How to cancel your Years Dog Food subscription in the UK
Understanding your Years Dog Food subscription
Years Dog Food delivers tailored nutrition to your dog's doorstep on a regular schedule, but cancelling should be just as straightforward as signing up. When you subscribe, you enter a continuing contract governed by the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. This means you have legal protections-and cancellation rights-built in from day one. Yafee is here to walk you through exactly how to reclaim control of your account and exit cleanly.
The subscription model means recurring charges hit your payment method at set intervals, tied to your dog's size, breed, and dietary needs. Many pet owners discover they no longer need the service, their dog's health has changed, or they have found an alternative-all legitimate reasons to stop. The good news is that Years Dog Food operates under UK consumer law, which gives you straightforward cancellation routes and specific protections.
How the subscription contract works
When you sign up with Years Dog Food, you agree to receive regular deliveries at intervals you choose. The company processes payment automatically from your registered card or bank account. Your subscription price depends on your dog's size, activity level, and the recipes you select. This is a distance contract (concluded online without face-to-face interaction), so UK distance selling regulations apply to you fully.
Why cancellation matters legally
Under UK consumer law, you have a 14-day cooling-off period from the moment you complete your order. After that window closes, you can still cancel-but Years Dog Food may apply terms related to goods already dispatched or consumed. Knowing your rights prevents you from being trapped by unclear terms or unexpected charges. Yafee helps thousands of subscribers understand these protections every month.
Your legal position under consumer law
Your rights are anchored in two key pieces of legislation: the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. These laws protect you when you buy goods and services at a distance (online, by phone, or by post).
The 14-day cooling-off period
The Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 grant you a 14-day cooling-off period starting from the date you conclude the contract-not from the date you receive your first order. If you change your mind within this period, you can cancel without penalty, provided you have not opened or used the food. You must notify Years Dog Food of your intention to cancel; silence does not trigger automatic cancellation. The company has 14 days to refund you after receiving your cancellation notice, minus any costs of returning the goods (though Years Dog Food may cover return shipping as part of their terms).
Your position after the cooling-off period
Once the 14-day cooling-off period expires, you remain a consumer under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, but you lose the automatic right to cancel without reason. However, you can still cancel if Years Dog Food has breached the contract-for example, if they fail to deliver on time, charge you incorrectly, or fail to respond to complaints. You also retain the right to cancel if the subscription terms allow it (many do, with notice periods of 7 to 30 days). Always check your subscription terms and conditions to confirm your specific cancellation rights. Yafee recommends keeping a copy of these terms for your records.
Your legal position block
Your legal position: You have the right to cancel within 14 days of purchase with no penalty. After that, cancellation depends on the terms you agreed to. If Years Dog Food refuses to cancel or ignores your request, you can escalate to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service or Trading Standards in your local authority. Both bodies enforce consumer law and can investigate complaints of unfair contract terms or misleading billing practices.
Your pricing and subscription structure
Years Dog Food costs vary based on your dog's size, dietary needs, and how frequently you receive deliveries. Below is a realistic breakdown of what you might expect to pay monthly, depending on your pet's category.
| Dog size category |
Daily food amount |
Estimated monthly cost (GBP) |
Payment frequency |
| Small (up to 10 kg) |
150-300 g |
£30-£60 |
Monthly |
| Medium (10-25 kg) |
300-600 g |
£60-£120 |
Monthly |
| Large (25+ kg) |
600+ g |
£120-£200+ |
Monthly |
| Premium recipes (any size) |
Varies |
+10-20% to base price |
Monthly |
What you actually pay each month
Your exact cost depends on the formula Years Dog Food uses: dog weight multiplied by daily intake requirements, multiplied by the recipe's per-gram cost. If your dog weighs 20 kg and requires 500 g daily, and the recipe costs £0.15 per gram, you are looking at roughly £2.25 per day or £67.50 per month. Delivery fees may apply, though many subscriptions include free shipping on regular orders.
How payment is collected
Years Dog Food charges your registered payment method automatically on your billing date. If you have linked a debit card, the funds leave your account within 2-3 business days. If you have set up a Direct Debit, the payment is claimed on or shortly after your renewal date. Charges continue until you formally cancel-silence or inactivity does not automatically stop payments.
Why you might want to cancel
Cancelling a pet food subscription is a practical decision, not a complicated one-and Yafee recognises that your reasons are valid whether you are switching providers, changing your dog's diet, or simply tightening your budget.
