Is Lyft Dog-Friendly?

If you don’t have your own vehicle, then you may have encountered some difficulty in getting a ride with your dog in tow. Some cab drivers have the right to refuse you service based on personal reasons when it comes to pets riding in their car.

Lyft is trying to take the hassle out of this experience. Is Lyft dog-friendly? The answer to this question is dependant on the driver.

In this post, we will cover some important facts when it comes to catching a Lyft with your dog.

Service Dogs Are Allowed on Lyft

It’s a law that you cannot discriminate against a person that needs the help of a Service Dog. If you are disabled, then the Lyft company must find you a driver that does not have an issue with a canine in their cab.

However, be aware that under the definition of “service” your dog must be trained to help you with a task that you cannot do for yourself. This could include (but is not limited to) opening doors, picking up dropped items or alerting you to an oncoming medical condition.

You do not have to inform the driver that you will be traveling with a Service Dog as this goes against your legal rights.

Traveling With Pets Through Lyft

When traveling with a pet (a non-service animal) there are a few basic steps to making your experience a pleasant one through the Lyft company.

Step # 1 – Tap the App

Open the Lyft app on your cellular device and tap it to place the call. The “Request a Lyft” icon will appear to answer your call. The nearest driver will be there shortly to assist you. You will also be given some necessary information about the driver (car they are driving, driver’s name, and contact number).

Step # 2 – Inform the Driver

Since the decision to pick up pets is left up to the individual driver, you will need to inform yours that you will be traveling with a pet. If the driver has an issue with your dog (i.e. allergies or a fear), then you can cancel the ride and call for another driver to assist you.

Be sure to be honest with your driver concerning the size and weight of your canine companion. Some drivers may not take issue with a smaller breed.

Step # 3 – Be Prepared

As a common courtesy, bring a towel for your dog to sit on (if he is not a lap dog). This helps control your dog’s shedding onto the seat. If your dog gets nervous in cars, then you may want to kennel him for the ride. Most driver’s do not have a problem transporting animals that are contained.

Lastly, be sure to leave your driver a generous tip. Lyft does not require their drivers to transport no-service dogs, so show your appreciation by giving them a little extra for their trouble.

Conclusion

Lyft is making every effort to assist their clients with pets, but are also taking into consideration their drivers that have an issue with dogs and other pets. For the sake of both employee and customer, Lyft has left the decision to transport pets in the hands of their drivers.

Be sure to inform your driver of your pet when you order the Lyft and follow some courtesy practices to ensure your ride goes off without a hitch.