Uber allows pets in most rides, but the driver can refuse and you may pay a fee
Uber does not have a single pet policy across all rides. Instead, each driver decides whether to accept pets, and you can see before you request whether a driver allows them. When a driver does accept pets, you may be charged a pet fee — the amount varies by city and driver. The responsibility for any damage or mess caused by your pet falls on you, and the driver can report it to Uber, which may result in account suspension or deactivation.
The key difference is between Uber X (standard rides where pet policies vary by driver) and Uber Pet (a service specifically for pet travel, available in some cities). Not all cities have Uber Pet, and not all drivers who accept pets use that service tier.
Key Takeaways
- You can see which drivers accept pets before you request a ride, because Uber shows a pet icon next to their name if they do.
- Uber Pet is a separate service available in some cities; standard Uber X drivers who accept pets set their own pet fees, which range widely.
- You are responsible for any damage, odor, or mess your pet causes, and drivers can report incidents that may lead to your account being suspended.
- Service animals are treated differently from pets and have separate legal protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
How to request a ride with your pet
Open the Uber app and look at the ride options available in your area. If Uber Pet is offered in your city, it will appear as a separate ride type alongside Uber X, Uber Comfort, and others. Select it if you want to use that service. If Uber Pet is not available where you are, you can request a standard Uber X ride and filter for drivers who accept pets.
In the Uber X request screen, you should see a pet icon or toggle that lets you indicate you are traveling with a pet. Once you turn this on, only drivers who have opted in to accept pets will see your request. The app will show you the driver's name, vehicle, and rating before you confirm. Some drivers may still decline the ride after seeing that you have a pet, even if they have pet acceptance turned on — this is within their right as independent contractors.
When the driver arrives, have your pet ready and secure. Keep your pet calm and contained during the ride — in a carrier, on a leash, or held securely. Do not leave your pet unattended in the vehicle at any point.
Pet fees and what they cover
Uber Pet charges a flat fee per ride in cities where the service is available. This fee is separate from your base fare and is shown in the app before you request. The amount varies by city; some cities charge $3 to $5 per ride, while others may charge more. This fee goes to Uber, not directly to the driver, though drivers in Uber Pet markets know they will receive pet-related rides.
For standard Uber X drivers who accept pets, fees are set by the individual driver and may range from $0 to $10 or more per ride, depending on local market rates and the driver's preference. The fee will be disclosed in the app before you confirm your request. These driver-set fees are separate from Uber's commission and go to the driver as additional income.
Pet fees cover the ride itself and the driver's willingness to transport your pet. They do not cover damage, accidents, or cleaning costs beyond normal wear. If your pet has an accident in the vehicle, causes stains, or leaves a strong odor, you may be charged an additional cleaning or damage fee after the ride ends.
Damage, accidents, and what happens if something goes wrong
If your pet has an accident, damages the vehicle, or leaves a mess during the ride, the driver can report it through the Uber app. Uber will review the report and may charge you a damage fee, which can range from $50 to several hundred dollars depending on the severity. The driver can also submit photos or video as evidence.
Repeated incidents or refusal to pay damage fees can result in your Uber account being suspended or permanently deactivated. Uber takes pet-related damage seriously because it affects the driver's ability to work and the condition of their vehicle for other passengers.
To avoid problems, keep your pet calm and secure throughout the ride. Bring paper towels or cleaning supplies in case of minor accidents, and inform the driver immediately if something happens. Some drivers may be understanding about minor incidents, but you are still liable for any damage or cleaning costs Uber determines are necessary.
Service animals versus pets
Uber must allow service animals in all rides at no additional charge. A service animal is a dog (or in some cases a miniature horse) that has been individually trained to perform a specific task or work for a person with a disability. The task must be directly related to the person's disability — examples include guiding someone who is blind, alerting someone to a seizure, or retrieving items for someone with mobility limitations.
Emotional support animals, therapy animals, and comfort animals are not service animals under the law and do not have the same legal right to travel in Uber. They are treated as pets, and drivers can decline them or charge pet fees. The distinction matters: if you have a service animal, you do not need to request a pet-friendly driver, and no pet fee applies. If you have an emotional support animal, you will need to find a driver who accepts pets and pay any applicable fee.
If a driver refuses to allow your legitimate service animal, you can report it to Uber through the app. Uber's policy prohibits discrimination against service animals, and the company can take action against drivers who violate this rule.
Cities where Uber Pet is and is not available
Uber Pet is not available everywhere. The service is offered in major cities including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Washington DC, Boston, and others, but availability changes over time and varies by neighborhood within cities. To learn about Uber Pet is available in your area, open the Uber app and look at the ride type options. If Uber Pet appears as a choice, it is available where you are requesting from.
In cities without Uber Pet, you can still travel with pets by requesting a standard Uber X ride and filtering for drivers who accept pets. The process is the same, but you will not see a dedicated pet service tier. Driver fees and policies vary more widely in these markets because there is no standardized Uber Pet pricing.
What to bring and how to prepare your pet
Bring a carrier, crate, or secure leash for your pet. Most drivers appreciate when pets are contained or restrained because it reduces the risk of accidents and keeps the animal safe during the ride. If your pet is anxious in cars, consider giving it a calming treat or toy before the ride, but do not sedate it without veterinary guidance.
Bring paper towels, waste bags, or cleaning supplies in case of accidents. If your pet gets carsick or has an accident, cleaning it up immediately and informing the driver can prevent larger damage fees. Some drivers may be sympathetic to minor incidents if you handle them responsibly.
Keep your pet's documentation with you if you are traveling a long distance — vaccination records, ID tags, and microchip information. While Uber does not require this for short rides, it protects you if your pet is lost or if questions arise about the animal's health or ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring multiple pets in one Uber ride?
Yes, but you should indicate this when requesting and confirm with the driver before they arrive. Some drivers accept multiple pets; others accept only one. The pet fee may apply per pet or per ride depending on the driver's policy. Always ask the driver if they are comfortable with the number of pets you have before they pick you up.
What if a driver cancels because I have a pet?
Drivers can cancel for any reason, including if they change their mind about accepting a pet. You will not be charged a cancellation fee if the driver cancels. You can then request another ride and look for a different driver who accepts pets. If you believe a driver is canceling based on discrimination unrelated to pets, you can report it to Uber.
Do I have to tell the driver I have a pet if I request a pet-friendly ride?
No — when you toggle the pet option in the app, only pet-accepting drivers see your request, so they already know. However, it is polite to greet the driver and let them know your pet is calm or well-behaved. This sets expectations and can make the ride smoother.
What happens if my pet gets injured during an Uber ride?
Uber's terms state that you assume responsibility for your pet's safety during the ride. If your pet is injured, you are responsible for veterinary care. You can file a claim with Uber if you believe the driver was negligent, but Uber does not cover pet medical expenses as a matter of policy. Document any incident with photos and the driver's name and vehicle details.
Can I bring a large dog or an exotic pet?
Large dogs are generally allowed if the driver accepts pets, though some drivers may decline based on size. Exotic pets, reptiles, and other animals beyond dogs and cats are less commonly accepted. Check with the driver before requesting the ride, or call Uber support to ask about your specific pet. Uber Pet is designed primarily for dogs and cats.