Pets can Uber too with new service by ride-hailing firm

SINGAPORE – Commuters can soon travel on ride-hailing service Uber with their pets and enjoy S$2 off the booking fee waiver till the end of this year.

The service, called “uberPET”, selects drivers who are willing to accept pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, turtles, hamsters, birds in cages and fishes in bowls or plastic bags.

Rates for this service, which will begin on Friday (Oct 20,) will be the same as the current “uberX” service, said Uber on its website.

All “uberPET” requests must include a pet onboard and accompanied by a rider. If there is more than one pet, it is left to the discretion of the driver if they can come onboard.

Uber said it is expecting “high demand for uberPET”, especially on weekends.

To ensure the safety of the animals, the company encourages riders to ensure that their pets are on a leash or kept in their carrier or cage.

During the ride, the rider is responsible for the animal and its behaviour during the trip. There is also no insurance coverage for the animals who are on the service.

If there are any incidents – such as the pet soiling the car – during the ride and requires car cleaning or damage done to the vehicle, the rider will have to pay for the damages.

However, “minor incidents” such as fur shedding will not be charged to the rider, Uber said.