Uber Pet is Uber’s newest service that will allow riders to bring along their fur (or furless) babies along with them. Launching October 16 in select cities in the U.S., riders will have the option to alert their drivers that they’re bringing a pet with them.
Bringing pets on Uber rides was previously a problem for both the driver and the rider. Riders were recommended to contact their Uber drivers regarding their pet pals but this was easier said than done. More often than not, drivers who weren’t informed of pet passengers would cancel and riders would be left disappointed and would have to try again.
This was a waste of time for both the rider and a stain on the record of the driver. With Uber Pet, an option will be available in the app to book a driver who is comfortable with pets in their vehicle. Riders will have a “small surcharge” on top of their fare. Of course, the drivers who are not comfortable with animals in their cars can always opt-out of the service but those who do participate will get a “significant portion of that surcharge”, says Uber. Additionally, under Uber’s community guidelines, any damage done by the pet or its owner will be charged accordingly.
Uber Pet will not, by any means, affect Uber’s current policy on service animals. Those with certified service animals need not use this special service and can opt for any of the ride options Uber offers without the added charge.
Uber Pet will initially launch in Austin, Denver, Nashville, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Tampa Bay.