Does Uber Allow Big Dogs?

The Uber “taxi” service is a convenient and inexpensive form of transportation, available 24/7! They’re great for getting around. But, does Uber allow big dogs?

Uber allows service dogs of all sizes, and non-service big dogs are left to the discretion of any Uber driver. What does this mean? You’re about to find out! We’ll specifically be discussing non-service dogs today, but the safety points and helpful tips herein are for service dogs and non-service dogs alike.

Welcome to the Big Dog Den I’m glad you’re here!

In this article, you’ll discover:

How to Arrange a “Big-Dog-friendly” Uber Ride
Your Responsibilities as a Big Dog Owner
Ways to Keep Your Big Dog Safe in an Uber
3 Great Tips to Make Car Trips Enjoyable for Your Big Dog
Why Travel is Important for Your Big Dog
Some Great Places to Take your Big Dog
Great Alternatives to Uber

…and so much more! I’ve collected the most accurate and up-to-date information straight from the transportation sources, along with safety information provided by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The helpful hints were compiled from owners of big dogs that love to travel and big dogs that do not. I’ve saved you valuable time and compiled all the facts right here, in one complete resource.

I’ll even throw in some fun facts you may not have known that I’ve found along the way!

Let’s dig right in…

How Do I Request a Pet-Friendly Uber?

The time to prepare for using the Uber service is before you need it. Begin with downloading the Uber App from your phone’s App Store. The app is free. When you and your big dog need a ride, you’ll be prepared! Here’s how to arrange a pet-friendly Uber:

In the “Choose a Ride“ section, select the Uber-Pet option. Confirm your selection. Ready your dog for a safe trip and await your Uber. That’s it! It couldn’t be more simple! If the Uber-Pet option isn’t available in your area, take heart! You can communicate with any potential Uber driver via text message to alert them you have a big dog to bring along, and they will advise you of their personal (or company) policies.

WHO KNEW?!? “Uber” is from the German language. It means “the ultimate”.

Does it Cost Extra for a Big Dog to Ride in an Uber?

It does cost extra to bring your pet with you in an Uber. The fee may vary from city to city, but you can expect at least a five-dollar increase to your fare. This isn’t remarkable, as any mode of public transportation that allows animals on board will charge for the convenience and “extra body”. The exception to this may be service dogs, but for the most part, a fee is added for bringing a service dog onto public or private transportation companies.

WHO KNEW?!? It’s customary to tip an Uber driver 10% for adequate service and between 15-20% for exceptional service.

What to Bring for Your Big Dog in an Uber

Anytime you venture out into public with your big dog, there are 3 safety measures to be put in place. This is for the protection of your dog, as well as for the protection of any humans or other animals the two of you may encounter on your outing.

The 3 Safety Measures Are:

A Collar or Harness…or Both! Some big dog breeds will weigh as much as a human adult when they’re grown! For this reason, it’s imperative for a responsible dog-owner to be able to physically confine the dog to an acceptable area (preferably at the owner’s side or feet). Most veterinarians recommend you use a combination of the two for bigger dog breeds. This allows you physical control to enforce your verbal control gained through training your dog. Leashes and harnesses should be made out of a high[quality material like leather or nylon. Additionally, the clasp should be sturdy and secure while being easy for you to clasp or unclasp.
A Leash: Like the collar and/or harness, your big dog’s leash should be made out of a strong, high-quality material with secure and sturdy clasps.
A Muzzle. YES, a Muzzle! You don’t muzzle your big dog because he (or she) is bad, you muzzle a big dog in public because it’s a big dog! A muzzle protects others (and makes them less fearful) and it can protect you from any legal liabilities, as well. In fact, you’ll discover a little further along in this article that some forms of public transportation require a big dog to be muzzled to be on board. If the thought of a muzzle makes you feel uncomfortable, you won’t want to miss “Muzzles: What You MUST Know” right here in the big dog den. Our very own “mascot” Maximus (a 120 pound Rottweiler) is featured in the post, but subject-matter is pertinent for learning about muzzles. Check it out!

WHO KNEW?!? Your big dog can have a bite force of up to (or over!) 300 pounds per square inch!

