Riding in an Uber with a service animal just got easier
Traveling by Uber with a service animal just got a whole lot smoother.
The rideshare giant launched a new feature for riders with service animals that provides them with the option to self-identify within the app and automatically notify drivers at pickup that they’re picking up a service animal handler.
“We spent two years designing and building this feature in consultation with advocates and service animal handlers,” Uber said in a media release. “Our goal is to foster clearer communication and greater confidence for both riders and drivers.”
Riders do need to fill out an eligibility form in order to bring their service animal with them.
Drivers who accept a ride and then request to cancel it upon pickup because the rider has a service animal will receive an in-app notification reminding them it is against the law to refuse to transport someone because of their service animal. If a self-identified service animal owner experiences a driver cancellation at pickup, an in-app message will be sent asking what happened and what support is needed.
To enable the new service animal feature, riders should do the following:
- Open Uber app, tap Account and then Settings
- Tap Accessibility and select Service animal
- Tap Complete eligibility form
- Complete the eligibility form
- Select I will ride with my service animal
- Choose whether you want drivers to be notified of this information
The feature is available for all riders across the United States.