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Uber’s Service Animal Policy

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Uber is working to make catching a ride easier, safer, and always a five-star experience. They connect the rider with affordable transportation anytime, anywhere, all at a tap of a button. You can also see your driver’s contact information and the vehicle’s details in the app, so you will always know you’re getting into the right car.

This company is working towards making the most affordable and pleasant experience they can when it comes to using this type of transportation, and that includes working with those folks that need a Service Animal.

In this post, we will cover Uber’s Service Animal policies in both the United States and Canada, so that you can ride in style and with peace-of-mind.

Does Uber Allow Service Animals?

US and Canada Uber drivers must allow service animal in their vehicles.

US and Canada Uber drivers must allow service animals in their vehicles. If you experience discrimination, please contact Uber customer service.

In both the United States and Canada, Uber does allow Service Animals into their vehicles. However, be aware of their definition of “service.”

According to Uber’s website, a Service Animal is one that assists the person with a disability that is both visible and nonvisible.

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What Are the Uber Rules in the United States Regarding Service Animals?

Uber in the United States does allow Service Animals in their vehicles as both state and Federal laws prevent the discrimination against these working animals.

In the US, Uber defines a Service Animal as one that is trained to perform tasks for an individual with a disability.

There are only two questions a driver may ask the disabled individual to confirm his/her need for the Service Animal;

  • 1. Is the animal required because of a disability?
  • 2. What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?

Note: The driver-partner may not request that the rider present documentation proving that the rider’s animal is a Service Animal. In the United States, there is also no requirement that a Service Animal must wear a tag, be registered, or display any proof that it is a Service Animal.

If you require a Service Animal and are refused entry to an Uber due to having one, the driver-partner will be permanently banned from using the Driver app.

There are also no cleaning fees charged for the shedding of a Service Animal or the first and second reported incidences of its bodily fluids. However, you may be charged a cleaning fee for the third reported incident of bodily fluids emitted by your Service Animal.

What Are the Uber Rules in Canada Regarding Service Animals?

If your Uber driver does not accept your Service Animal, you can contact Uber's customer service.

If your Uber driver does not accept your Service Animal, you can contact Uber’s customer service.

There are two ways that Uber will qualify an animal as a Service Animal in Canada;

  • 1. The animal is easily identified as a service animal. For example, it is wearing a service vest or harness and is helping the individual.
  • 2. The person may also present documentation confirming the animal is a Service Animal. This could be in the form of a letter from a health professional stating that the animal is needed due to a disability, a government-issued Service-Animal card, or, in Quebec, a certificate from a Service-Animal training school.

Note: In Canada, a driver may ask to see this documentation.

Canadian laws prohibit Uber driver-partners using the Driver App from discriminating against riders with Service Animals.

If a driver refuses to give the rider service due to a Service Animal, it is considered to be a discriminatory act, and they will lose their ability to use the Driver app.; as explained in Uber’s Non-Discrimination Policy,

“Riders cannot be charged cleaning fees for shedding by their service animals. Riders will be refunded any cleaning fees charged for shedding by their service animals.

A rider will not be charged for the first or second reported mess involving a service animal’s bodily fluids. A rider can be charged for the third reported mess involving a service animal’s bodily fluids. The rider may contest that such a mess occurred by responding to the fee notification email to notify customer support.”

Riding With “Non-Service” Animals

The definition of “Service Animal” within the Uber policy is well-defined. Therefore an Emotional Support Animal would not fall under this definition. According to their website, when riding with “non-service” animals they suggest it’s good practice to contact the driver who accepts your ride request. Using your app, send a text message or call to let the driver know you’d like to bring a pet.

They also suggest you bring a crate or blanket to help reduce the risk of damage or mess. Some drivers may keep a blanket in the trunk.

Conclusion

Both the United States and Canada will accept the Service Animal in the Uber, but both regions also have their requirements; this is especially important to know if you are traveling from one country to the next. Know your rights when it comes to bringing your Service Animal in an Uber and plan accordingly.

