April 4, 2025
Uber for Pets
Uber for Pets.
Last updated: 13 June 2025 (*The Uber pet fee is still $6–$7, service coverage is unchanged since 2020).
Ever tried coaxing a cab driver to let your Labrador hop in the back seat? Or juggled a cat carrier on a hot summer footpath because no rideshare would take you? Pet owners know that simply getting from A to B is no mean feat without your own car. I had this experience when I relocated back to a city and found myself without a car again. After four years of convenience, having a house with a garage and a car outside, being back in Sydney with nowhere to park meant that I sold my car and had to rely on taxis again when I needed to visit the animal doctor. On a visit to the vet, I ordered an Uber Pet and watched as Backer crouched in his carrier, eyes wide, while the driver handed me a spare towel for the seat and took us to our destination. It reduced the stress of having to flag down a cab on the street and then watch as they saw the cat carrier and drove on.
That’s why Uber quietly rolled out Uber Pet—its answer to the “Sorry, no animals” problem. Choose the Pet option, pay a few extra dollars (usually about six or seven), and you’re matched with a driver who’s happy to welcome a dog or cat—so long as they’re safely secured.
The service first popped up in Sydney and Brisbane, then on 25 June 2020 began offering services in Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide joined the list, followed by coastal favourites like the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Cairns, and even further afield to Canberra, Hobart, Geelong, Wollongong and Darwin.
It’s a solid start, yet big patches of Australia—especially regional towns—are still left phoning friends or driving themselves when they need to move a pet.
I spoke with Sean Dunwoody who drives Uber in Cairns with his pet dog Munt. He said, “I spend 24 hours a day with Munt. From tucked up in bed together all night to driving Uber each day (she’s completed over 26,000 Uber trips with me).” He went on to say, “I think she might hold the record for the dog who has done the most Uber rides.”
Let’s look at why rolling Uber Pet out nationwide is a win for owners and their animals.
1. Most Owners Are Responsible
The chances of problems occurring regularly are extremely low. The majority of pet owners are responsible, after all, and Uber allows for drivers to exercise their discretion. The majority of owners are going to be transporting cats and dogs, and they’ll be leashed, harnessed and contained in a carrier for safety. If the owner intends to bring a more aggressive animal, they are likely to bring along a car carrier or crate for their pet. For those who don’t, they will learn quickly; the cleaning fees are on a case-by-case basis and will usually cost more than the trip itself. The system is self-correcting in this regard.
There are strict rules about travelling with pets in cars, and it is best to familiarise yourself with these before booking an Uber. For example, ‘The RSPCA believes that companion animals must be safely restrained when travelling in/on a vehicle or vessel, as appropriate to the species and individual animal [1].”
2. Skip the pet-roulette: why the Uber Pet button is best
Get a regular taxi with your dog in tow and you never really know what’ll happen. One driver might wave you in; the next might “cancel” the moment they spot the carrier. If you’re racing to a vet visit or trying to catch a train, that sudden cancellation feels massively unfair and inconvenient. With the Uber Pet option, all that friction disappears. For a few extra dollars, you’re matched with someone who already expects paws on the seat; the surcharge covers the risk of fur, mud, or sneezes. Everyone starts the ride on the same page—far smoother than crossing your fingers with a regular taxi or rideshare.
3. A Fairer Deal for Drivers
Extra income is always welcome—whether someone drives for Uber full-time or just to top up their paycheck. The Pet option helps with that. Most animals ride quietly beside their owners, so the trip goes just as smoothly as a regular fare, but the driver earns an extra six or seven dollars for the trouble. On those rare occasions when a pet makes a mess, Uber’s cleaning-fee policy covers the cost of vacuuming fur or wiping muddy paw prints. Claims are reviewed case by case, so drivers aren’t left out of pocket. According to the Uber website, “Uber Pet trips add a $6–$7 surcharge and still require pets to be restrained for safety.”
In short, Uber Pet means fewer awkward surprises at pickup and another small revenue stream for the people behind the wheel.
4. A Ride That Makes Everyone Smile
Few things brighten a shift like a happy dog in the back seat or a curious cat peeking out of a carrier—and plenty of rideshare drivers feel the same way. For those who enjoy a bit of furry company, Uber Pet turns an ordinary fare into something more fun while adding a little extra income.
Drivers who prefer a hair-free car can simply stay out of the program, so owners aren’t matched with someone who would rather avoid animals. The result is easy: pet lovers on both sides of the app end up sharing the ride, and everyone else carries on as usual.
5. Good for Riders, Good for the Bottom Line
Put yourself in a pet owner’s shoes: if time isn’t critical, you’ll probably ring a friend with a pet-friendly car before gambling on a random rideshare. By giving people a guaranteed “yes” for their four-legged passengers, Uber captures trips that might otherwise never be booked.
Every extra fare nudges the company’s revenue upward, and drivers who opt in earn a little more on each run. It’s smart business—especially if Uber rolls it out before rival apps offer the same perk.
Everybody Wins
Uber Pet ticks boxes for every party involved. Pet owners get peace of mind—no more frantic calls or last-minute cancellations when a furry passenger is in tow. Drivers pocket a little extra for each trip, all while choosing when (or if) they want to accept animal rides. Most important of all, pets travel safely and comfortably instead of being left behind or squeezed onto overcrowded public transport.
The ripple effect goes beyond a single ride. Reliable pet transport means more owners can reach vets, dog parks, and obedience classes without hassle. Small businesses (think dog-friendly cafés, groomers, and pet-friendly hotels) see increased foot traffic because getting there is suddenly simpler. And every successful journey reinforces a culture that values animals as companions, not cargo.
Rolling out Uber Pet nationwide would amplify those benefits: more income for drivers, more loyalty for Uber, and a happier, healthier life on the move for Australia’s four-legged travellers. That sounds like a win worth backing.
FAQ
“Can I bring two pets?” Yes, but each must fit safely, and the driver can decline.
“Do assistance animals require Uber Pet?” → No; they are accepted without surcharge under Australian law.
Tell us your first Uber Pet ride @petfriendlyaustralia
Read next: travelling-with-pets-feeding-dogs-on-the-go
👩💼 About the Author
Carla has clocked up a number of Uber Pet trips while researching pet transport options for Travelling with Pets. With over a decade of experience researching Australia’s pet-friendly places, she has contributed to major publications including Caravan World, Dogs Life, and Camper Trailer Australia, among many others. Carla is passionate about making travel more accessible—and enjoyable—for pets and their humans.