Know what to expect when you accept Shop & Deliver offers from pet stores with these Dasher-approved tips.
Shop & Deliver offers Dashers more opportunities to earn and a greater variety of items to shop for. In addition to grocery, alcohol, flowers, and retail items, Dashers can shop for items from pet stores, including everything from specialty treats to pet supplies, and deliver them directly to customers. Here, we'll explore how pet store delivery works on DoorDash with tips from seasoned Dashers.
What to expect when accepting Shop & Deliver offers for pet stores
With more than 400,000 pet products on DoorDash, Dashers can expect to shop for customers' fluffy friends and scaly companions at pet stores like Pet Supplies Plus and Petco. These items can include:
A wide array of pet food and treats including dry, wet, raw, frozen, and specialty food
Furniture like dog beds, animal crates, litter boxes, and aquariums
Pet toys and accessories
Grooming and cleaning supplies
Specialty items like vitamins and medications
Note: Live animals are not available on DoorDash, except small insects and other live pet food items. Dashers can ask pet store staff for assistance in retrieving.
How to complete Shop & Deliver offers at pet stores
Once Dashers select the Shop & Deliver option in the DoorDash Dasher App, there are just a few simple steps to complete a pet supply offer:
Accept an incoming Shop & Deliver offer
Shop for the customer's list of items.
Pay with your Red Card at checkout, a prepaid card that's required for Dashers to pay for Shop & Deliver offers.
Deliver the items to the customer's door.
Pet stores may also offer Shop & Deliver alongside regular pick-up and delivery, with some orders being simple pickups. The DoorDash Dasher app will notify you when an offer requires the use of a Red Card.
Why Dashers think Shop & Deliver offers are worth accepting
Opting in to Shop & Deliver has significant perks. Here are the top reasons why Dashers choose to accept these offers:
No wait times. When you do the shopping, your productivity and pace don’t rely on someone else preparing the order.
Higher paying offers. Dashers can earn more per Shop & Deliver offer compared to regular restaurant deliveries.*
Time of day. Pet store offers don’t revolve around meal times or peak shopping hours, empowering Dashers to earn when it’s most convenient for them.
Safety. With some customers providing pet-specific delivery instructions, safe delivery (and the potential to see some cute pets) is a common experience for Dashers.
Pet store delivery tips from Dashers
Here are some top tips from Dashers who have fulfilled pet store offers.
Double-check the offer details
Especially when shopping for same day pet food delivery, similar packaging is common and dietary specifications like "grain-free" or "senior dog formula" aren't always obvious at first glance. Fellow Dashers recommend double-checking the items on the shopping list with the items in their cart before checking out.
Ask an employee for help
Whether you're having trouble locating an item or require assistance with finding specific pet food, don't hesitate to ask pet store employees for help.
Get the right gear
Pet stores can offer items big and small, so equipping yourself with the right gear helps you transport items more efficiently. Supplies to consider before starting your dash include:
Bins for easier loading and unloading, especially for larger orders.
Insulated bags for frozen pet food and other products that need to be kept cold.
Blankets, towels, and other padded surfaces to handle fragile items, like glass terrariums, with care.
A dolly for heavier items, like a 20lb bag of dog food or box of cat litter.
Communicate clearly with the customer
Clear and friendly communication is the standard for Dashers. A top pet supply delivery tip is to introduce yourself before you begin shopping, notify customers of unavailable items, and inquire about their companion's replacement preferences throughout your pet store dash.
Watch for pet-friendly notes, especially when it comes to delivery
Some customers may leave delivery instructions related to their pets, like “Leave near the back door” or “Knock gently — dog inside.” Knowing that you're delivering to a home with pets, Dashers suggest using caution when opening gates or stepping inside fenced areas.
Opt-in to Shop & Deliver in your Dasher Preferences tab
Shop & Deliver for pet stores gives Dashers more flexibility and opportunities to earn alongside restaurant deliveries and other retail offers. Whether you want a break from the mealtime rush or an excuse to visit the kittens at your local PetSmart, the Shop & Deliver offers are packed with perks.
Ready to start dashing with Shop & Deliver? Sign up to become a Dasher today.
*Get paid more per order as compared to a restaurant delivery order, based on average Dasher payouts nationwide while on a delivery. Actual earnings may differ and depend on factors like number of deliveries completed, time of day, location, and expenses.
