Manage Sittercity

How to cancel sittercity and understand your canadian consumer rights

What sittercity is and why families use it

Sittercity is an online marketplace that connects Canadian families with vetted childcare providers, including babysitters and nannies. The platform offers a free Basic membership tier and paid Premium memberships that unlock full profile access, direct messaging with caregivers, and background check features to help you find and hire the right childcare professional for your family.

The service charges recurring subscription fees for Premium membership, and these charges can originate from three different billing systems: your web browser, the iOS App Store, or Google Play on Android devices. This multi-platform structure means your cancellation method depends entirely on where you purchased your membership, which is why many families find the process confusing.

How premium membership works on sittercity

When you activate a Premium membership, your account is billed monthly or annually depending on your plan selection. Sittercity automatically renews your subscription at the end of each billing cycle unless you actively turn off auto-renewal. This is where most cancellation problems begin: families assume their membership ends when they stop using the service, but the charges continue until you formally disable renewal.

Your profile and account data remain visible on the platform after cancellation; you simply lose access to Premium features and revert to the Basic free tier. If you want to remove your personal information entirely from Sittercity, you'll need to request account deletion separately through their privacy settings or contact support directly.

Your consumer rights when cancelling in canada

What canadian consumer protection law says about cancellations

Under Canada's federal Competition Act and provincial consumer protection legislation (such as Ontario's Consumer Protection Act and British Columbia's Consumer Protection Act), you have the right to cancel a subscription or recurring charge within a reasonable timeframe, typically 14 to 30 days from the purchase date. Many provinces also require companies to provide clear, easy cancellation methods that are just as accessible as the sign-up process.

If Sittercity makes cancellation deliberately difficult or hidden, or if they continue billing you after you've attempted cancellation, you may have grounds to dispute the charge with your credit card issuer or bank. Additionally, if you discover unauthorized charges or were charged without explicit consent for renewal, consumer protection authorities in your province can intervene on your behalf.

Dispute resolution and escalation in canada

If Sittercity refuses to honour your cancellation or refund request, contact your provincial consumer protection office. Stopee recommends documenting every cancellation attempt and keeping confirmation emails, screenshots, and payment records. Your payment card issuer or bank can also file a chargeback or dispute if you believe billing is fraudulent or unauthorized after you cancelled.

In Quebec, the National Consumer Complaints Bureau handles disputes; in Ontario, contact Service Ontario; in British Columbia, contact the Consumer Protection BC office. These agencies take subscription cancellation disputes seriously and can pressure companies to comply with cancellation requests.

Sittercity membership plans and pricing

Understanding what you're paying for helps you decide whether to cancel or downgrade.

Pro tip: If you're unsure whether to cancel entirely, downgrading to Basic membership stops Premium charges while keeping your account active. This option preserves your profile and job history if you might return to using Sittercity later.

How to cancel sittercity based on your purchase method

Cancelling a web-based sittercity membership

If you purchased or manage your membership directly through Sittercity's website (on desktop or mobile browser), follow these steps to turn off auto-renewal and stop future charges.

1. Log in to your Sittercity account using your email and password
   • Visit sittercity.com and click the account or profile icon in the top right
2. Navigate to Account Settings
   • Look for "Settings," "Account," or "Manage account" in the menu
3. Find the subscription or billing section (usually labelled "Manage subscription" or "Billing")
   • This section shows your active membership plan and next renewal date
4. Select "Downgrade to Basic" or "Turn off auto-renewal"
   • You may be asked to confirm why you're cancelling; this is optional feedback
5. Confirm your cancellation
   • You should receive an immediate on-screen confirmation
   • Check your email inbox for a cancellation confirmation message within minutes
6. Save or screenshot your confirmation
   • This proof protects you if charges continue after cancellation

Warning: Cancelling the Sittercity app does not cancel your web subscription; you must cancel through the website's account settings. Similarly, cancelling your web membership does not affect app-store purchases; each platform requires separate cancellation.

Cancelling an iOS app store subscription

If you purchased your Sittercity membership through Apple's App Store on your iPhone or iPad, you must cancel through Apple's subscription settings, not within the Sittercity app itself.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad
   • Look for the grey gear icon on your home screen
2. Tap your name or Apple ID at the top of the Settings menu
   • You may need to scroll up to see this option
3. Select "Subscriptions"
   • This shows all active and expired App Store subscriptions tied to your Apple ID
4. Find and tap the Sittercity subscription
   • If you don't see Sittercity listed, your subscription may already be cancelled
5. Tap "Cancel Subscription"
   • Apple will ask you to confirm; tap again to finalize
   • You may see an offer to retain a discounted plan; decline if you want full cancellation
6. Verify the cancellation on-screen
   • The status should change to "Cancelled" or show an expiration date

Pro tip: You retain access to Premium features through the end of your current paid billing period, even after you cancel. If you paid for a monthly subscription, you have access until the next billing date; if you purchased a three-month plan, you keep access for the remaining two months.