Common reasons to stop your subscription
Your dog's nutritional needs may shift as they age or if their health changes. Some owners find that their dog's coat condition, energy level, or digestion improves with a different food, prompting a switch to a competitor's product. Others discover they can purchase equivalent nutrition at a lower price locally. Budget constraints are a legitimate reason; if £60-£200 per month is no longer affordable, cancellation protects your bank balance. A small number of customers experience delayed deliveries or quality issues and decide Years Dog Food no longer meets their standards. Each of these reasons justifies a clean exit under consumer law.
When you should keep your subscription
If your dog thrives on Years Dog Food and your budget is stable, renewal may make sense. Many subscribers value the convenience of doorstep delivery and the transparency of nutrition tracking. If Years Dog Food offers a loyalty discount or a pause feature (rather than full cancellation), you might suspend temporarily instead. Yafee advises reviewing your subscription every six months to confirm it still aligns with your dog's health and your financial situation.
How to cancel Years Dog Food in the UK
Years Dog Food provides two primary cancellation routes: online through your account dashboard and by post to their registered address. Both methods are legally valid and carry the same weight under consumer law.
Cancellation method one: online through your account
- Log in to your Years Dog Food account at years.com using your email and password.
- If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot password" link on the login page and follow the email instructions to reset it.
- Navigate to your subscription or account settings (usually labelled "My Subscription" or "Account Dashboard").
- Look for a button or link that says "Manage Subscription", "Pause Subscription", or "Cancel Subscription".
- Click on the cancellation option and select the reason for cancellation from the dropdown menu.
- Years Dog Food may ask why you are leaving; this feedback is optional but helps them improve their service.
- Review the cancellation summary, which will confirm your final payment date and the end of deliveries.
- Take a screenshot or print this page for your records.
- Click "Confirm Cancellation" to submit your request.
- The system will display a confirmation message with a cancellation reference number. Note this number for future correspondence.
- Check your email (including spam and promotions folders) for a confirmation email from Years Dog Food within 24 hours.
- If you do not receive this email within two business days, contact their customer service to verify the cancellation was processed.
Cancellation method two: by post to Years Dog Food
- Write a clear, dated letter or email stating your full name, account number (found on your invoice or in your online account), and the sentence: "I wish to cancel my Years Dog Food subscription effective immediately."
- Include your email address and phone number so Years Dog Food can contact you to confirm receipt.
- If sending by post, address your letter to the Years Dog Food cancellation or customer service address (see the "Contact Years Dog Food" section at the end of this guide).
- Use Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed by 9am (or a recorded delivery service) so you have proof of postage and a date-stamped receipt.
- If sending by email, address it to Years Dog Food's customer service email (check their website for the current address; this may have changed since publication).
- Use subject line: "Cancellation Request - [Your Full Name] - Account [Your Account Number]".
- Retain a copy of your letter, the Royal Mail receipt, or a screenshot of your sent email as proof of your cancellation request.
- This evidence is essential if a dispute arises about whether cancellation was requested.
- Allow up to 10 business days for Years Dog Food to process your cancellation by post (or 2 business days if sent by email).
- No charges should appear after your cancellation date. If they do, contact customer service immediately with your proof of cancellation.
What happens to your subscription after cancellation
Once you submit your cancellation request, Years Dog Food will process it and stop any future charges. If you cancelled during the 14-day cooling-off period and have not opened the food, the company must refund your payment within 14 days of receiving your cancellation notice. If you cancelled after the cooling-off period, any refund depends on their terms-you may only be entitled to a refund for the unused portion of your subscription if your next delivery date is more than one week away. Yafee recommends confirming the refund date and amount with Years Dog Food in writing so there is no dispute later.
Refunds and what to expect
Your refund eligibility and timeline depend on when you cancelled and how much food you have used.
Refunds within the 14-day cooling-off period
If you cancel within 14 days of purchase and the food is unopened and unused, Years Dog Food must refund your full subscription payment within 14 days of receiving your cancellation notice. The company may deduct the cost of return shipping, unless they failed to offer a returns process or the law requires them to cover it. Check your cancellation confirmation for the refund timeline and method (credit card, bank transfer, or original payment method).
Refunds after the 14-day cooling-off period
After 14 days, refunds are governed by Years Dog Food's terms and conditions. Many subscription services refund the unused portion of your subscription on a pro-rata basis-for example, if you paid £80 for a monthly subscription and cancelled five days in, you might receive a refund for the remaining 26 days. However, some companies retain the full payment as final. Read your subscription terms carefully to understand your entitlement. If Years Dog Food's terms are unclear or appear unfair under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you can escalate to Citizens Advice Consumer Service.
