Pet Shops, Pet Foods & Supplies.
Pet retailers, pet food and supplies.
- MCC
- 5995
- Category
- Miscellaneous Stores
- Cardflo support
- Yes
What MCC 5995 covers
Merchant Category Code 5995 is the ISO 18245 identifier used by the card networks for pet shops, pet foods & supplies. Acquirers, issuers and regulators use this code to set interchange, scheme fees, fraud rules and reporting categories for every transaction your business processes.
Pet retailers, pet food and supplies. Choosing the right MCC is critical: an incorrect code can lead to higher interchange, surcharges, or, in regulated categories, declined transactions and account holds.
Merchants in MCC 5995 include pet shops, pet food suppliers, and retailers of pet products and accessories. This can encompass both physical stores and a growing segment of online retailers offering subscription boxes or one-off purchases.
Ticket sizes range from small purchases of treats (£5-£20) to larger regular purchases of pet food (£30-£100) or high-value items like premium accessories, aquariums, or live animals (hundreds of pounds). Online subscription models lead to recurring revenue streams.
Chargebacks are generally low but can arise from 'goods not as described' (e. g. , damaged pet food bags, incorrect product variant), 'non-receipt' for online deliveries, or disputes related to live animal sales (e. g. , health issues, misrepresentation).
Fraudulent transactions are also a risk for high-value online purchases. Schemes generally classify pet supply as standard retail, but some acquirers might apply additional scrutiny for live animal sales.
Cardflo’s recurring billing optimisation features are highly beneficial for subscription-based pet food services, helping to reduce involuntary churn due to failed payments. For physical stores and e-commerce, Cardflo’s chargeback management tools assist in demonstrating proof of delivery and product quality to contest disputes effectively.
To optimise acceptance for pet supplies, account for varied ticket sizes. Small, frequent purchases benefit from speed and APMs, whereas higher-value items – like specialised aquariums or bulk food – require robust 3DS2 during CNP transactions to mitigate fraud.
For subscription models, ensure clear recurring billing disclosures and tokenisation for frictionless renewals. Given potential for 'goods not as described' disputes, detailed product descriptions and high-quality imagery are crucial.
A small reserve may be requested for new online merchants with high average order values.
Acquirer and acquirer assessment stance.
Low-to-medium risk standard board. Generally low risk, but higher ticket items (specialised pets, large aquariums) and recurring billing models warrant closer monitoring.
A small rolling reserve (e. g. , 2-5% for 90-120 days) might be considered for new online merchants with high average ticket values.
Dispute and chargeback profile.
The most common disputes are likely 13.1 / 4853 (services not as described) for faulty or incorrect products, and 13.3 / 4855 (non-receipt of goods) for online orders.
For 'services not as described', providing supplier invoices, product descriptions matching the ordered item, and quality control records helps. To combat 'non-receipt', signed delivery confirmation, tracking numbers showing successful delivery, and evidence of the customer's address matching the delivery address are essential.
See also: chargeback management · payment response codes · Compelling Evidence 3.0.
Book a scoping call to see how Cardflo would set you up.
How Cardflo handles MCC 5995
- Placement with acquirers that actively board MCC 5995 businesses in your region.
- MCC review during onboarding to confirm the right code for your products.
- Reclassification support if scheme rules or product mix change post-launch.
- Multi-acquirer routing to keep approvals stable for broad merchant categories.
- Dispute support tuned to the mixed-product chargeback profile this MCC sees.
- Dedicated onboarding manager rather than a generic ticket queue.
Payment methods typically enabled.
Onboarding checklist.
What acquirers typically ask to see when boarding MCC 5995. Cardflo collects this once and reuses it across every acquirer we route you through.
- Business registration and beneficial-owner documentation (KYB, UBO).
- Six months of processing statements or bank statements demonstrating trading pattern.
- Product catalogue extract confirming the MCC covers the goods actually sold.
- Refund, exchange and cancellation policy shown at point of sale and on the website.
- PCI DSS SAQ appropriate to the environment (A, A-EP or D as relevant).
- Website terms of service, privacy policy and clear merchant descriptor.
See also: Know Your Customer (KYC) · high-risk merchant · smart routing.
Talk to an acquiring specialist about your MID setup.
Common questions
How can pet shops offering subscription boxes minimise failed recurring payments?
Minimising failed recurring payments is crucial for subscription-based pet businesses. Common reasons include expired cards, insufficient funds, or soft declines.
Cardflo offers intelligent retries, where failed transactions are automatically re-attempted at optimal times and with updated card data when available (Account Updater service).
Merchants can also leverage dunning management tools to communicate effectively with customers about updating payment details before a subscription fails entirely, significantly improving successful renewal rates.
What are the key considerations for shipping live animals or highly sensitive pet products when it comes to chargebacks?
Shipping live animals or sensitive products requires meticulous attention to detail to prevent 'not as described' or 'damaged goods' chargebacks. Merchants must use specialised, compliant shipping methods, provide detailed care instructions, and ensure robust packaging.
Documenting the animal's healthy condition prior to shipping with photos/videos, using tracked and insured shipping, and clearly stating return/refund policies specific to live animals (e. g. , requiring veterinary proof of health issues) are essential for dispute defence.
Some acquirers may classify live animal sales as higher risk due to their perishability and welfare concerns.
Are there any specific scheme rules regarding the sale of live animals or unique pet supplies?
While there are no specific MCC-level scheme rules for live animal sales, the general principles of 'goods not as described' and 'merchandise not received' are highly relevant.
Merchants selling live animals must comply with all local animal welfare laws and regulations, which can impact customer satisfaction and subsequently lead to payment disputes if not adhered to.
Furthermore, some acquirers may have internal policies that limit or surcharge merchants selling endangered species or certain exotic pets, due to increased regulatory and reputational risk, even if these are not directly payment scheme rules.
How can I reduce 'item not as described' chargebacks for pet food, particularly regarding damage or incorrect variants?
Minimising 'item not as described' chargebacks requires meticulous order fulfilment and clear communication. Implement quality control checks before dispatch to ensure packaging integrity and correct product variety.
Use high-resolution images and precise product descriptions on your website, highlighting key attributes like flavour, weight, and ingredients. For online orders, consider having customers confirm product specifications during checkout.
Should a dispute arise, detailed internal logs of product checks, photographic evidence of packaging at dispatch, and matching order confirmations can be presented to counter the claim.
What specific measures should I take to manage chargebacks when selling live animals or high-value pet enclosures online?
Selling live animals or high-value enclosures online necessitates stringent measures due to their unique nature and ticket size. For live animals, comprehensive health guarantees, clear care instructions, and verifiable delivery methods (e. g. , specialised animal transport with temperature monitoring) are crucial.
For both, always use 3DS2 for payment authentication to shift liability. Require photographic or video proof of any claimed damage or illness immediately upon receipt.
Strong terms and conditions, explicitly outlining return policies for delicate items, and recorded customer acknowledgements of these terms are vital in dispute resolution.
Other MCCs in Miscellaneous Stores
Related industries.
Related features.
Related guides.
Ready to improve your payments setup?
Tell us about your business. We'll match you with the right acquiring partners and the right route, typically inside a week.