How to Take an Uber or Lyft with Your Pet (Without Stressing Out)

Taking an Uber or Lyft with your pet sounds simple—until you realize not all drivers are on board with the idea. If you've ever tried calling a ride while holding a leash or a pet carrier, you know it can be a little nerve-wracking. Will the driver say yes? Will your pet behave? Will you end up covered in fur and apologizing the whole ride?

Luckily, with a little planning, you can make the whole process smoother (and keep your driver happy too). Whether you're heading to the vet, visiting a friend, or just need to get from Point A to Point B with your furry companion, here’s everything you need to know about taking Uber or Lyft with a pet.

1. Use "Uber Pet" If It’s Available

First things first—if you’re in a city that offers Uber Pet, you’re in luck. This is Uber’s official pet-friendly ride option, designed specifically for riders traveling with non-service animals.

Here’s why Uber Pet is great:
✔️ You don’t have to guess if your driver will accept pets.
✔️ There’s no need to send awkward messages asking, “Hey, can I bring my dog?”
✔️ You’ll be matched with a driver who’s already cool with animals.

The downside? Uber Pet usually costs extra, so expect a small surcharge. Also, it’s not available everywhere, so check your app to see if it pops up as an option.

2. If You’re Using a Regular Uber or Lyft, Ask First

If Uber Pet isn’t available (or you’re using Lyft, which doesn’t have a pet-specific option), you’ll need to contact your driver before they arrive.

After booking your ride:

• Send a quick message through the app: “Hey! I have a small dog in a carrier—would that be okay?”

• Be polite and flexible—some drivers have allergies, fears, or simply prefer not to deal with pets. If they say no, just cancel and request another ride.

• Give details—mention the size of your pet and if they’ll be in a carrier to reassure the driver.

A lot of drivers will say yes, especially if your pet is contained, but it’s always better to check rather than springing a surprise on them.

3. Keep Your Pet Contained (or at Least Controlled)

Even if your pet is the best-behaved animal on the planet, you still need to make sure they’re secure in the car.

For small pets:
✅ Use a carrier—it keeps them safe, minimizes mess, and makes drivers more comfortable.

For larger dogs:
✅ Keep them on a leash and have them sit calmly next to you.
✅ Bring a blanket or seat cover to prevent fur from getting everywhere.

Some drivers might request that pets sit on the floor rather than the seat, so be prepared for that.

4. Be Respectful of the Driver’s Car

Let’s be real—rideshare drivers are letting us into their personal vehicles, and not everyone is thrilled about the idea of fur, drool, or pet smells lingering after a trip.

To keep things smooth:
✔️ Bring a towel or blanket—this protects the seats and makes cleanup easier.
✔️ Check for fur when you leave—a quick brush-off of the seat is always appreciated.
✔️ No muddy paws! If your pet is dirty, wipe them down before hopping in.

Think of it this way: The better experience your driver has, the more likely they are to accept pets in the future!

5. Plan for Accidents (Just in Case)

Even if your pet is usually fine in the car, unexpected accidents can happen—motion sickness, nervous peeing, or even a little bit of drool on the seats.

It’s a good idea to carry:

• A small towel or wipes for quick cleanups.

• A disposable pee pad if your pet is prone to accidents.

• A plastic bag—just in case.

Most of the time, you won’t need these, but having them on hand can prevent a stressful situation.

6. Service Animals Are the Exception

If your pet is a service animal, you do not have to ask permission before bringing them in an Uber or Lyft. Drivers are legally required to accept them, even if they have a “no pets” policy.

However, emotional support animals (ESAs) are not the same as service animals under Uber and Lyft’s policies, so if your pet is an ESA, you’ll still need to ask the driver for permission.

7. Be Prepared to Tip a Little Extra

Even if your pet is perfectly behaved, tipping your driver a little extra is a nice way to say thanks for letting your furry friend tag along.

A few reasons why a tip is a good idea:
✔️ It shows appreciation for their flexibility.
✔️ It makes them more likely to accept pets in the future.
✔️ If there’s any fur left behind, it helps cover the extra cleaning effort.

A couple of bucks can go a long way in keeping Uber and Lyft pet-friendly!

8. What to Do If a Driver Cancels on You

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a driver may cancel your ride when they hear you have a pet. It’s annoying, but it happens.

Here’s what you can do:
✔️ Stay patient—request another ride and try again. Most drivers don’t mind pets if they’re properly contained.
✔️ Be upfront in your message—if your first message didn’t work, try rewording it: “Hey! I have a small dog in a carrier—he won’t make a mess. Just checking if that’s okay!”
✔️ Try different ride options—a larger vehicle (like an UberXL) might be more accepting of pets.

If multiple drivers cancel, you may need to switch to a different method of transportation, like calling a pet-friendly taxi or using a pet-specific ride service if available in your area.

Making Pet Travel Stress-Free

Bringing your pet in an Uber or Lyft doesn’t have to be a hassle. As long as you:
✔️ Check with the driver first (unless you’re using Uber Pet).
✔️ Keep your pet contained and calm during the ride.
✔️ Respect the driver’s car (bring a towel, clean up fur, etc.).
✔️ Tip a little extra to show appreciation.

Most drivers won’t mind a well-behaved pet, especially if you’re considerate about their space. A little preparation goes a long way in making rideshare travel easy for both you and your furry friend!

Now, go book that ride—you and your pet have places to be!