Founded in Munich in 1999, Zooplus has grown from a small German e-commerce startup into a pan-European behemoth — the Amazon of pet supplies, if Amazon were exclusively focused on animals and headquartered in Bavaria. With operations across 30 European countries, annual revenues exceeding €2 billion, and a product catalogue that spans everything from premium therapeutic veterinary diets to budget cat litter, Zooplus occupies a unique position in the European pet market.

But size does not automatically mean quality. As a nutritionist who works with European pet owners daily, I am frequently asked whether Zooplus is actually worth using — or whether local pet shops, specialist online retailers, or supermarkets offer a better deal. Having used Zooplus across multiple European countries and analysed its offer in detail, here is my honest assessment.

The Product Range: Genuinely Impressive

Zooplus stocks over 8,000 products for dogs, cats, small animals, birds, fish, and reptiles. The food range alone is extraordinary: premium brands (Hill's, Royal Canin, Purina Pro Plan, Orijen, Acana), mid-range options (Animonda, Catessy, Rinti), private label (Lukullus, Smilla, Rocco), and everything in between. Veterinary prescription diets from Hill's and Royal Canin are available, though these require confirmation of a veterinary prescription in most countries.

The non-food range covers accessories, toys, bedding, carriers, grooming equipment, and health products — including flea and worming treatments, dental care, and supplements. The selection is wide enough that for most routine pet supply needs, you will find what you need without leaving the platform.

For European pet owners who feed their animals specialist diets — grain-free, high-meat-content, single-protein, or veterinary therapeutic — Zooplus is particularly valuable. These products are frequently unavailable in general supermarkets and may be stocked by only one or two local pet shops, whereas Zooplus carries them in multiple formats and pack sizes.

Pricing: Where Zooplus Wins

Zooplus's core competitive advantage is price — particularly at volume. The platform consistently undercuts high-street pet shops on branded food, sometimes by 15–25%. For bulk purchases of dry food (bags of 10 kg or more) or large multipacks of wet food, the savings compared to retail can be substantial over the course of a year.

The pricing advantage is amplified by the Zooplus loyalty programme. Every purchase earns loyalty points (Zoopoints) that convert to vouchers redeemable against future orders. The rate is approximately 1 point per €1 spent, with 500 points converting to a €5 voucher. For a household spending €100–€150 per month on pet supplies — not uncommon for multi-pet households — this generates meaningful annual savings.

Zooplus also runs regular promotional deals, particularly around events like Black Friday and seasonal sales. Subscribing to the newsletter is worthwhile if you want advance notice of discounts on staple products.

Delivery: Variable but Generally Reliable

Delivery is where Zooplus generates its most mixed reviews, and it is worth understanding why before you order. Zooplus operates warehouses across Europe and partners with local logistics providers in each country. This means the delivery experience in Germany (where Zooplus has its strongest infrastructure) differs from the experience in Portugal or Poland.

In core markets — Germany, UK, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria — delivery is typically fast: one to three business days for standard orders, with free delivery thresholds that most regular customers will comfortably clear. In southern and eastern European markets, delivery windows may extend to four to seven business days, and the free delivery threshold varies.

For heavy items like large bags of dry food or clumping cat litter, online delivery is genuinely more convenient than carrying bags from a shop — one of Zooplus's practical advantages that goes beyond price.

Customer Service: The Achilles Heel

Customer service is consistently Zooplus's weakest area, and it is worth acknowledging honestly. Reviews across Trustpilot and Google in multiple European countries frequently cite slow response times, difficulty reaching a human agent by phone, and inconsistent resolution of problems. Returns are handled, but the process is not always smooth.

That said, for straightforward purchases of non-perishable items that arrive as described — which is the vast majority of transactions — customer service is rarely needed. The complaints tend to cluster around damaged deliveries, missing items, and billing issues, which, while real, are not unique to Zooplus among large online retailers.

For veterinary prescription diet orders specifically, the verification process can add delays. If your pet is on a prescription diet and time-sensitive, have a local alternative supplier as backup.

Product Quality: Own-Label vs Premium Brands

Zooplus's own-label brands deserve specific comment, as they represent a significant portion of the platform's revenue and are heavily promoted. Brands like Lukullus (dog food), Smilla (cat food), and Rocco (dog and cat) are manufactured to EU pet food standards and are nutritionally adequate. They are not, however, equivalent in ingredient quality to premium brands at comparable price points from specialist manufacturers.

As a nutritionist, I recommend checking the analytical guarantees and ingredient lists on own-label products carefully before switching your pet from a food they are doing well on. Price savings on food are only worthwhile if the nutritional profile is genuinely comparable for your individual animal's needs.

For guidance on EU pet food regulations and what to look for on a label, the FEDIAF labelling guidelines are freely available and readable by non-specialists. The PDSA also publishes accessible nutrition guidance that helps when evaluating food labels.

Who Zooplus Is Best For

Zooplus delivers the greatest value for:

• Multi-pet households with significant monthly spend on food and litter
• Owners feeding specialist diets not widely available locally (grain-free, high-meat-content, single-protein)
• Owners of large dogs who benefit from large-format food bags delivered to the door
• Cat owners buying clumping litter in bulk — heavy to carry, good savings online
• Pet owners in smaller European markets where local speciality pet shops have limited range

It is less compelling for impulse purchases, same-day needs, or shoppers who prefer to see and touch products before buying. For those use cases, a local pet shop or supermarket remains more practical.

Verdict

Zooplus is not perfect, but for most European pet owners buying regularly, it represents genuine value — particularly when you factor in the loyalty programme and the convenience of home delivery for heavy items. The product range is unmatched in breadth for a pan-European online retailer, and the pricing on premium brands and food staples is consistently competitive.

Use it for planned, volume purchases of food, litter, and supplies. Keep a local supplier as backup for urgent needs or prescription items. And always cross-reference any new food against FEDIAF nutritional guidelines before switching your pet's diet on the basis of price alone.

For parasite prevention products available on Zooplus, check that any flea, tick, or worming product is licensed in your country — the ESCCAP guidelines will help you identify which active ingredients are appropriate for your region and risk profile.

This review reflects the author's assessment of Zooplus as of June 2025. Pricing, range, and service standards may vary by country and change over time. This article contains affiliate links to Zooplus; purchases made through these links may generate a commission at no additional cost to you.