing an order, you agree to the terms outlined below.

2. Order Processing

2.1 Processing Time

 

  • Orders are typically processed within 1-3 business days after payment confirmation
  • Processing delays may occur for personalized items or address verification
  • Weekends and holidays are excluded from processing time

2.2 Cut-off Times

 

  • Orders placed before 12:00 PM [Time Zone] will be processed the same day
  • Orders placed after cut-off time will be processed the next business day

3. Domestic Shipping

3.1 Shipping Methods

 

Method Estimated Delivery Cost Tracking
Standard 3-7 business days $5.99 – $14.99 Yes
Expedited 2-3 business days $19.99 – $29.99 Yes
Priority 1-2 business days $34.99+ Yes

3.2 Free Shipping

 

  • Free standard shipping on orders over $75 within the contiguous US
  • Excludes Alaska, Hawaii, and PO boxes

4. International Shipping

4.1 Eligible Countries

 

  • We ship to [list eligible countries]
  • Restricted items: Food products may require import permits

4.2 Customs and Duties

 

  • Recipient is responsible for all import taxes, duties, and brokerage fees
  • We are not liable for delays caused by customs inspections

5. Shipping Restrictions

5.1 Prohibited Items

 

  • Perishable goods (opened food packages)
  • Hazardous materials (certain grooming products)
  • Products restricted by destination country laws

5.2 Special Handling

 

  • Frozen food items require expedited shipping with insulated packaging
  • Live plants and aquarium supplies may have additional handling fees

6. Delivery Confirmation

6.1 Tracking Information

 

  • A tracking number will be emailed once your order ships
  • Track packages via [Carrier Name] or petvitalneeds

6.2 Delivery Address

 

  • Verify shipping address accuracy before submitting order
  • Address changes after dispatch may incur additional fees

7. Risk of Loss

 

Ownership and risk of loss transfer to you upon delivery to the carrier. We are not liable for delays or damage caused by carriers.

8. Shipping Issues

8.1 Delayed Deliveries

 

  • Contact carrier directly for delivery updates
  • Notify us within 15 days for unresolved delays

8.2 Damaged Packages

 

  • Report damage within 7 days of delivery
  • Provide photos of damaged items and packaging

8.3 Lost Packages

 

  • File a claim with the carrier if package is marked “delivered” but not received
  • We will assist with carrier investigations

9. Returns Shipping

 

  • Return shipping costs are your responsibility unless the item is defective
  • Use trackable shipping methods for returns
  • Free return labels available for eligible items

10. Carrier Limitations

 

We are not responsible for:

 

  • Delays caused by weather, strikes, or other unforeseen events
  • Incorrect addresses provided by customers
  • Packages refused by recipients

11. Food Product Shipping

 

  • Dry food: Sealed in moisture-resistant packaging
  • Wet food: Shipped in crush-proof containers
  • Frozen food: Shipped with gel packs in insulated boxes
  • Expired food will not be shipped

12. Policy Updates

 

We may modify this Policy at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting on our website.

13. Contact Us

 

For shipping inquiries:

 

 

Business hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM [Time Zone]

14. Definitions

 

  • Business Days: Monday through Friday, excluding holidays
  • Delivery Date: Estimated date provided by the carrier
  • Carrier: Third-party shipping companies (e.g., FedEx, DHL, USPS)