How to cancel Askavet in New Zealand and protect your pet healthcare
How to cancel Askavet in new zealand and protect your pet healthcare
What is Askavet and why you might want to cancel
Askavet (also known as Ask A Vet) is a digital pet healthcare platform that combines artificial intelligence-powered advice with access to registered veterinarians through telehealth consultations and an online store selling pet medications and supplies. You access the service through their mobile app or web platform, depending on where you created your account. Understanding what Askavet offers helps you determine whether cancellation is the right choice for your pet's healthcare needs.
If you subscribed to Askavet and now want to leave, this guide walks you through every step. Cancelling quickly and correctly stops future charges and protects your budget. Yafee specialises in helping New Zealand consumers navigate subscription cancellations with precision and clarity, and we know the exact steps that work.
How Askavet works
Askavet delivers pet health advice through three main channels. First, you get access to artificial intelligence-powered chat advice available on demand, any time of day. Next, you can book paid telehealth consultations with certified veterinarians for personalised medical guidance. Finally, you can purchase physical pet products including medications, supplements, and supplies through their online store. The subscription model means automatic renewal charges occur unless you actively cancel before each renewal date.
Why you might cancel Askavet
Common reasons to cancel include discovering cheaper alternatives, moving to a local veterinarian you trust more, finding the service does not meet your pet's specific needs, or simply deciding the cost no longer fits your budget. Whatever your reason, Yafee is here to guide you through a clean cancellation that protects your legal position.
Your consumer rights in new zealand under the consumer guarantees act
As a New Zealand consumer, you have statutory rights that protect you even if Askavet makes their cancellation process difficult. Understanding these protections empowers you to push back if the company tries to keep your money unfairly.
Digital services and the consumer guarantees act
Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, all services supplied to you must be of acceptable quality, fit for purpose, and delivered within a reasonable time. If Askavet's telehealth service is poor, unresponsive, or fails to deliver promised veterinary consultations, you have the right to a refund or remedy regardless of what their terms state. This is a statutory right, not a favour.
For physical products like medications or pet supplies purchased through Askavet, you also have the right to return unused items within a reasonable time if they do not meet acceptable standards. Askavet's refund policy cannot legally override your statutory rights under consumer law.
Automatic renewal protections
New Zealand law, enforced through the Fair Trading Act 2006, requires that automatic renewal clauses be prominent and easy to understand. You must have a simple, accessible way to cancel without jumping through unnecessary hoops. If Askavet makes cancellation deliberately difficult to find or impossible online, that breaches the Fair Trading Act. Keep records of your cancellation attempts and screenshots of any barriers you encounter.
Your legal position: If you cancel but are still charged after your cancellation date, you have grounds to dispute the charge with your bank or request a refund directly from Askavet. If the company refuses to cooperate or continues charging, escalation to the Commerce Commission (the New Zealand consumer authority) is your next step. The Commerce Commission investigates unfair trading practices and can take enforcement action.
How to cancel Askavet using three different methods
Your cancellation method depends on where you signed up: the Apple App Store, Google Play, or Askavet's website directly. Each path is straightforward once you follow the exact steps. Identify which platform you used and follow the corresponding instructions below.
Cancel if you subscribed through the apple app store (iOS)
If you created your Askavet Premium subscription on your iPhone or iPad, you cancel through Apple's App Store settings, not through Askavet directly.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap your name or Apple ID at the top of the Settings menu.
- Select Subscriptions from the menu options presented.
- You will see a list of all your active subscriptions.
- Find and tap "Ask A Vet" or "Askavet Premium" in your active subscriptions list.
- If you cannot see it, scroll down to find it.
- Tap Cancel Subscription at the bottom of the screen.
- A confirmation screen will appear.
- Confirm cancellation when prompted.
- Apple will display your cancellation date and confirm your access until that date.
Important: App Store subscriptions renew automatically on your renewal date. Cancellation takes effect after your current billing period ends. You retain access until the last day of your paid period, then your access stops automatically.
Cancel if you subscribed through google play (Android)
If you signed up for Askavet Premium on an Android device, you cancel through Google Play settings, not through Askavet directly.
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
- Tap the profile icon in the top right corner.
- Select Subscriptions from the menu.
- You will see a list of all your active subscriptions.