Is it Safe for My Dog to Ride in an Uber?

Safety should be the primary concern anytime your dog is traveling! Ideally, a big dog would travel inside a crate that is securely strapped into the vehicle. In the real world, though, situations are usually far from ideal sometimes, aren’t they? When taking an Uber, your dog will be safest secured on his (or her) leash at your feet. Dogs who sit on the seat are at risk of injury should the Uber vehicle be involved in a collision.

WHO KNEW?!? Two dogs from the Soviet Union reached space on July 22, 1951. Dogs were the first mammals to be safely recovered from space-flight.

3 Tips for Smooth Uber Rides with a Big Dog

If you have a dog who loves vehicle rides, you are fortunate. Some dogs don’t. Whichever the case may be, here are 3 tips for “smooth sailing” when taking your dog on an Uber ride:

Plan Well: Verify your Uber is pet-friendly, and gather what your dog will need for traveling.
Safety First: Crate your dog if possible. Use a collar and/or harness attached to a leash if not. Muzzles are highly recommended.
Comfort Counts! Don’t feed your dog for at least an hour before traveling, and with-hold water for 30 minutes before your scheduled pick-up. Allow your dog an opportunity to potty before boarding. He (or she) will feel more comfortable with a stomach, bladder, or bowels that aren’t full.

WHO KNEW?!? Dogs who manifest anxiety during vehicle rides can be given a calming remedy like these great choices on Amazon, but should not be given medication to induce sleep.

Is it Good for My Big Dog to Go Places?

Without hesitation or reservation, I can tell you it beneficial to get your dog out of the house frequently. Like humans, dogs are subject to both, loneliness and boredom. The more experiences, other animals, and other human beings your dog encounters, the more sociable the dog will be. What good does socialization do for your dog’s overall well-being? Let’s take a look!

A well-socialized dog is much friendlier and less anxious in new or different situations. The earlier this socialization begins and the more frequently it is experienced, the more “out-going” your dog will become. You can spot a dog almost instantly who lacks adequate social experiences. The tell-tale signs are excessive barking and/or jumping at/on strangers, the display of anxious behaviors, or even aggression! Socializing your big dog should begin as soon as he (or she) masters the 5 basic commands. These are:

Come!
Heel!
Sit!
Down!
Stay!

The reason why it’s best to achieve the 5 basic commands first is simple. Your big dog has an idea of the behaviors you expect from him (or her) after mastering the primary commands. Your dog’s biggest goal in life is to please you. Teaching him (or her) the best way to do so will come via training. When it comes time for your dog to begin having social interactions, your vocal commands (in addition to your body language, which is primarily how your dog understands you) will help make introductions with other animals or humans and interactions smoother.

Additionally, traveling with your dog is mentally stimulating. Your big dog’s mental health is of equal importance to his (or her) physical health! Almost all big breed dogs fall toward the higher end of canine intelligence levels. New places bring new scents to explore, new voices to hear, new activities to experience. All of these things sharpen your dog’s awareness and encourage good mental health!

WHO KNEW?!? Dogs don’t have a long-term memory in the way that we think of one. Rather, they have an associative memory. They associate a repeat encounter with a situation, person or animal with a “memory” of pleasure or displeasure. That’s why a dog you haven’t seen in years will greet you as if they saw you yesterday and why a dog may panic as soon as he (or she) sees the waiting room of the veterinarian’s office.

5 Great Places to Take Your Big Dog in an Uber

So we now understand how traveling to new locations can be as pleasing for our dog(s) as it is for us, but where are some places your big dog might enjoy going? In interviewing owners of big dogs who take their dogs in vehicles (or an Uber ride) frequently, I discovered the top 5 places to go (I’ve taken my own dog to some of them, too!):