Monitoring your refund
After cancellation, check your bank account or credit card statement 7-14 days later to confirm the refund has been processed. If no refund appears within the stated timeframe, email Years Dog Food with your cancellation reference number and request a status update. Keep all communication in writing so you have evidence of your cancellation and refund request. Yafee advises taking a screenshot of your account showing the cancellation confirmation and the refund amount (if visible) for future reference.
Common mistakes when cancelling
Cancelling a subscription is straightforward when you follow the right steps, but small errors can delay the process or leave you unprotected. Here are the pitfalls to avoid.
Mistake one: relying on verbal cancellation
If you call Years Dog Food's customer service and speak to an agent, always ask them to send a written confirmation of your cancellation by email. A phone call is not sufficient proof under consumer law if a dispute arises later. Years Dog Food may fail to record the cancellation correctly, or staff may forget to log it. Always follow up a phone call with a written request (email or letter) and retain proof that you sent it.
Mistake two: failing to confirm the cancellation date
When you cancel online, the system may say "Your subscription will end on [date]" but this is not always the same as your next delivery date. If your next delivery is scheduled for the 20th and you cancel on the 15th, you may still receive a delivery and be charged. Always ask Years Dog Food: "When will my final charge occur?" and "When will my final delivery arrive?" Get a written answer before you assume you are cancelled.
Mistake three: assuming silence means cancellation
Do not assume that because you have not received a delivery or charge for two months that you are cancelled. Subscription systems sometimes have delays, and a missing charge may indicate a failed payment rather than a successful cancellation. Log in to your account and confirm the cancellation status, or email Years Dog Food to ask: "Is my subscription still active?" This prevents surprise charges weeks or months later.
Mistake four: not checking for renewal before your cancellation date
Some subscriptions auto-renew on your cancellation date if you do not cancel within a specific window (e.g., 48 hours before renewal). If Years Dog Food's cancellation window has already passed, you may be charged for another month before your cancellation takes effect. Check the renewal date immediately after signing up and set a phone reminder one week before to cancel in time.
Mistake five: losing proof of cancellation
Delete nothing. Keep your cancellation confirmation email, screenshot, reference number, and any Royal Mail receipts for at least six months. If Years Dog Food claims you never cancelled and tries to pursue you for an unpaid balance, this evidence protects you and proves you acted in good faith. Yafee recommends taking a screenshot of your online account showing the "Cancelled" status so you have visual proof.
After cancellation: what to do next
Cancelling your subscription is only the first step; protecting yourself after cancellation is equally important.
Monitor your bank account
For two billing cycles after your cancellation date, check your bank statement to confirm no charges from Years Dog Food appear. If an unexpected charge does appear, contact your bank immediately and ask them to raise a dispute (this is called a "chargeback" under the Payment Services Regulations 2017). Provide your bank with proof of your cancellation request and your cancellation reference number. Your bank will investigate and, if they agree you cancelled properly, will refund you.
Unsubscribe from marketing emails
Years Dog Food may continue to send you marketing emails offering discounts to reactivate your subscription. At the bottom of each marketing email, you will find an "Unsubscribe" link. Click it to remove yourself from their email list. This is a legal requirement under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003.
Request deletion of your personal data
Under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), you have the right to request that Years Dog Food delete your personal data after cancellation (subject to some exceptions for legal records). Send an email to their customer service or data protection officer stating: "I wish to request deletion of my personal data in accordance with Article 17 of the UK GDPR. Please confirm deletion within 30 days." Keep a copy of this request for your records.
Leave a review if appropriate
If your cancellation experience was smooth, consider leaving positive feedback on Trustpilot or Google Reviews so other pet owners know Years Dog Food honours cancellations promptly. If you experienced problems, you can leave honest feedback about those issues. This helps the market function transparently and may prompt Years Dog Food to improve their cancellation process.
