Uber Pet lets you request a ride with your dog, cat, or other pet for an extra fee added to your trip
Uber Pet is a ride option within the Uber app that allows you to travel with a pet in the same vehicle as the driver. When you book an Uber Pet ride, the driver knows in advance that a pet will be in the car and has chosen to accept pet rides. You pay a base fare plus an additional pet fee on top of the standard Uber fare for your trip.
The service is available in select cities across the United States, Canada, and some international markets, though not everywhere Uber operates. Availability depends on your location and whether enough drivers in your area have opted into accepting pet rides.
Key Takeaways
- Uber Pet adds a flat fee to your trip cost, which varies by city but typically ranges from a few dollars to around $10 per ride.
- You must select the Uber Pet option in the app before requesting a ride; drivers cannot be surprised by a pet in the vehicle.
- The service accepts dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small to medium-sized pets, but not service animals (which ride free under standard Uber).
- Your pet must be crated, in a carrier, or under your control during the entire ride to protect the vehicle and other passengers.
- Not all drivers participate in Uber Pet, and availability varies by city and time of day.
Pet fee amounts and what they cover
The pet fee is a fixed charge added to your Uber fare and does not depend on the distance or duration of your trip. The amount varies by city; in some markets it is $3 to $5, while in others it may be $7 to $10 or higher. Uber does not publish a single national fee schedule, so you will see the exact amount in your app before you confirm the ride.
This fee covers the cost of cleaning the vehicle after your ride and compensates the driver for accepting a pet. It is separate from your base fare and surge pricing, so if demand is high, you will pay both the surge multiplier on your base fare and the flat pet fee on top.
The pet fee applies regardless of how many pets you bring, as long as they fit in the vehicle and you can control them. If you have multiple pets, you still pay one pet fee per ride, not per animal.
Which pets are allowed and size limits
Uber Pet accepts dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, and other small to medium-sized pets. The service does not have a published weight limit, but the pet must be able to fit safely in the vehicle without blocking the driver's view or taking up a passenger seat. Most drivers expect pets to be contained in a crate, carrier, or pet seat, or held securely by a passenger.
Service animals trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities are not considered pets under Uber's policy and ride free on standard Uber rides without the pet fee. You do not need to request Uber Pet for a service animal; book a regular Uber and let the driver know a service animal will be traveling with you.
Exotic animals, large livestock, and animals that are aggressive or uncontrolled are not permitted. If a driver feels unsafe or believes a pet violates the policy, they can cancel the ride.
How to request an Uber Pet ride
Open the Uber app and enter your pickup and dropoff locations as you normally would. Instead of selecting UberX or another standard ride type, look for the Uber Pet option in the list of available ride categories. The app will show you the pet fee for your trip before you request the ride.
Once you select Uber Pet and confirm your request, the app matches you with a driver who has opted into accepting pets. You will see the driver's name, vehicle details, and estimated arrival time. Let the driver know you are ready with your pet so they can prepare.
If Uber Pet is not showing as an option in your app, it may not be available in your area, or there may be no drivers currently accepting pet rides. You can check back later or try a different time of day when more drivers may be online.
What to expect during the ride
When the driver arrives, have your pet ready and contained before you get in the vehicle. If your pet is in a crate or carrier, place it on the seat or floor where it will not block the driver's view. If your pet is loose, keep it on your lap or hold it securely throughout the ride.
The driver may ask you to place a blanket or towel on the seat to protect the upholstery. Some drivers carry pet-friendly seat covers or have their vehicles already prepared for pet passengers. Be respectful of the driver's vehicle and clean up any accidents or mess when ready if possible.
Keep your pet calm and prevent it from jumping between seats, distracting the driver, or interacting with the driver without permission. If your pet becomes aggressive or causes damage, the driver can end the ride and you may be charged a cleaning fee or damage fee in addition to the ride cost.
Differences between Uber Pet and standard Uber rides
| Feature | Uber Pet | Standard Uber (UberX) |
|---|---|---|
| Pets allowed | Yes, with pet fee | No, except service animals |
| Pet fee | $3 to $10+ depending on city | None |
| Driver selection | Only drivers who opted in | Any available driver |
| Wait time | May be longer due to fewer drivers | Usually shorter |
| Service animals | Not required; ride free on standard Uber | Ride free, no pet fee |
The main difference is that Uber Pet requires advance notice to the driver and includes a pet fee, while standard Uber rides do not permit pets except for service animals. Because fewer drivers participate in Uber Pet, you may wait longer for a ride to arrive, especially during off-peak hours or in areas with low driver participation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my pet has an accident in the car?
You are responsible for cleaning up any mess when ready if possible. The driver may charge you a cleaning fee through the app if the accident is significant. To avoid this, take your pet outside before the ride and use a crate or carrier if your pet is not fully housetrained.
Can I bring more than one pet on an Uber Pet ride?
Yes, as long as both pets fit safely in the vehicle and you can control them. You pay one pet fee per ride regardless of the number of pets. The driver must agree to transport multiple animals, so mention this when the driver arrives.
Is Uber Pet available in my city?
Uber Pet is available in select cities but not nationwide. Open the Uber app, enter your location, and check whether Uber Pet appears as a ride option. If it does not show, the service is not yet available in your area. You can check back periodically as Uber expands the service.
Do I pay the pet fee if the driver cancels?
No. If the driver cancels after you request an Uber Pet ride, you are not charged the pet fee. You are only charged if you complete the ride or if you cancel after the driver has already arrived and waited.
Can I use Uber Pet with Uber Eats or other Uber services?
No. Uber Pet is only available for Uber rides (passenger transportation). You cannot use it with Uber Eats, Uber Freight, or other Uber services. Each service has its own separate app or section within the main Uber app.