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Should ALL licensed taxis and private hire vehicles be required to accept pets?

Perry Richardson


The issue of whether licensed taxi drivers should be mandated to allow pets in their vehicles has long sparked debate within the UK’s taxi industry. While drivers are legally obligated to carry assistance dogs, the decision to permit other animals remains entirely at their discretion.


On one side of the argument, passengers argue for a universal policy that would ensure all taxis are pet-friendly. Pet owners contend that this would make travelling more convenient and accessible, especially for those who rely on taxis as their primary mode of transport. For passengers without their own vehicles, the ability to bring pets on trips could be seen as an essential service rather than a luxury.

However, taxi drivers have voiced a range of concerns that make such a policy contentious. Hygiene is a significant issue, with fears over lingering odours, fur, or potential messes left behind by animals. Drivers are also concerned about the risk of allergic reactions, either for themselves or for passengers who use the taxi after a pet has travelled in it. There is also the question of potential damage to vehicles, which drivers must maintain at their own expense.


In light of these issues, some ride-hailing platforms have stepped in to bridge the gap by offering tailored services for passengers travelling with pets. For example, Bolt introduced a ‘Pet’ category in London in September 2023, which has since been expanded to 15 other cities across the UK. This service allows passengers to book rides with their pets for an additional fee, providing an opportunity for drivers who opt into the service to earn extra income. Similarly, Uber launched ‘Uber Pet’, which operates under the same premise, charging riders a surcharge to bring pets along.

These services have proven popular among pet owners, as they provide a reliable and transparent option for travelling with animals. For drivers, they also offer a clear choice: those who are comfortable transporting pets can opt into the category, while others can avoid it entirely. This approach strikes a balance between catering to customer demand and respecting drivers’ autonomy.


The broader debate for some cabbies, however, revolves around whether such specialised services are sufficient or whether a more uniform policy is necessary. Some industry observers might argue that mandatory acceptance of pets could reduce confusion and provide a more equitable experience for passengers. Others might suggest that the current flexibility allows for a better alignment of driver preferences and passenger needs.

From a regulatory perspective, there are no current proposals to make the acceptance of pets mandatory for all licensed taxi drivers. The issue remains at the discretion of local licensing authorities and operators. However, the growing availability of pet-friendly services from major operators like Bolt and Uber indicates a shift towards meeting this specific demand without imposing blanket requirements on the entire industry.


As the demand for pet-friendly travel continues to grow, the taxi and ride-hailing industry may need to find new ways to adapt. Whether this will result in regulatory changes or further reliance on tailored services remains to be seen.


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