Warning: If you see a "Manage" or "View Offer" button instead of a "Cancel Subscription" button, your subscription is already inactive or expired; no further action is needed.

Cancelling a google play (Android) subscription

Android users who purchased through Google Play must cancel via the Google Play app, not through Sittercity directly.

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device
   • Look for the colourful triangle Google Play icon
2. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner
   • This opens a menu with account and payment options
3. Select "Payments and subscriptions"
   • You may need to tap "Manage subscriptions" or "Payments" depending on your version
4. Tap "Subscriptions"
   • This displays all active subscriptions linked to your Google account
5. Find and tap Sittercity
   • The entry shows your plan type and next billing date
6. Tap "Cancel subscription"
   • Confirm the cancellation when prompted
7. Verify the status changes to "Cancelled"
   • Access continues until your final paid billing cycle ends

Stopee recommends taking a screenshot of your cancellation confirmation directly from Google Play, as this serves as proof if you need to dispute charges later.

Cancelling by registered mail

If you prefer a paper trail or need documented proof of cancellation sent to Sittercity's corporate office, you can submit a formal written cancellation notice by registered mail with return receipt.

1. Prepare a signed letter that includes:
   • Your full name and account email address
   • Your membership type (1-month, 3-month, or annual Premium)
   • The effective cancellation date (today's date or a specific future date)
   • A clear statement: "I request that my Sittercity Premium membership be cancelled and all future auto-renewal charges cease immediately"
2. Address the letter to Sittercity's Canadian or corporate office (see the Address section at the end of this guide)
   • Use "Registered Mail - Return Receipt Requested" when you mail it
3. Keep a photocopy of your letter and the postal tracking number
   • The return receipt serves as proof that Sittercity received your notice
4. Allow 7-10 business days for processing
   • Check your account settings to confirm auto-renewal is off
   • Monitor your credit card for any charges after the effective cancellation date

Pro tip: Registered mail creates an auditable record. If Sittercity later claims they never received your cancellation request, you have postal evidence proving delivery. This method is especially useful if you're disputing charges or preparing for a chargeback.

What happens after you cancel sittercity

Your access and account after cancellation

When you cancel your Premium membership, your account automatically downgrades to Basic. You retain access to Premium features through the end of your current paid billing period, then lose those features after the billing cycle closes.

Your profile, job postings, and message history remain on Sittercity indefinitely unless you request account deletion. Caregivers can still view your profile (in basic form), and your reviews or ratings remain visible. If you want to remove your personal information entirely, contact Sittercity support or use the privacy settings in your account to request data deletion.

Refunds and credits after cancellation

Sittercity's stated policy is that Premium membership fees are non-refundable. The company does not offer prorated refunds or credits if you cancel mid-billing cycle. This means if you paid $47 for a monthly membership and cancel after two weeks, you do not receive a refund for the unused time.

Exception: If you purchased through the App Store or Google Play, those platforms have separate refund windows (typically 14-15 days from purchase). Contact Apple or Google directly to request a refund; they will refund your payment if you're within the eligible window, regardless of Sittercity's policy.

If you believe you were charged in error, without consent, or after you submitted a valid cancellation request, contact your credit card issuer or bank to file a dispute or chargeback. Stopee strongly advises keeping all cancellation confirmation emails and payment receipts to support your dispute claim.

Common mistakes when cancelling sittercity

Many Canadian families cancel incorrectly and end up charged repeatedly. We understand the frustration, and these mistakes are easier to make than you'd think.

Mistake 1: cancelling the app without cancelling the subscription

Deleting the Sittercity app from your phone does not cancel your membership or stop charges. Uninstalling an app only removes it from your device; it does not touch the underlying subscription. You must cancel through your app store's subscription settings or Sittercity's website to stop billing.

Mistake 2: cancelling your web subscription but forgetting the app store

If you purchased Premium on both the website and the App Store, you have two separate subscriptions that must be cancelled independently. Cancelling one does not affect the other. Check your email for receipts from both Sittercity directly and Apple or Google to confirm how many subscriptions you active.