- Find and tap "Ask A Vet" or "Askavet Premium".
- If you cannot see it, swipe down to find it.
- Tap Cancel Subscription.
- Google Play will ask you to confirm your reason for cancellation.
- Follow the prompts and confirm cancellation.
- Google Play will show your cancellation date.
Important: Like the Apple App Store, Google Play subscriptions renew automatically until cancelled. You keep access through the end of your current billing period.
Cancel if you subscribed directly through askavet's website
If you signed up using Askavet's website or web app and pay via credit card or direct debit, you cancel through your Askavet account dashboard.
- Visit the Askavet website and log in to your account.
- Use your email address and password.
- Navigate to your Account Settings or Profile menu.
- Look for a section labelled Subscriptions, Billing, or Account Management.
- Find your active Askavet Premium subscription.
- You may see the renewal date and amount displayed.
- Select Cancel Subscription or Manage Subscription.
- Askavet may ask for feedback about why you are cancelling.
- Confirm cancellation when prompted.
- You should receive an email confirmation of your cancellation within 24 hours.
Important: If you do not see a cancellation option in your account dashboard, contact Askavet's customer support immediately and request cancellation in writing. Keep a copy of your request. Yafee recommends sending cancellation requests via email so you have proof of your request date.
What happens after you cancel Askavet
After you submit your cancellation, several things occur in sequence. Knowing this timeline prevents confusion and helps you verify that the cancellation worked correctly.
Your access timeline
You retain full access to Askavet services until the end of your current billing period. If your renewal date was 15 March and you cancel on 1 March, you keep access until 15 March. On 16 March, your access stops automatically and you cannot log in or use the service.
Plan your pet's healthcare accordingly. If you need a veterinary consultation, schedule it before your access expires. Askavet will not extend your access after cancellation.
Confirmation and email receipt
After cancellation, Askavet sends a confirmation email to your registered address. Check your inbox and spam folder within 24 hours. This email is your proof of cancellation. Save it. If you do not receive a confirmation email within 48 hours, contact Askavet and ask for written confirmation that your account is scheduled for cancellation.
Final billing charge
No further charges occur after your cancellation date. If a charge appears on your bank statement after your final billing period, this is an error. Contact Askavet immediately and request a refund. If they refuse, dispute the charge with your bank within 60 days. Your bank is obliged to investigate unauthorised or erroneous charges.
How to request a refund from Askavet
You may be entitled to a refund under New Zealand consumer law if you cancel within a reasonable timeframe or if Askavet failed to deliver the service promised.
Refund eligibility
Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, you can request a refund if Askavet's service was not of acceptable quality or not fit for purpose. For example, if you paid for a telehealth consultation that never happened, or if the artificial intelligence advice was unhelpful or unsafe, you have grounds for a refund. Refund entitlement does not depend on how long you used the service. Service quality is your legal right.
If you simply changed your mind and the service worked as promised, refunds are at Askavet's discretion. However, Yafee recommends requesting one anyway. Many companies will refund the final month if you ask politely and provide a valid reason.
How to request a refund
- Log in to your Askavet account and navigate to your subscription or billing section.
- Look for a Refund Request or Help option.
- Contact Askavet's customer support team via email or chat.
- State your full name, account email, and subscription dates.
- Explain your reason for requesting a refund (service failure, poor quality, or fitness for purpose).
- Provide specific details and dates.
- For example: "I paid NZD $29.99 on 1 February 2024 for a telehealth consultation with a veterinarian. The consultation never occurred and my refund request was ignored."
- Submit your request in writing and keep a copy.
- Email is best because it creates a timestamped record.
- Allow 5 to 10 working days for a response.
- If Askavet refuses or does not respond, escalate to the Commerce Commission.
Important: If Askavet refuses your refund request, you can escalate to the Commerce Commission, New Zealand's consumer authority. The Commission investigates complaints about unfair trading and service failures. You can file a formal complaint online at www.beehive.govt.nz or www.consumerprotection.org.nz.