Dog Park: There are a couple of benefits from visiting a dog park with your big dog! It’s a great opportunity for that all-important socialization with other dogs and humans. Additionally, the dog park is a safe area for your dog to get exercise outside of his (or her) daily routine. Playing frisbee or fetch with your dog at the dog park strengthens the bond you share with your four-legged companion and is healthy for you, as well!
Friend’s House: Ask your friends or relatives if they’d mind you bringing your dog on your net visit, whether you drive there or utilize an Uber ride. Make sure you bring water from home and anything else your dog may need (depending on the length of the visit), including bags for picking up his (or her) waste. If you don’t have friends or relatives near enough for visiting, consider volunteering to visit nursing homes or hospitals with your big dog. Such programs are growing in popularity as we learn how much a furry visitor can bring cheer to those who most need it! Dogs that do this are called therapy dogs.
Obedience Class: Again, a multi-beneficial place to travel with your dog! Some big dogs weigh as much as a full-grown adult, making exceptional training mandatory. Classes are generally not expensive and obedience classes are another great place for your dog (and you!) to be socially interactive.
Doggie Daycare: As we’ve discovered, big dogs are intelligent, and that intelligence makes them susceptible to both loneliness and boredom. Either condition can promote disruptive (or even destructive!) behaviors. For this reason, it isn’t recommended that big dogs are left alone for extended periods of time in a day. The average amount of time a big dog can be left alone is six hours in a range of four to ten hours (based on breed and temperament of the dog). I can tell you from personal experience that doggie daycare is an excellent option for those who work a full schedule! I work too far away from home to make a quick visit on my lunch hour, so my fur-buddy goes to daycare a couple of times a week.
Pet-friendly Trails: Many walking and hiking trails are pet-friendly, providing your dog is on a leash and that you clean up after him (or her). Check your community’s social media sites to learn which trails in your area allow dogs. Word of mouth is the best way to discover great places you may not even be aware of near-by to where you live.

WHO KNEW?!? It isn’t difficult to share the joy your Big dog brings you with others who desperately need some joy by making him (or her) a therapy dog. It’s best to pursue the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test, but some institutions will welcome you and your dog to volunteer with just an administrative appointment to show your dog is friendly and well-behaved!

Are There Pet-Friendly Alternatives to Uber?

To be clear, I do not advocate one transportation service when it comes to traveling with your big dog. You’ll want to do the research on the available pet-friendly transportation services in your area. Read the review, compare the prices, and make your ultimate decision based on your satisfactory experiences.

If Uber isn’t available, or if you are not satisfied with the service they offer, here are some common alternative transportation methods, and their stance on transporting big dogs:

Taxi-Cabs: My research indicates that taxi-cab companies differ greatly in their policies regarding transporting a big dog. Some companies will allow you to bring your big dog on board, providing he (or she) is restrained and has a blanket, pad or towel to sit on. Call the various taxi companies in your area to discover which are pet-friendly before you need to call a cab!
Trains: Many city trains will allow your big dog to travel with you, but the dog MUST be wearing a muzzle and on a leash. Furthermore, the dog cannot block the train aisle or occupy a seat. Again though, you’ll need to call the train station for specific details.
City Buses: At the risk of sounding repetitious, whether or not you can take your big dog on the city bus will vary according to where you live. The rules and restrictions vary, as well. Some areas have bans on any “bully breeds” (there are more than 20) and the rules may include any of the following: a leash, a muzzle, or a crate.
Subways: The subway system will generally allow you to bring a dog on board, providing they are secured in a crate, and not blocking any foot-traffic areas. This is easier said than done, considering the crowded environment of most subways.
Lyft: This service works in essentially the same way as Uber. Whether or not your big dog can accompany you on a Lyft ride is left to the discretion of the driver. The best way to ensure your dog will be welcome is to book your ride, and then contact the driver. Disclose the size (and temperament) of your dog and the driver will tell you if he (or she) is welcome in their vehicle.

WHO KNEW?!? The word “Lyft” is a branded (and more fun) variation of the word “lift” as in, “Do you need a lift home?”

I’m so glad you took the time to read up on the best ways to get your big dog out of the house with you! I hope you get the chance to enjoy many great destinations together! The Big Dog Den is chock-full of helpful and pertinent information regarding raising big dogs, and the specific challenges and pleasures it can bring… stop by often! I wish you success and good fortune as you experience the best four-legged companion in the world… yours!

*This article has been reviewed in accordance with our editorial policy.