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About the Author: The writing team at Service Dog Certifications is made up of folks who really know their stuff when it comes to disability laws and assistance animals. Many of our writers and editors have service dogs themselves and share insights from their own experiences. All of us have a passion for disability rights and animals.

9 comments

  1. Marc Rettus says: May 16, 2019

    I love dogs.

    Having said that, I have thoroughly researched the law in the states.

    Therapy dogs have zero rights. None.

    I was in a library once, with a blind person. A therapy dog was nearby. The dog stands up and starts barking, for no apparent reason, scaring my blind friend terribly.

    This dog should have been kicked out of the library.

    By the way, if a service dog misbehaves, it can be told to leave, too.

    Reply
  2. Scott says: August 4, 2019

    I was permanently banned from Uber for refusing an emotional support animal. Uber refused to correspond with me on my side of the story. I asked the passenger ( smoking a cig standing on the curb) what service does he provide and he replied he’s my emotional support dog. I simply apologized and told him it was st pats day and i could not take a non service Animal at that particular time. Within 5 minutes i was terminated. Uber’s only response was a computer response saying i was allergic and afraid of dogs. I have 3 dogs and a rabbit. Uber is a horrible company. They also asked me to keep driving Uber eats. I laughed. I take lots of legit service Animals every week due to a printing house for the blind in my area. I would never ever refuse a legit Service Animal.

    Reply
    • J says: April 26, 2022

      I’m allergic to dogs this is why I turn off Uber pet rides. Regardless if your animal is a service dog or not you can’t get in my car. I may have a serious allergic reaction and then we will have a larger problem! Make sure you order a vehicle that allows pets to avoid this issue!

    • Missy m says: May 25, 2022

      Your ignorant service animals DO NOT NEED TO BE REGISTERED… what makes a service animal one of service is its training of following commands that apply to the persons medical condition…do your research before your dumb ass post
      Mandatory registration of service animals is not permissible under the ADA. However, as stated above, service animals are subject to the same licensing and vaccination rules that are applied to all dogs.
      There are individuals and organizations that sell service animal certification or registration documents online. These documents do not convey any rights under the ADA and the Department of Justice does not recognize them as proof that the dog is a service animal.

  3. Norrine Jensen says: December 21, 2019

    On December 20th at 1:11 PM I ordered a Uber the driver was Mexican, did not speck English. He was driving a Chevrolet Impala MH6320. When the driver arrived and saw my dog I tried to tell him that he was a Service Dog. However, he keep telling me that I could not bring my dog in his car.

    It was clearly discrimination. When I reported to Uber I was treated very bad my Meagan M, she made me feel as if it was my fault. Rude, Rude, Rude, she asked me what my dog was wearing. What kind of a question was that.

    If a driver does not speck English or can not understand English what is he doing driving an Uber? I have always taken my dog with me and never once had a problem with a Uber driver. My dog has traveled with to two counties and I never had a problem with any airlines. Whats up with you Uber.

    Reply
    • William Thomas says: February 23, 2020

      Norrine – It’s the driver. Not Uber.

    • Dwkeyman says: March 5, 2020

      First of all you are committing fraud with Uber’s policy. There are dog owners that the dogs have been rescued, they are lap dogs. Uber will one day realize after lawsuit, that real service dogs need to be registered. So the customer does not commit fraud, with a lap, companion, or rescue dog. It is the drivers property. Not Ubers. There will be a time when owners, will have to put their companion dogs in a cage to travel. Mark my words

  4. Imran says: June 25, 2023

    I was really interested in doing Uber as a side hustle to make some extra money. The pet policy is precisely the reason why I decided not to sign up. I don’t want dogs in my car. Period!. Instead I take an extra assignment at work and that extra pay suffices. Uber drivers should have the option of no animals in the car, drivers can have allergies too.

    Reply
  5. Imad says: July 24, 2023

    I think driver got the right to accept or deny to transport people with service animals , UBER should do an option in the app like uber animal and uber connect and driver have the right to choose it or not ..
    This means Uber force driver to do the ride .

    Reply

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