Your furry friend can now come along for the ride when you hop into an Uber — for a fee.
Uber this week announced the launch of Uber Pet in the Boston area, allowing users to book rides with pet-friendly drivers for a $6 surcharge.
According to the company, drivers who agree to participate in Uber Pet will receive a significant portion of the surcharge in addition to their base fare earnings.
The service also launched in Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Orlando, Chicago, New Orleans and Washington D.C. Tuesday.
The company started testing Uber Pet in October 2019 in Denver, Austin, Nashville, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Tampa Bay.
Veterinarian Dr. Brian Bourquin said the option is huge for his clients at the Boston Veterinary Clinic.
“After clients just had their little furry friend here for a sick visit, the last thing they want is to think about is how to get that animal home,” Bourquin said.
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He said it is also an added bonus knowing drivers have to opt in to the new feature.
“They are pet-friendly so they are going to understand the panting and a little bit of hair and hopefully be a pet enthusiast versus just a fare,” Bourquin said.
Uber recommends keeping pets on a leash or in a crate during the ride, and bringing a towel or blanket to reduce damage to the seat. Pets should never be left unattended.
Lyft, Uber's main competitor, allows drivers to decide whether to allow pets in their cars, according to the company's pet policy.
Although Uber says riders with service animals are still able to bring animals with them on rides without an additional cost, issues have been reported.
