Uber is finally testing a new feature that allows users to book a Uber which welcomes pets, in select cities, starting October 16th.
Riding an Uber with your pet used to be like playing the lottery: sometimes you win, but most times you don’t. Until now, Uber’s pet policy was nothing short of… blurry. Pets were not unwelcome per say, but the company recommended users contact their drivers prior to bringing their pets in the car, allowing for drivers to cancel the ride should they not wish to have a furry friend on their backseat.
To lower the number of cancellations, disappointment and frustrations on both sides, Uber is now going to experiment with a new option, Uber Pet.
Uber pet will show rides that have pre-approved carrying pets for a surcharge of $3 to $5 in the upfront pricing. Drivers will need to opt in Uber pets and the company said drivers will be guaranteed to receive a “significant portion” of the surcharge on top of their standard trip earnings.
Service animals, however, are exempt. Uber’s policies — which is in accordance with state and federal law — are that service animals are allowed to ride at all times at no extra cost.
Uber Pet will be available to all customers starting on October 16th in the following cities: Austin, Denver, Nashville, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Tampa Bay.
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