Uber allows pets in most rides, but you need to request the right service and follow specific rules

You can bring your pet in an Uber, but not in every type of ride. Standard Uber X and Uber Comfort rides do not permit pets. Instead, you must request Uber Pet, a separate service available in most US cities and some international locations. When you book Uber Pet, the driver knows in advance that a pet will be in the car and has agreed to accept it. The service costs more than a regular Uber ride — typically 20 to 30 percent higher — because drivers charge a pet fee.

Not every city has Uber Pet available yet. You can check whether it is offered in your area by opening the Uber app, tapping the service type selector at the top, and scrolling to see if Uber Pet appears as an option. If it does not show up, the service is not yet available where you are.

Key Takeaways

  • Uber Pet is a separate ride type you must select in the app — you cannot add a pet to a standard Uber X or Comfort ride.
  • Pets must be in a carrier, crate, or on a leash, and you are responsible for any damage or mess the pet causes during the ride.
  • Uber Pet costs roughly 20 to 30 percent more than a standard ride because drivers charge a pet fee per trip.
  • The service is available in most major US cities but not everywhere; check your app to see if it is offered in your location.
  • If your pet causes damage or the driver reports a problem, Uber may charge you a cleaning fee or suspend your account.

What counts as a pet on Uber

Uber Pet covers dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small animals. The service is designed for household pets, not service animals or emotional support animals, which have different rules. If you have a certified service dog, you can bring it in any Uber ride — Uber X, Comfort, or any other type — because service dogs are not classified as pets under the Americans with Disabilities Act. You do not need to request Uber Pet for a service dog.

Emotional support animals (ESAs) are a gray area. Uber's policy treats ESAs as pets, meaning you would need to request Uber Pet and pay the pet fee. This is different from how airlines or housing handle ESAs, so do not assume the same rules explore. If you have an ESA letter, you can contact Uber support to discuss your specific situation, but the standard policy requires Uber Pet.

There is no weight limit listed in Uber's pet policy, but the pet must fit safely in a carrier or be controlled on a leash during the entire ride. Large dogs that cannot be contained may be refused by the driver, even if you have booked Uber Pet.

How to book an Uber Pet ride

Open the Uber app and tap the service type selector — usually shown as a car icon or the current ride type at the top of the screen. Scroll through the available options until you see Uber Pet. Tap it to select it. The app will then show you available drivers in your area who are accepting pet rides and the estimated fare, which includes the pet fee.

The rest of the booking process is the same as a standard Uber ride. Enter your pickup and dropoff locations, confirm the fare, and request the ride. The driver will see in their app that a pet is coming and will have the option to accept or decline. Most drivers who are active on Uber Pet have chosen to accept pets, but a driver can still cancel if they arrive and the situation is different from what they expected.

Have your pet ready before the driver arrives. Keep the pet in a carrier, crate, or on a leash so it is find the moment the car pulls up. Do not wait until the driver is outside to start getting your pet ready — this delays the ride and frustrates the driver.

Rules for your pet during the ride

Your pet must remain in a carrier, crate, or on a leash for the entire trip. Do not let your pet roam freely in the car or sit on the driver's lap. The pet cannot be in the front seat. Keep your pet calm and prevent it from jumping on the driver or other passengers if you are sharing the ride.

You are responsible for any damage, mess, or odor your pet causes. This includes accidents, vomit, fur, scratches, or anything else. If the driver reports damage or a mess, Uber may charge you a cleaning fee, which can range from $20 to $150 or more depending on the severity. Repeated incidents or refusals to pay cleaning fees can result in your account being suspended or deactivated.

Bring supplies to manage your pet during the ride. Have paper towels, waste bags, or a small blanket on hand in case of accidents. If your pet is anxious or prone to motion sickness, consider giving it a calming treat or medication before the ride, or choosing a shorter route if possible.

What happens if there is a problem during the ride

If your pet causes damage or the driver reports an issue, Uber will contact you after the ride. You will see a notification in the app and may receive an email or text message. Uber will describe what happened and may ask you to pay a cleaning fee. You have the option to dispute the charge if you believe it is incorrect, but Uber's decision is usually final.

If the same driver or multiple drivers report problems with your pet, Uber may deactivate your account or restrict your use of Uber Pet. This is not a temporary suspension — it can be permanent. There is no formal appeal process; Uber's decision is based on driver reports and their internal review.

If your pet is injured during a ride or the driver is reckless, you can report the incident to Uber through the app. However, Uber's insurance does not cover pet injuries, so you would need to pursue a claim through your own pet insurance or small claims court if you believe the driver was at fault.

Uber Pet availability and pricing

Uber Pet is available in most major US cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, and San Jose. It is also available in some smaller cities and a growing number of international locations. The service is not available everywhere, and availability can change. Check your app to see if Uber Pet is offered in your area.

The cost of Uber Pet varies by location and demand, just like standard Uber rides. You will see the estimated fare before you confirm the booking. The pet fee is built into that estimate. There is no separate per-pet charge if you have multiple pets — you pay one Uber Pet fare regardless of whether you have one pet or two.

Surge pricing applies to Uber Pet rides just as it does to standard rides. If demand is high, the price will be higher. Booking during off-peak hours will usually result in a lower fare.

Alternatives if Uber Pet is not available

If Uber Pet is not available in your area, you have other options. Lyft offers a pet-friendly ride service in some cities — check the Lyft app to see if it is available where you are. Local taxi companies or car services may also accept pets, though you will need to call ahead and confirm. Some cities have pet-specific transportation services, though these are less common and may be more expensive than rideshare.

If you are traveling with a pet and rideshare is not an option, consider renting a car for the day, using public transportation if your city allows pets, or asking a friend or family member for a ride. Planning ahead makes it easier to find a solution that works for your pet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my service dog in a regular Uber ride without paying the pet fee?

Yes. Certified service dogs are not classified as pets under the Americans with Disabilities Act and can ride in any Uber vehicle at no extra charge. You do not need to request Uber Pet. Tell the driver when they arrive that you have a service dog so there are no surprises.

What if the driver cancels after I book Uber Pet?

If a driver cancels after accepting your Uber Pet request, you will not be charged. The app will show you other available drivers. If no drivers are available, you can try booking again in a few minutes or consider an alternative transportation method.

Can I bring my pet in an Uber Eats delivery or Uber Comfort ride?

No. Pets are only allowed in Uber Pet rides. Uber Eats is a food delivery service and does not accept passengers or pets. Uber Comfort is a premium ride service that does not permit pets — you must use Uber Pet specifically.

Will Uber refund me if the driver refuses my pet at pickup?

Yes. If a driver cancels or refuses to take your pet after you have booked Uber Pet, you will not be charged for the ride. You can request another Uber Pet ride or choose a different transportation method.

What if my pet has an accident in the car?

You are responsible for the cost of cleaning. Uber will charge you a cleaning fee, which varies based on the severity of the accident. If you dispute the charge, you can contact Uber support, but most cleaning fees are upheld. To avoid this, bring supplies to manage accidents and consider using a protective blanket or carrier.