Mistake 3: not saving your cancellation confirmation

If charges continue after you cancel, you need proof that you submitted a valid cancellation request. Screenshot or print your confirmation email immediately. Stopee advises keeping records for at least six months after cancellation, in case you need to dispute a charge or escalate to your bank.

Mistake 4: cancelling too late in the billing cycle

If you cancel on the 29th of a month and your next renewal is the 1st, you'll still be charged for the next cycle. To avoid this, cancel at least three to five business days before your renewal date. Check your account settings to see exactly when you're charged next, then plan your cancellation accordingly.

Sittercity refund and credit policy in canada

When sittercity will refund you

Sittercity does not offer refunds or partial-month credits under its standard policy. However, refunds may be possible in limited circumstances:

• Demonstrable billing errors (you were charged twice for one month, for example)
• Unauthorized charges on your account that you did not approve
• Service failures that prevent you from using Premium features for an extended period

To request a refund for any of these reasons, contact Sittercity support via their Help Center and provide detailed information about the disputed charge. Be prepared to share screenshots, email receipts, and the dates of the charges in question.

App store and google play refund windows

Apple and Google both allow refund requests within a limited window after purchase, usually 14-15 days. If you purchased your Sittercity membership through an app store and want a refund, request it directly from Apple or Google, not from Sittercity. These platforms process refunds independently and often approve them even when Sittercity's policy is non-refundable.

Pro tip: If you purchased within the last 14 days, request a refund from your app store first before cancelling the subscription. If approved, you'll receive your money back, and the subscription will remain active through the current billing period. If denied, then proceed with cancellation to stop future charges.

Checklist: cancelling sittercity successfully

Use this step-by-step checklist to ensure you cancel correctly and protect yourself against unexpected charges.

Contacting sittercity support in canada

How to reach sittercity customer service

If you need help cancelling, have questions about charges, or want to request a refund, contact Sittercity directly through their Help Center on their website. Most Canadian families report faster responses through email than phone support. Include your account email address, membership type, and a clear description of your issue.

Stopee recommends keeping copies of all support emails you send and any responses you receive. If Sittercity ignores your cancellation request or refuses to honour a valid dispute, this email trail becomes critical evidence for escalating to your provincial consumer protection authority or your bank.

Escalation options if sittercity won't help

If Sittercity support doesn't respond or refuses to address your cancellation or refund request, escalate to your provincial consumer protection office:

• Ontario: Contact Service Ontario Consumer Protection Act helpline at 1-800-889-9768 or visit serviceontario.ca
• British Columbia: Contact Consumer Protection BC at 1-888-564-9963 or consumerprotectionbc.ca
• Alberta: Contact Fair Trading Act coordinator at 1-780-427-8309 or fair-trading.alberta.ca
• Quebec: Contact Office of the Protecteur du consommateur or opc.gouv.qc.ca
• Other provinces: Search your provincial government website for "consumer protection" and your province name

Stopee also recommends contacting your bank or credit card issuer to file a chargeback if Sittercity continues billing you without authorization. Most financial institutions take subscription disputes seriously and can reverse unauthorized charges within 60-90 days of discovery.

Sittercity cancellation address and formal notice

Where to send registered mail cancellations

If you're cancelling by registered mail, send your formal cancellation letter to Sittercity's corporate office. Use the following address and ensure you mail it "Registered Mail - Return Receipt Requested" so you have proof of delivery.

Sittercity Corporate Office
(Note: Sittercity is U.S.-based; inquire with support for a Canadian service address or send to their U.S. headquarters and request acknowledgment)

Contact Sittercity support directly to confirm the most current mailing address for subscription cancellations. Include your account email and request their official cancellation address in writing. Keep this correspondence as part of your cancellation record.

Pro tip: Before mailing, call or email support to confirm the correct address. Mailing to an outdated address delays your cancellation and may not reach the right department. Stopee advises having support confirm your letter address in writing before you mail.

Your path to successful cancellation

Cancelling Sittercity is straightforward once you know which platform your membership lives on and follow the correct steps. The real challenge is remembering to do it before your next renewal date and keeping proof of cancellation in case charges continue. Web memberships, App Store subscriptions, and Google Play purchases each require separate cancellation through different systems, which is where most families stumble.

Start by identifying where you purchased your membership (check your email receipts), then use the step-by-step instructions above for your specific platform. Save your cancellation confirmation immediately, monitor your credit card for the next two billing cycles, and reach out to your bank if any charges appear after your cancellation effective date. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions and dispute unauthorized charges by documenting every step and escalating to the right authority when companies refuse to comply. You deserve clarity, control, and respect from companies that bill you regularly-and Canada's consumer protection laws are on your side.