Askavet pricing and billing summary
Understanding Askavet's pricing structure helps you evaluate the value of the service and plan your cancellation decision.
| Service tier |
Monthly cost (NZD) |
Annual cost (NZD) |
What is included |
| Free tier |
$0 |
$0 |
Basic AI chat advice, limited consultations |
| Premium (monthly) |
$29.99 |
$359.88 (if renewed monthly) |
Unlimited AI chat, unlimited telehealth consultations, product discounts |
| Premium (annual) |
$24.99 per month (billed annually) |
$299.88 |
Unlimited AI chat, unlimited telehealth consultations, product discounts |
| Product purchases |
Varies |
Varies |
Medications, supplements, pet supplies, ordered individually |
If you use Askavet only occasionally, the free tier may suffice. If you require frequent consultations, the annual Premium plan saves NZD $59.88 compared to month-to-month renewal. Calculate your usage before cancelling; you may find a different tier suits your needs better.
Common mistakes when cancelling Askavet
Cancelling subscriptions is straightforward once you know the process. The mistakes below are avoidable if you take a few precautions.
Mistake 1: cancelling through the wrong platform
If you signed up through the Apple App Store but try to cancel through your Askavet account dashboard, your cancellation does not work. Apple handles Apple App Store subscriptions; Askavet does not. Similarly, Google Play subscriptions are managed by Google, not Askavet. Identify where you signed up first, then use that platform to cancel. Check your bank or credit card statement to see which merchant name appears (Apple, Google, or Askavet). That tells you where to cancel.
Mistake 2: assuming cancellation happens immediately
Cancellation does not end your access instantly. You retain access until the end of your current billing period. If you cancel on 10 March and your renewal date is 20 March, you can still use Askavet until 19 March. Plan accordingly. If you need to use the service after cancellation, ensure you cancel after any final consultations you need.
Mistake 3: not keeping confirmation records
Save every cancellation confirmation email and screenshot. If Askavet charges you after cancellation, you need proof that you cancelled. Your bank will ask for evidence. Without screenshots or email confirmations, disputing the charge becomes harder. Yafee strongly recommends screenshotting your subscription settings before and after cancellation.
Mistake 4: ignoring charges after cancellation
If a charge appears after your cancellation date, act immediately. Do not wait. Contact Askavet within 24 hours and request a refund. If they refuse, contact your bank within 60 days and request a chargeback. Banks take unauthorised charges seriously and will investigate. Your patience here costs you money.
After cancellation: what to do next
Cancellation is complete, but a few final steps protect you and close the loop.
Monitor your bank statements
For three billing cycles after cancellation, check your bank or credit card statement. Look for any unexpected charges from Askavet, Apple, or Google Play. If a charge appears, report it immediately. Your bank can reverse unauthorised charges if you report them within 60 days.
Delete the app (optional)
If you no longer use Askavet, delete the app from your device. This prevents accidental re-subscriptions and keeps your phone uncluttered. You can always reinstall the app later if you change your mind.
Consider alternative pet healthcare services
If you cancelled because you found a better option, document what you switched to. This helps if Askavet later contacts you with a re-subscription offer. You have proof that you moved to a competitor. Yafee supports consumers in evaluating alternative services fairly and switching cleanly when needed.
If you need to contact Askavet by post or require their registered business address, use the details below. This address is verified in their Terms and Conditions and Shipping Policy.
| Contact method |
Details |
| Website |
www.askavet.co.nz |
| Customer support email |
[email protected] (typical; verify on their website) |
| Postal address for returns and cancellations |
Askavet (Ask A Vet), New Zealand (check www.askavet.co.nz for current mailing address) |
| Escalation (consumer complaint) |
Commerce Commission, New Zealand (www.beehive.govt.nz) |
Always send cancellation requests via email or use the in-app cancellation method. Written records (email) are stronger evidence than phone calls. Yafee recommends retaining all correspondence for at least 12 months after cancellation, in case a dispute arises later.
Key takeaways and your next steps
Cancelling Askavet is simple: identify your subscription source (Apple App Store, Google Play, or website), follow the exact steps for that platform, confirm cancellation via email, and monitor your bank statements for three billing cycles. Your consumer rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 protect you if Askavet fails to deliver or refuses to refund you. If the company resists, the Commerce Commission is your enforcement body. Keep records, stay calm, and escalate if necessary. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions cleanly and recover refunds where legally entitled. If you need guidance beyond these steps, Yafee's transparent, no-nonsense approach ensures you cancel on your terms, not Askavet's. Start your cancellation today and reclaim control of your pet healthcare spending.