Chewy has reported a strong start to fiscal 2026, with first-quarter net sales reaching $3.36 billion, up 7.7% year on year. The US pet retailer also added nearly 200,000 net customers during the quarter, while profitability improved across several key indicators.

Net income reached $94.8 million, compared with a lower result in the previous year, while adjusted EBITDA rose to $253.1 million. Adjusted EBITDA margin increased by 130 basis points to 7.5%, underlining Chewy’s ability to combine sales growth with stronger operational efficiency.

For the wider pet-care sector, the result is notable because Chewy’s model goes beyond conventional e-commerce. The company positions itself around a broader ecosystem covering pet food, supplies, prescriptions, health and wellness needs, as well as services designed to support recurring customer engagement.

This integrated approach matters in an environment where pet owners are increasingly managing routine purchases, preventive health products and prescription needs through connected digital channels. Repeat purchasing and customer retention remain central to the economics of the platform, particularly in categories linked to chronic care, nutrition and veterinary-related products.

Chewy said it continued to outperform the broader pet category despite a more dynamic consumer backdrop. For animal-health businesses, the company’s quarterly performance offers another indication that convenience, subscription-style purchasing and health-related product access are becoming increasingly interlinked in the companion-animal market.

The result also reinforces the growing strategic value of pet health within large retail ecosystems. As more pet owners seek streamlined access to products and services, the boundary between retail, pharmacy, wellness and veterinary support is likely to become less distinct.