How to Cancel BarkBox Subscription?

I remember the first time I needed to cancel my BarkBox subscription—I was a bit overwhelmed by the process and unsure where to start. If you’re in the same boat and wondering how to cancel BarkBox subscription, you’re not alone.

Whether you’re looking to save some money, try different products, or simply need a break from the monthly deliveries, it’s important to understand the steps and options available. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from the cancellation process to exploring the best alternatives.

Before Cancelling Your BarkBox Subscription

Before hitting the cancel button, it’s important to be aware of certain details about your BarkBox subscription. Knowing these aspects will help you understand your options and avoid any unexpected charges.

Refund Policy and Prepaid Subscriptions

If you’ve subscribed to a prepaid subscription (6-month or 12-month), you should first understand that refunds are typically not offered for these plans once the subscription is processed. If you’re on a monthly plan, there’s usually no refund for the boxes you’ve already received. However, you can cancel future charges, ensuring you don’t receive the next month’s box.

If you cancel your prepaid subscription before receiving the next box, you may still be able to pause the service until the next billing cycle, but this depends on the exact terms of your plan.

Can You Cancel at Any Time?

Yes, you can cancel your BarkBox subscription at any time. Whether you have a monthly, 6-month, or 12-month plan, you can cancel your subscription. However, depending on your plan, you may or may not receive a refund for unused months.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Monthly Plan: Cancel anytime without being charged for the following month.
• 6-Month and 12-Month Plans: If you cancel before the end of the term, you may not receive a refund for unused months.

Timing Your Cancellation

To ensure you are not charged for the upcoming month, make sure you cancel at least 24 to 48 hours before your next billing date. BarkBox uses an auto-renewal system, so if you miss this window, you’ll be charged for the next cycle, and you’ll receive that month’s box.

How to Cancel Your BarkBox Subscription

Now, let’s get into the details of how to actually cancel your BarkBox subscription. Whether you prefer to cancel online, through the mobile app, or by sending an email, the process is straightforward.

Canceling BarkBox Subscription Online

The most common method of canceling is by going to the BarkBox website and managing your subscription through your account.

1. Log In to Your Account: Visit BarkBox.com and log into your account with the email address associated with your subscription.
2. Navigate to Account Settings: Once logged in, go to the “Account Settings” page.
3. Select Subscription Management: Here, you’ll find options to manage your subscription. Look for a section that says “Manage Subscription” or something similar.
4. Cancel Subscription: You’ll be prompted to confirm your cancellation. Follow the on-screen instructions and confirm that you want to cancel.
5. Confirmation: After cancellation, you should receive a confirmation email. Make sure to keep this for your records.

Note: BarkBox may try to offer you alternatives such as pausing your subscription, changing your plan, or switching to a lower-cost option.

Canceling via the Mobile App

If you prefer managing your subscription through the BarkBox mobile app, here’s how you can cancel:

1. Open the BarkBox App: Launch the app on your mobile device.
2. Go to Settings: Tap the settings icon located in the corner of the screen.
3. Select “Manage Subscription”: Scroll through the options and select “Manage Subscription”.
4. Cancel: Follow the prompts to cancel your subscription. Be sure to confirm your decision.

Canceling via Email

If you’re more comfortable with email, you can contact BarkBox customer support directly to cancel your subscription. Send an email to support@barkbox.com and include the following information:

• Your name and email address associated with the account.
• A request to cancel your subscription.
• Any specific instructions, like pausing or refund requests.

Expect to wait 1-3 business days for a response, but this method is just as effective as canceling online.

How to Pause Your BarkBox Subscription

If you’re not ready to cancel your subscription entirely, BarkBox offers the option to pause it temporarily. This is ideal if you want to skip a month or two without permanently canceling.

To pause your subscription:

1. Log into your BarkBox account.
2. Navigate to Subscription Settings.
3. Select Pause Subscription.
4. Choose how long you want to pause (1 month, 2 months, etc.).
5. Confirm the changes.

Pausing is a great alternative if you’re not sure whether to cancel but want a break.

BarkBox Subscription Plans and Key Features

Before diving into the cancellation steps, let’s look at the various BarkBox subscription plans and what they offer. This understanding will help you decide whether to cancel or switch to another plan.

Monthly Plan

The monthly subscription plan is the most flexible option, offering the ability to cancel or change your plan at any time. With this plan, you receive a new themed box each month, containing a mix of dog toys, treats, and chews. The contents are tailored to your dog’s size, dietary restrictions, and preferences.

Features of the Monthly Plan:

• Customization: Customize your subscription based on your dog’s size, breed, and dietary preferences.
• No Long-Term Commitment: Cancel or change your plan any time without penalties.
• Themed Boxes: Every month, BarkBox offers a unique theme to keep the experience fresh and exciting.

If you choose the monthly plan and decide to cancel, you won’t be charged for any upcoming boxes after your cancellation is confirmed.

6-Month Plan

The 6-month subscription plan requires an upfront payment for six months of service, but it provides a discount compared to the monthly plan. While this plan is a bit more of a commitment, it still offers the flexibility to cancel at any time.

Features of the 6-Month Plan:

• Discounted Rate: Pay upfront for six months and receive a discount on the total cost.
• No Refunds for Unused Months: If you cancel before the full 6-month period, you typically won’t get a refund for unused months, but you’ll stop receiving boxes after the last paid month.
• Customization: Like the monthly plan, you can customize your box based on your dog’s specific needs.

12-Month Plan

The 12-month plan is the most cost-effective in terms of price per box, but it comes with a larger commitment. By paying upfront for a full year, you get the best value.

Features of the 12-Month Plan:

• Best Value: The 12-month plan provides the lowest cost per box, making it a great option if you’re committed to BarkBox for the long haul.
• Non-Refundable: If you cancel mid-term, you won’t receive a refund for the remaining months.
• Customization: Still offers full customization for your dog’s preferences.

Alternatives to BarkBox

If you love the idea of monthly dog-related boxes but aren’t satisfied with BarkBox, there are several alternatives to explore. Each of these services offers unique products and experiences for dogs, giving you plenty of options to choose from.

Service	Features	Price	Customization
Chewy’s Goody Box	High-quality treats, toys, and accessories	$24.99/month	Size-based customization
PupBox	Age-based boxes with training tools and toys	$39/month	Age and size-based
Waggle Box	Focus on healthy treats and eco-friendly products	$29/month	Customizable for needs
The Doggie Box	Eco-friendly and sustainable products	$34.95/month	Customizable
K9 Box	A variety of treats and toys for dogs	$35/month	Based on dog breed
Pooch Perks	Budget-friendly option with toys and treats	$19.99/month	Size and allergy options
BarkYard	Customize your own box with a choice of toys	$30/month	Fully customizable

Conclusion

Cancelling your BarkBox subscription is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to be mindful of your billing cycle and subscription type. Whether you choose to cancel online, through the app, or via email, you have multiple ways to manage your account. Be sure to check the cancellation policy and know your options for refunds or pauses. Additionally, if you’re still looking for a monthly box for your dog, consider exploring the many BarkBox alternatives available.

FAQs

Can You Get a Refund from BarkBox?

Refunds are only given for monthly plans if you cancel before the next cycle. For prepaid plans, refunds are not typically offered.

What is the BarkBox Controversy?

In 2020, BarkBox faced a controversy when a TikToker named Cecelia Fales shared a negative experience with the brand. She claimed that the treats sent in her box caused her dog to become sick. BarkBox addressed this by offering a refund and improving its quality control.