Uber Pet lets you bring your dog, cat, or small pet in an Uber, but the driver has to accept the ride and you pay an extra fee
Uber Pet is an optional service within the Uber app that matches you with drivers who have agreed to take passengers traveling with pets. When you request a ride, you can toggle the "Uber Pet" option, and the app will only show you drivers who have opted into that service. You pay a base fare plus an additional pet fee — the exact amount depends on your city and the type of ride you book.
The service does not may provide a pet-friendly driver will be available immediately. If no drivers near you have Uber Pet turned on, you will not see that option, or your wait time may be longer than a standard Uber. Some drivers choose not to participate, so availability varies by location and time of day.
Key Takeaways
- Uber Pet is available only if you toggle it in the app before requesting a ride, and only drivers who have opted in will see your request.
- You pay a pet fee on top of your regular fare; the amount varies by city and ride type, typically ranging from a few dollars to around $10.
- Your pet must be in a carrier, crate, or on your lap — not loose in the vehicle — and you are responsible for any damage or mess.
- Not all drivers participate, so Uber Pet may not be available in your area or at the time you need a ride.
- The service covers dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small pets, but not service animals, which ride free under a different policy.
How to request an Uber Pet ride
Open the Uber app and tap the "Uber Pet" option before you request a ride. This option appears near the top of the app, alongside other ride types like Uber X or Uber Comfort. Once you toggle it on, the app will search only for drivers who have enabled pet rides.
Enter your pickup and dropoff locations as usual. The app will show you the estimated fare, including the pet fee. If no drivers with Uber Pet active are nearby, the app will either show a longer wait time or tell you the service is not available in your area right now. You can switch back to a standard Uber ride type if you prefer not to wait.
When a driver accepts your request, you will see their name, vehicle, and rating. Confirm the pickup location and bring your pet to the car on time. The driver may cancel if your pet is not properly contained or if they feel unsafe, so have your pet ready before the ride arrives.
Pet fees and pricing
Uber Pet adds a flat fee to your ride cost. This fee is separate from the base fare, per-minute charge, and distance charge. The pet fee amount varies by city — it may be $3 in one location and $8 in another. Uber does not publish a standard rate, so you will see the exact fee in the app before you confirm the ride.
The pet fee applies regardless of your pet's size, as long as it meets Uber's guidelines. You do not pay extra if you have multiple small pets in one carrier, but Uber's policy allows only one pet per ride in most cases. Check your local Uber app to confirm the pet fee in your area before booking.
What pets are allowed and how they must travel
Uber Pet accepts dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small domestic pets. Your pet must be in a carrier, crate, or pet bed, or held on your lap — it cannot roam loose in the vehicle. The driver has the right to refuse the ride if your pet is not contained or if they believe the pet poses a safety risk.
Service animals are not charged a pet fee and do not require the Uber Pet toggle; they follow the same rules as standard Uber rides under the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you have a service animal, book a regular Uber and let the driver know when they arrive.
You are responsible for any damage, odor, or mess your pet causes during the ride. If the driver reports damage, Uber may charge you a cleaning fee. Keep your pet calm, bring waste bags, and consider a protective blanket or seat cover to minimize the risk of damage.
Availability and wait times
Uber Pet is not available in all cities or at all times. Availability depends on how many drivers in your area have opted into the service. In major cities with high driver participation, you may find an Uber Pet driver within minutes. In smaller cities or rural areas, the service may not be available at all.
Wait times for Uber Pet are often longer than standard Uber rides because fewer drivers participate. If you are in a hurry, a regular Uber may be faster, though you would be traveling without your pet. Check the app to see estimated wait times before you commit to booking.
Availability also fluctuates by time of day. Early morning or late night rides may have fewer pet-friendly drivers available. If Uber Pet is not available when you need it, you may need to arrange alternative transportation or wait until more drivers are active.
Damage liability and driver cancellations
If your pet damages the vehicle — through scratches, stains, odors, or other harm — Uber may charge you a cleaning or damage fee. The amount depends on the severity and what the driver reports. You cannot dispute this charge after the ride is complete, so prevention is important.
Drivers can cancel an Uber Pet ride if your pet is not properly contained, if the pet is aggressive or extremely anxious, or if they feel unsafe. If a driver cancels, you will not be charged, but you will need to request another ride. Some drivers may also cancel if they arrive and see that your pet is larger or more difficult to manage than expected.
If you cancel after a driver has accepted your request, you may be charged a cancellation fee. This applies to Uber Pet the same way it does to standard Uber rides.
Alternatives if Uber Pet is not available
If Uber Pet is not available in your area or at the time you need it, other rideshare services may offer pet options. Lyft, for example, has a pet-friendly service in some cities. Local taxi companies or pet-specific transportation services may also be available, though they typically require advance booking.
If you need to travel with your pet and rideshare is not an option, consider asking a friend or family member for a ride, using a pet taxi service, or rescheduling your trip to a time when Uber Pet drivers are more likely to be active. Some veterinary clinics and pet stores also offer transportation services or can recommend local pet-friendly options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my pet has an accident or gets sick during the ride?
You are responsible for cleaning up and may be charged a cleaning fee if the driver reports damage or mess. Bring paper towels, waste bags, and any supplies your pet might need. If your pet is prone to motion sickness or anxiety, consider a shorter route or a calming aid before the ride.
Can I bring my service dog on Uber Pet, or do I use a regular Uber?
Service animals ride free on regular Uber rides and do not need the Uber Pet toggle. Book a standard Uber and inform the driver that you have a service animal when they arrive. Service animals are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act and cannot be refused or charged a fee.
What happens if the driver cancels because of my pet?
You will not be charged a cancellation fee if the driver cancels. However, you will need to request another ride, and wait times may be longer. To reduce the risk of cancellation, make sure your pet is calm, contained, and ready before the driver arrives.
Is Uber Pet more expensive than a regular Uber?
Yes, Uber Pet includes an additional pet fee on top of your standard fare. The total cost depends on your city, distance, and time of day. You can see the exact fare in the app before you confirm the ride, so you can compare it to a regular Uber if you want to decide whether the pet fee is worth it.
Can I bring more than one pet on an Uber Pet ride?
In most cases, Uber allows only one pet per ride. Multiple small pets in a single carrier may be permitted in some locations, but check your local Uber app or contact support to confirm the policy in your area before booking.