Uber allows pets on most rides, but the driver has to agree first and you pay a pet fee

You cannot just put your pet in an Uber and hope the driver accepts it. Uber's policy lets drivers decide whether to take animals — some will, some won't. Before you request a ride, you need to tell Uber that you're traveling with a pet. The driver then sees this information and can accept or decline the trip. If they accept, you'll pay a pet fee on top of your regular fare, usually between $5 and $10 depending on your location.

The pet fee covers the cost of cleaning the vehicle after your trip. Drivers are responsible for their own cars and can refuse any ride for any reason, including pets. This means you might request a ride with a pet and wait longer than usual while drivers decline, or no driver might accept at all during busy times. Planning ahead and requesting rides during less busy hours gives you a better chance of finding a driver who will take your animal.

Key Takeaways

  • You must tell Uber about your pet before requesting a ride — there is a pet option in the app that you select before confirming your trip.
  • The driver sees that you have a pet and can accept or decline; they are not required to take the ride.
  • You will pay a pet fee, usually $5 to $10, added to your regular fare amount.
  • Your pet must be in a carrier, crate, or on a leash during the entire ride to protect the vehicle and other passengers.
  • If your pet damages the car or causes a mess, you may be charged a cleaning fee on top of the pet fee.

How to request an Uber ride with a pet

Open the Uber app and enter your pickup and dropoff locations as you normally would. Before you tap the button to request a ride, look for the pet icon or pet option in the ride details screen. This is usually near the top of the screen, sometimes labeled "Add pets" or shown as a paw print icon. Tap it and confirm that you are traveling with a pet.

Once you've selected the pet option, the app will show you the pet fee for your area and add it to your estimated fare. Then request the ride. Drivers who have chosen to accept pet rides will see your request. If a driver accepts, you'll get a notification with their name, vehicle details, and arrival time. If no one accepts after a few minutes, the app will let you try again or you can cancel and request a regular ride without the pet option.

What counts as a pet and what doesn't

Uber considers pets to be dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small animals that are typically kept as household companions. Service animals are handled differently — if you have a service dog, you do not need to select the pet option and you will not pay a pet fee. Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities and are treated as medical equipment, not pets.

Exotic animals, large reptiles, and animals that require special permits are generally not covered under Uber's pet policy. If you are unsure whether your animal counts as a pet under Uber's rules, contact Uber support through the app before you request a ride. Showing up with an animal that the driver did not agree to accept can result in the driver canceling the trip and charging you a cancellation fee.

How to keep your pet safe and comfortable during the ride

Your pet must stay in a carrier, crate, or on a leash for the entire trip. This protects your animal from injury if the driver brakes suddenly, keeps the pet from distracting the driver, and prevents the animal from damaging the vehicle. If you have a small dog or cat, a carrier is usually the best option. For larger dogs, a leash attached to a seat belt or harness designed for car travel works well.

Bring water for your pet if the ride is longer than 15 minutes, especially on warm days. Do not leave your pet unattended in the car before the driver arrives or after you exit. If your pet gets anxious in cars, consider taking a shorter practice ride or using a calming product recommended by your veterinarian before a longer trip. Tell the driver about any special needs your pet has — for example, if your dog gets carsick or is nervous around strangers.

What happens if your pet damages the car or makes a mess

The pet fee you pay covers routine cleaning, but if your pet has an accident, sheds excessively, or damages the vehicle, you may be charged an additional cleaning or damage fee. The driver can report the incident through the Uber app after your trip ends. Uber will review the report and may charge your account for the extra cleaning or repairs needed.

These fees can range from $50 to several hundred dollars depending on the damage. To avoid this, make sure your pet is house-trained or in a diaper if needed, brush your pet before the ride to reduce shedding, and keep your animal calm and contained. If your pet does have an accident, let the driver know when ready and offer to pay for cleaning supplies or a professional cleaning service.

Alternatives if no driver accepts your pet request

If you request a ride with a pet and no driver accepts after several minutes, you have a few options. You can cancel the pet request and try again during a less busy time of day — early morning or mid-afternoon often have more available drivers. You can also try requesting from a location with more drivers nearby, like a busy street or commercial area, rather than a residential neighborhood.

Another option is to use Uber Pet in areas where it is available. Uber Pet is a separate service tier designed specifically for pet travel, though it may have higher fares and longer wait times. If Uber is not working for your situation, consider other pet-friendly transportation options like local taxi services that allow animals, pet-specific ride services, or driving yourself if that is possible. Some cities also have pet-friendly car rental services if you need transportation for a longer trip with your animal.

Service animals and Uber

If you have a service dog, you do not need to use the pet option when requesting an Uber. Service animals are not considered pets under Uber's policy and are not subject to pet fees. You can request a regular Uber ride and bring your service dog with you. The driver cannot refuse the ride because of your service animal, as this would violate the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Emotional support animals and therapy animals are different from service animals. Emotional support animals are not trained to perform specific tasks and are not protected under the same laws as service dogs. Uber treats emotional support animals as pets, so you would need to use the pet option, pay the pet fee, and the driver can still decline the ride. If you are unsure whether your animal qualifies as a service animal, contact Uber support or speak with your healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the pet fee every time I ride with my pet?

Yes, the pet fee applies to every ride where you select the pet option. There is no monthly pass or discount for frequent pet riders. The fee is added to your fare each time you request a ride with a pet, regardless of how many times you use Uber with your animal.

What if the driver cancels after I select the pet option?

If a driver accepts your pet request and then cancels, you will not be charged a cancellation fee. However, if you cancel after a driver has accepted, you may be charged a cancellation fee depending on how close the driver is to your location. If no driver accepts your pet request after several minutes, the ride will automatically cancel without charging you.

Can I bring more than one pet in an Uber?

Uber's policy allows you to bring multiple pets as long as they fit safely in the vehicle and the driver agrees. You will typically pay one pet fee regardless of how many animals you have, though this can vary by location. Contact the driver after they accept to let them know how many pets you are bringing, in case they need to prepare the vehicle.

What if my pet is too large for a carrier?

Large dogs and other big animals do not need to fit in a carrier. Instead, use a leash, harness, or seat belt attachment designed for car travel. Your pet must still be restrained and under control during the entire ride. If your pet is so large that it takes up most of the back seat, the driver may decline the ride or ask you to request a larger vehicle option if available in your area.

Will Uber charge me if my pet sheds in the car?

Routine shedding is covered by the pet fee. However, if the driver reports excessive shedding or damage to the vehicle, Uber may charge you an additional cleaning fee. Brushing your pet thoroughly before the ride and keeping your animal calm can help reduce shedding and the chance of extra charges.