Uber Is Launching a Pet-Friendly Option in New Zealand So You Can Finally Take Fido for a Ride

If you're a pet owner, you'll know if can be difficult getting your dog/cat/iguana/parrot/rat from A to B — especially if you don't own a car. Example A: your friend has given you and Fido a ride to the beach, then bailed and left you and the fluffy boy stranded. Sure, you can take your four-legged friend on train services if they're wearing an appropriate muzzle and leash, but you can only travel during restrictive off-peak times and on public holidays.

Thankfully, this type of scenario will be left in the past when Uber Pet launches in Wellington today, Thursday, June 25. Following a successful trial in Auckland, Uber Pet is now permanently available in both cities through the app as a separate option — alongside UberX and Comfort — and will match you with a driver who's happy to pick up pets. It'll cost an extra $5 per ride, with some of that passed onto the drivers, too. While the cat below may not agree, it's really a win-win scenario.

While Uber expects cats and dogs will be the most common passengers, it allows any kind of domesticated animal use the service — at the driver's discretion. Assistance and service animals are still allowed in regular Ubers, as they are on all forms of public transport.

Uber Pet is available in Auckland and Wellington from Thursday, June 25.

Updated: 25 June.