Comparison: Years Dog Food vs. alternatives
If you are cancelling Years Dog Food but still want a tailored pet nutrition service, here are comparable alternatives available in the UK with their typical cancellation policies.
| Service name |
Typical monthly cost |
Cancellation method |
Cancellation notice period |
| Years Dog Food |
£30-£200+ |
Online or by post |
14 days cooling-off or per terms |
| Butternut Box |
£40-£120 |
Online account or email |
7 days notice |
| Canagan (subscription) |
£25-£80 |
Email or phone |
14 days notice |
| Forthglade Pet Food |
£35-£110 |
Online dashboard |
Immediate or 5 days |
| Standard pet food (supermarket) |
£20-£60 |
N/A (no subscription) |
N/A |
Key differences
Most tailored pet nutrition services require 7-14 days' notice to cancel, which aligns with Years Dog Food's typical terms. However, some (like Forthglade) allow immediate cancellation via their online dashboard. If you are switching to a competitor, check their cancellation policy before you sign up so you understand your exit route. Non-subscription pet food from supermarkets carries no cancellation obligation; you simply stop buying. Yafee recommends comparing not just price but also cancellation ease when choosing a pet food service, because flexibility matters if your circumstances change.
If Years Dog Food refuses to cancel
In rare cases, a company may ignore your cancellation request, claim they did not receive it, or refuse to honour your rights. Here is how you escalate.
Step one: escalate within Years Dog Food
If customer service does not respond within 5 business days, or if they refuse your cancellation, write to Years Dog Food's complaints department (not the customer service team). Use the postal address in the "Contact Years Dog Food" section below. In your letter, state: "I formally lodge a complaint about the failure to cancel my subscription. I cancelled on [date] and request a response within 14 days in accordance with your complaints procedure." Send this by Royal Mail Special Delivery and keep the receipt.
Step two: contact citizens advice consumer service
If Years Dog Food does not respond to your formal complaint within 14 days (or if they refuse to honour your rights), contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service. You can lodge a complaint online at citizensadvice.org.uk or call their consumer helpline. Provide them with copies of your cancellation request, the company's response (or lack thereof), and your proof of payment. Citizens Advice will investigate on your behalf and may refer the matter to Trading Standards in your local authority if Years Dog Food has breached consumer law.
Step three: raise a dispute with your payment provider
If Years Dog Food continues to charge you after a confirmed cancellation, contact your bank or credit card provider immediately. Under the Payment Services Regulations 2017, you have the right to dispute unauthorised or fraudulent charges. Explain that you cancelled your subscription and provide proof (your cancellation reference number, confirmation email, or screenshot). Your bank will investigate and can reverse the charge if they agree you cancelled in good faith.
Step four: small claims court
If the disputed amount is under £10,000, you can take Years Dog Food to small claims court to recover the money owed. You will need your cancellation proof, bank statements showing the unauthorised charge, and evidence of your attempts to resolve it with the company. Many cases settle before court, especially when you have clear evidence of cancellation. Yafee advises keeping all communication with Years Dog Food in case you need to present it to a judge.
To cancel your Years Dog Food subscription by post, write to the following address and include your full name, account number, email, and a clear statement requesting cancellation.
Years Dog Food Customer Service
[Insert postal address - to be confirmed with current Years Dog Food contact information]
Alternatively, visit years.com to access your online account and cancel directly through the subscription dashboard. For email cancellation, check the contact page on their website for their customer service email address.
Summary: your cancellation checklist
Before you cancel, work through this checklist to ensure a smooth exit and protect yourself from future charges.
- Confirm today's date and calculate whether you are still within the 14-day cooling-off period.
- Log in to your Years Dog Food account and note your account number, subscription price, and next delivery date.
- Choose your cancellation method (online or by post) and gather any required information (account number, email, postal address).
- If cancelling online, take a screenshot of the confirmation page showing your cancellation reference number.
- If cancelling by post, use Royal Mail Special Delivery and keep the receipt as proof of sending.
- Wait for a confirmation email from Years Dog Food within 2 business days.
- Monitor your bank account for 60 days after the cancellation date to ensure no further charges appear.
- If a charge does appear, contact your bank and provide your cancellation proof.
- Keep all cancellation evidence (emails, reference numbers, receipts, screenshots) for at least six months.
Final thoughts: your rights under UK consumer law
Cancelling your Years Dog Food subscription is a straightforward process protected by law. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 ensure you have the right to cancel within 14 days and the right to cancel after that if the company's terms allow it. You do not need permission; you simply need to notify Years Dog Food in writing using one of the methods described above. If the company refuses to honour your cancellation or continues to charge you, you have recourse through Citizens Advice Consumer Service, Trading Standards, your bank's dispute process, and ultimately the courts. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions and recover unauthorised charges by following these steps-and you can too. Take action today, keep your evidence, and protect your bank account.