Uber allows pets on most rides, but the driver decides whether to accept your request
Uber does not have a blanket pet ban. When you request a ride, you can tell Uber that you have a pet. Drivers then see this information before they accept the trip — they are not forced to take you. Some drivers accept all pets. Others accept only small pets or only service animals. Some decline every pet request. You do not know which driver will accept until someone picks up your ride.
This means you might request a ride with a pet and wait longer than usual, or no driver might accept at all. There is no separate "pet-friendly" vehicle fleet you can book into directly. You are requesting a standard Uber and hoping a driver who accepts pets is available.
Key Takeaways
- You must tell Uber about your pet before requesting the ride, and the driver sees this before accepting — they can decline.
- Service animals are legally required to be accepted on any Uber ride under the Americans with Disabilities Act, regardless of the driver's pet policy.
- Drivers can charge a pet fee, which varies by driver and location, and is separate from your ride fare.
- If a driver cancels after accepting a pet ride, you may be charged a cancellation fee even though the driver changed their mind.
- Uber's pet policy does not cover damage — if your pet damages the vehicle, you can be charged a cleaning or damage fee.
How to request a ride with a pet
Open the Uber app and start a ride request as usual. Before you confirm the pickup location, look for a toggle or button labeled "I have a pet" or similar wording — the exact label varies by app version and region. Turn this on. The app will then show you a note about pet policies and ask you to confirm you have a pet traveling with you.
Once you toggle this on and request the ride, drivers in your area will see that you have a pet. Only drivers who have chosen to accept pet rides will see your request. If no drivers near you accept pets, your request will sit unmatched until a pet-friendly driver comes online or you cancel and request again without the pet toggle.
You can only add the pet toggle at the time you request the ride. You cannot request a regular ride and then tell the driver you have a pet when they arrive — that is a breach of Uber's terms and can result in a lower rating or account suspension.
Service animals are different from regular pets
A service animal is a dog (or in some cases a miniature horse) trained to perform a specific task for a person with a disability. Service animals are not pets. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Uber drivers must accept service animals on any ride, regardless of whether the driver accepts other pets. The driver cannot charge an extra pet fee for a service animal.
Emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy animals are not service animals under federal law. They do not have the same legal right to ride. If you have an emotional support animal, you should use the pet toggle like any other pet owner and hope a driver accepts.
If a driver refuses to take your service animal, you can report this to Uber through the app. Uber's policy states that refusing a service animal is a violation, though enforcement varies.
Pet fees and what drivers can charge
Uber does not set a single pet fee. Individual drivers decide whether to charge a pet fee and how much. The fee typically ranges from $3 to $10 per ride in most U.S. cities, but this varies widely. Some drivers charge nothing. Others charge more in high-demand areas or for larger pets.
When a driver accepts your pet request, the app should show you whether that driver charges a pet fee and how much it is. Check this before the driver arrives. The pet fee is added to your total fare and charged to your payment method just like the ride itself.
If a driver did not disclose a pet fee upfront and charges you one anyway, you can dispute it through the app under "Help" and "Trip Issues." Uber's support team will review whether the fee was disclosed correctly.
What happens if a driver cancels after accepting your pet ride
If a driver accepts your ride and then cancels after seeing you or your pet, you may be charged a cancellation fee. This is frustrating because the driver changed their mind, not you. Uber's system does not always distinguish between a passenger cancellation and a driver cancellation when a pet is involved.
If you are charged a cancellation fee and believe the driver cancelled, go to the trip in your app, tap "Help," and explain what happened. Include that the driver accepted the pet ride and then cancelled. Uber support may refund the cancellation fee, though this is not may provide. Keep screenshots of the driver accepting the ride and then cancelling.
Damage fees and what you are responsible for
If your pet damages the Uber vehicle — scratches, stains, odor, or anything else — the driver can report this through the app and charge you a damage or cleaning fee. These fees can range from $50 to several hundred dollars depending on the damage. Uber will review the driver's photos and description and decide whether to charge you.
You are responsible for your pet's behavior during the ride. This means keeping your pet calm, preventing accidents, and ensuring they do not scratch or damage the vehicle interior. If your pet has a history of anxiety or aggression in cars, consider whether Uber is the right choice, or ask the driver if they have any specific requests when they arrive.
If you are charged a damage fee you believe is unfair, you can dispute it through the app. Provide your own photos or explanation of what happened. Uber will make a final decision, and you can appeal once.
Size and type restrictions vary by driver
Uber does not publish official size limits for pets. Some drivers accept only small dogs or cats. Others accept large dogs. Some accept only dogs and not cats. Some accept all animals including rabbits, birds, or reptiles. There is no way to filter for specific pet types or sizes in the app.
When you request a ride with a pet, you are hoping a driver whose personal policy matches your pet will be available. If you have a large dog or an unusual pet, you may wait longer or find no drivers accept your request. In that case, you can cancel and try again later, or use a different transportation method.
If a driver accepts your request and then refuses to take your pet because of size or type, this is a breach of their agreement with you. Report it to Uber through the app, and you should not be charged a cancellation fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my pet in a carrier or crate?
Yes. Carriers, crates, and pet bags are common and many drivers expect them. A carrier can actually make the ride easier for the driver because your pet is contained. There is no rule against carriers — it depends on the driver's preference and your pet's comfort.
What if no drivers accept my pet request?
Wait a few minutes and try again. More drivers may come online. If you are in a rural area or during off-peak hours, pet-friendly drivers may be scarce. You can also try Uber Comfort or Uber XL, which sometimes have different driver pools, though this is not may provide. Alternatively, use a pet-specific service like Rover or a local pet taxi.
Do I have to tell the driver about my pet if I already toggled it in the app?
The driver already knows from the app, so you do not have to repeat it. However, it is polite to greet the driver and confirm they are comfortable with your pet when they arrive. This gives them a chance to ask questions about your pet's behavior or size.
Can Uber deactivate my account if my pet causes problems?
Yes. If you repeatedly request pet rides and drivers report issues — damage, aggression, odor, or other problems — Uber can lower your rating or deactivate your account. Maintain your pet's behavior and pay any damage fees promptly to avoid this.
Are there Uber services designed specifically for pets?
Uber itself does not offer a pet-specific service. However, some cities have local services that specialize in pet transport. Uber Eats does not transport pets. If you need reliable pet transportation, research local pet taxi or pet transport services in your area.