diff --git a/pubsub/example_test.go b/pubsub/example_test.go
index 514ae5871a8f..07567521582a 100644
--- a/pubsub/example_test.go
+++ b/pubsub/example_test.go
@@ -303,7 +303,7 @@ func ExampleSubscription_Receive() {
 		// NOTE: May be called concurrently; synchronize access to shared memory.
 		m.Ack()
 	})
-	if err != context.Canceled {
+	if err != nil && err != context.Canceled {
 		// TODO: Handle error.
 	}
 }
@@ -324,7 +324,7 @@ func ExampleSubscription_Receive_maxExtension() {
 		// TODO: Handle message.
 		m.Ack()
 	})
-	if err != context.Canceled {
+	if err != nil && err != context.Canceled {
 		// TODO: Handle error.
 	}
 }
@@ -345,7 +345,7 @@ func ExampleSubscription_Receive_maxOutstanding() {
 		// TODO: Handle message.
 		m.Ack()
 	})
-	if err != context.Canceled {
+	if err != nil && err != context.Canceled {
 		// TODO: Handle error.
 	}
 }