How to Bring a Pet on a Lyft Ride

Co-authored by Christopher Batchelor

Last Updated: February 16, 2022 Approved

For most owners who don’t have their own means of transportation, getting from one place to another with their pets is always a big challenge. Not everyone will let you bring your dog inside their cars or cabs either due to personal hygiene, company policy, or medical conditions. Lyft understands these kinds of problems; that’s why it doesn’t prohibit pet owners from using its service. All you have to do is let your Lyft driver know. However, unless your dog is a legitimate service dog, not a pet or companion, it is still up to the driver's discretion to transport you or not.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Getting a Lyft Ride

1
Open the Lyft app on your phone. Tap the app’s icon from your phone’s home screen to open it.
2
Request a ride. Tap the “Request a Lyft” button from the app’s screen, and the nearest driver will arrive to pick you up.
- You’ll also receive some basic information about the driver, including his or her name, the car they’re driving, and their contact number

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Informing the Driver

1
Call the driver’s number displayed on Lyft. Take your phone and immediately contact the Lyft driver before he or she comes to pick you up.
2
Inform the driver that you have your pet with you. Let the driver know that you’re with your pet before they arrive so that they know what to expect and make needed adjustments.
- If you are a service dog handler traveling with your legitimate service dog (one that performs trained tasks to mitigate your disability) you do not have to call the driver. You may choose to but, by federal law, you are not required to call ahead.
- Drivers with medical conditions like allergies have logical reasons why they need to decline from giving you a ride. However, the law still protects service dog handlers and their dogs. If a driver must refuse you for medical reasons, they must notify Lyft immediately and Lyft must send another driver to you immediately.
- Lyft abides to the American Disability Act and has a No-Discrimination policy, which covers people who have service animals. Drivers who decline to give a lift to people with service dogs will be banned and removed from the Lyft service.
EXPERT TIP

Christopher Batchelor
Former Lyft & Uber Driver
Christopher Batchelor has been driving for Lyft since July 2017 and Uber since August 2017. He has made more than 3300 combined rides as a driver for these ride-sharing services.

Christopher Batchelor
Former Lyft & Uber Driver

Lyft drivers can not turn away a service animal. According to Uber and Lyft driver Chris Batchelor: "Service animals are allowed on Lyft rides, regardless of the service they're providing. As a driver, I always allow animals to come along. I just ask for the animal's name in case they join me in the passenger's seat."
3
Take the ride. Once you’ve properly informed the Lyft driver of your companion, just wait for them to arrive and come pick you up on the designated location.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Specifics For Service Dogs

1
Know the law. In the US, federal law (The Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA) only protects people with legitimate Service Dogs. A Lyft driver is required to transport a service dog handler and their dog and only required to transport a service dog and handler.
2
Don't pretend your dog is a service dog if it isn't. It is against the law and punishable by a large fine to falsely represent your pet or companion dog as a service dog. Companion dogs, therapy dogs and emotional support dogs are not service dogs. Although a service dog handler can, if they choose to, call Lyft to tell them they are traveling with their service dog they are not required to.

Community Q&A

Question

Do I have to crate? My dog is well-behaved, and petrified in crate.

Community Answer

It's up to the driver. Ask when you calling ahead. If it's OK, be sure to bring a clean blanket or towel to place on the seat.
Question

How to verify a service dog?

Robbieleeactor

Community Answer

Legally, you only have to answer the question: "What service does the dog provide for you?" Keep in mind that an honest answer is best as making a false statement is against the law. No paperwork or special collar or dog vest is required in California.
Question

Can I bring an emotional support dog on a Lyft ride?

Community Answer

Yes, an emotional support animal has the same rules as a pet. A driver is not legally required to take you anywhere with the dog, however, since it is not a service dog.