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Does Uber or Lyft allow nonassistance dogs? What if its an emergency?

Do you think an Uber driver would have picked us up in an emergency for a four block ride home?

I was walking a pet friend this past weekend and she was stung by a bee in the park. She couldn't/wouldn't walk. I considered leaving her with another park goer and running home to get the car. Since we were only four blocks and she was a small breed I ended up carrying her home.

A note for Uber hatters- I know, I use Uber because people know what it is but a regular taxi would have worked too but not all of us live in Manhatten and can hail a taxi (Portland, for example, is call head only).

Two tips for Rover and Uber: 1) Maybe Uber should offer a "once every 3 months emergency strange request tool" that allows their drivers to be heroes when we need them. 2) Maybe Rover should offer emergency ride credit codes for when you are out on a walk and need to get home or to the Vet ASAP for doggy's health. Obviously trying to figure out how the codes work while doggy is in pain isn't the best solution but I'm sure the smart people at Uber and Rover can figure something out.

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To be honest, I've never thought to ask ahead and I've never had a problem, but my dog is small and well behaved. I would always just ask, as the other commenters have suggested. Most Uber drivers are pretty cool and happy to work with you.

5 Answers

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The decision to allow pets is left up to the driver. From the company's website: "If you're planning to ride with a non-service pet, it's good practice to contact the driver who accepts your ride request. Use your app to send a text message or call to let the driver know you'd like to bring a pet."

Just recently a veterinarian suggested using Uber to bring my dog to their facility in the suburbs for surgery. During the week, pets are not allowed at all on the commuter trains that go out to the burbs. The city's rapid transit system however does allow pets in carriers.

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Yes, they do. I've done it several times but don't forget to text asking the driver beforehand.

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This is a good question regardless of if it's your own dog or a clients dog. It's up to the Driver. They get to choose just like you get to make choices as a Rover Sitter. Make sure you call/text them ahead of time to make sure they're ok with you bringing in the animal. Chances are if you set your destination as a vet office, they won't be too surprised.

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I live in Seattle which tends to be pretty dog friendly. I've tried to take a lyft with dogs twice. Both times I called ahead to ask the drivers permission and was not on a lyft line. The first time the driver was really excited and had no problems with it. The second time, the driver had pretty serious allergies to dogs and pet dander. In both cases the drivers were very understanding. As long as you ask permission/give a heads up before they drive all the way to your location you won't get any negative reviews on lyft. I've also heard that having the dog sitting by the curb when the ride arrives can really help calm down any nerves the driver might have had.

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Never used Uber, but so far I had a great experience w Lyft- I always call the driver first, even non-dog-friendly drivers are ok if you are polite & promise to be responsible in case there is any incident, and very important to drivers: make sure if the animal is too large for a carrier to have a big towel, or something for the dog to sit on (so no hairs gets on the car seats)