How to Buy doTERRA Products, Step by Step

By the EssentialTail Team — pet owners, Wellness Advocates & doTERRA enthusiasts

If you're reading this, you're probably wondering how buying doTERRA actually works — and I completely understand the confusion. When I first started looking into it for my home (sharing space with two dogs and a very opinionated cat), the whole "membership" thing felt unclear. Here's what I figured out: registration is free and takes about five minutes. You simply enter your details, add any product to your cart, and you're done. There's no obligation, no kit requirement, and no pressure. The 25% discount (member price versus retail price) does carry a small annual fee, but that fee is waived when your order exceeds 150 PV — which often comes with free shipping, too. An enrollment kit is a recommended option because it usually crosses that threshold and offers good value, but it's absolutely not mandatory. You can start with a single bottle if that's what feels right. That's the short answer, and below I'll walk you through exactly how it works, what I wish I'd known at the start, and how to navigate it all as a pet owner.

Why People Choose doTERRA (and What That Means for You)

What drew me to doTERRA in the first place was the CPTG standard — Certified Pure Tested Grade, doTERRA's own purity and testing protocol. Every batch is tested by third-party labs, and you can look up the results yourself. When you're diffusing oils in a home with animals (especially cats, who are incredibly sensitive), that level of transparency matters. I'm not a chemist, but knowing what's in the bottle — and what isn't — gave me peace of mind.

The other reason is the variety. doTERRA has a dedicated line for animal care, plus the blends many pet owners recognise (like Serenity for calming a space, or Lavender for its gentle aroma). I always consult my veterinarian before using anything around my pets, and I recommend you do the same — but having access to quality products that are clearly labelled and rigorously tested makes that conversation easier.

How Registration Actually Works

Here's the step-by-step process I followed, and what I recommend:

1. Visit the doTERRA site and click "Join & Save" (or use a Wellness Advocate's link if someone referred you).
2. Enter your email and basic details — name, address, phone. It's straightforward and takes a few minutes.
3. Choose your first product — this can be a single oil, a blend, or an enrollment kit. There's no minimum, and you're not locked into anything.
4. Complete checkout — you'll see both the retail price and the member price (25% off). If your order is over 150 PV, the small annual membership fee is waived.
5. Receive your welcome email — this includes your member number and access to your account, where you can reorder, browse, and manage everything.

That's it. No hidden steps, no sales pitch, no pressure to buy a kit if you'd rather start small.

Membership, Kits, and What You Actually Need

Option	What It Is	Best For
Single Product	One bottle, your choice	Testing the waters, trying a specific oil
Enrollment Kit	Curated bundle, usually exceeds 150 PV	Getting started with variety, waiving the annual fee
Custom Order	Build your own selection	You know exactly what you want

The enrollment kits are popular because they offer good value and typically cross the 150 PV threshold (so the fee is waived and you often get free shipping). But they are absolutely not required. I started with a kit because I wanted to try a few oils at once, but my friend ordered a single bottle of Lavender to diffuse near her anxious rescue dog, and that worked perfectly for her. There's no wrong choice — it's about what feels right for your home and your animals.

The 25% discount is the member price, applied to your purchases. It's not described as "lifetime" or "forever" — it's simply the price you pay as a member when you order. The small annual fee is waived on orders over 150 PV, so many people find that it takes care of itself.

What I Wish I'd Known at the Start

A few things I learned along the way:

• You're not joining a club that requires monthly purchases. Order when you need to, or set up a monthly subscription if that suits your routine. It's completely flexible.
• The vet always comes first. doTERRA's quality is exceptional, but before diffusing anything around your pets (especially cats, birds, or small animals), talk to your veterinarian. Some oils that are fine for dogs can be toxic to cats, and birds have extremely sensitive respiratory systems.
• CPTG is doTERRA's standard, not an industry term. It's their own testing and purity protocol, and it's attributed to doTERRA. You won't see it on other brands.
• Prices vary by market and promotion, so I won't quote specific figures here — but the member price is always 25% off the retail price, and that adds up quickly.

For more detail on responsible diffusing around pets, especially cats, see our guide on essential oils and cats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to buy a kit to become a member?
No. Registration is free, and you can add any product to your cart — a single bottle, a kit, or a custom selection. The kit is a recommended option, but absolutely not required.

What is the 25% discount, exactly?
It's the member price versus the retail price on doTERRA's catalogue. It applies to your purchases as a member and carries a small annual fee, waived on orders over 150 PV.

Can I use doTERRA oils around my cat?
Many oils are toxic to cats, so always consult your veterinarian first, ensure your cat can leave the room if you're diffusing, and never apply oils directly to a cat. When in doubt, don't.

How long does shipping take?
It varies by location and order size, but most orders in the US arrive within a week. Orders over 150 PV often qualify for free shipping.

What if I want to cancel or stop ordering?
There's no obligation. If you don't renew the membership, you simply pay the retail price on future orders. No cancellation process, no penalty.

Conclusion

What I've come to understand is that buying doTERRA is as simple or as involved as you want it to be. Start small, ask your vet, and let your experience guide you. It's a tool, not a cure — and the animals we share our homes with deserve that careful, thoughtful approach.

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