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Can You Bring Cats In A Lyft – Traveling Tips & More

Can You Bring Cats In A Lyft – Traveling Tips & More

As a pet parent, moving around with your beloved feline can get a little troublesome if you don’t have your own means of transport. That’s where ride-booking companies can come in handy. However, with issues like company policy, hygiene regulations, medical conditions coming into play, it’s not uncommon for cat parents to wonder whether you can bring cats in a Lyft?

According to Lyft’s pet policy, you can bring your pet along for the ride if it’s a service animal, under federal law. On the flip side, if your pet isn’t a service animal, as per Lyft’s policy, the driver has the discretion to decide to take on a passenger with a pet. 

If you’re concerned about what the fine print of Lyft’s pet policy involves or how to go about booking a ride without hassle in case of emergencies – we’ve got you covered. 

This article will walk you through how to go about booking a Lyft ride with a pet, what your options are if the driver declines, and other viable options for cat owners looking for pet-friendly means of transport.

Is Lyft Pet-friendly

With pollution on the rise and no end to the horror of commuter traffic, many people find it convenient to ditch their car for a more comfortable option. And that’s hardly surprising with alternatives like ride-hailing companies, public transport, etc. 

But, pet parents need to be aware of transport options that allow them to travel safely with their furbabies. After all, you may need to commute with your pet for several reasons, the most important being veterinarian appointments or medical emergencies. 

Ride booking apps, like Lyft, are well-aware of this situation and have constructed their pet policy to reflect their sensitivity to the needs of pet parents. The company’s guidelines can be divided into service animal and non-service animal policies. 

If you’re traveling with a service animal (working animals trained to assist individuals with disabilities), Lyft requires all its drivers to adhere to federal law and accommodate such passengers. If a driver refuses a ride to someone traveling with a service animal, they can face permanent deactivation. 

Now, since cats don’t qualify as service animals, Lyft’s non-service animal pet policy states that drivers have the discretion to decide to take on a passenger traveling with a pet. That means, once you’ve booked a ride with Lyft, you’ll have to reach out to the driver and let them know you intend to travel with your cat. 

If the driver agrees, that’s great, and your problem is solved. If the driver refuses to travel with a pet due to any reason, you have the option of canceling that ride and booking a new one. What’s more, Lyft’s more than willing to waive off cancellation charges in such circumstances. 

In short, Lyft’s policies reflect the needs of pet parents, but they’re also respectful towards the personal needs and preferences of the drivers as independent contractors.

How To Travel With Your Cat In A Lyft

Most felines don’t take very well to travel. Something about leaving the comfort of their home stresses them out and can lead to agitation. 

Constant yowling or scuttling around the car may not be a concern for cat owners with personal transport; however, it can be a concern if you’re relying on ride-booking apps like Lyft. 

That’s why feline parents should be aware of the steps they can take to make the ride safe and agreeable for their pet and the driver. Here are some measures you can take to keep your pet calm and relaxed during the ride.  

  • Invest In A Pet Carrier

Traveling with a pet in a ride-booking car without the assistance of a carrier can be problematic for several reasons. The presence of a cat moving about in the vehicle can affect the driver’s attention, which you want to avoid. 

Then there’s the fact that carriers can help minimize the chances of your pet leaving, creating a mess on the seats or floors of the vehicle – which the driver will highly appreciate. 

  • Bring A Few Essential Supplies

Going out with a cat (or any other pet) isn’t unlike traveling with a baby. That means you’re going to want to carry around a few essential supplies in case trouble rears its head. 

It’s a good idea to carry items like wet wipes, biodegradable poop bags (to throw the waste or garbage in), your kitty’s favorite treats, etc. 

  • Calm Your Pet Before The Ride 

If your vet has prescribed anti-anxiety medication for your pet for stressful situations like travel, ensure you give your cat the medicine a few minutes before the trip. This will help the medication kick in by the time it’s time to take your pet for the ride. 

How To Book A Ride On Lyft For Traveling With Your Cat

Right, now that you know the basics of pet travel with Lyft, let’s focus on how you can go about booking a ride to travel with your cat. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow to ensure a trouble-free Lyft ride when going out with your cat. 

Step 1: Book The Ride

Open the Lyft app on your smartphone and book a ride to your destination. Once the ride’s been confirmed, you’ll receive some basic information about the driver, including their contact number.

Step 2: Contact the Driver

Once you have the driver’s contact info, call them immediately to inform them you’ll be traveling with a pet. Ensure you give out all the details required and any precautions you’ll be taking (traveling with a pet carrier) to put any of the driver’s anxieties at ease. 

Step 3: Wait For The Ride Or Book A New One

If the driver has no issues traveling with a pet, all you need to do is wait for the ride to arrive.

However, if the driver refuses to travel with a pet for personal reasons (i.e., allergies), cancel the ride and book a new one. Be sure to contact Lyft and inform them of the cancellation and the reason to avoid cancellation fees. Next, follow steps 1 to 3 for booking a new ride. 

Things To Consider

If everything goes according to plan and you’re on your way to your destination with your pet in tow, here are a few considerations to keep in mind to show the driver your appreciation. 

1. Be Courteous

Remember, Lyft policy gives drivers the discretion to accept rides with non-service animals. So, when you do find a driver who’s willing to accept a ride with pets, it’s your job to leave a good impression for future customers in a similar situation. 

Take adequate measures to make the driver problem-free for the driver and your pet. Make sure you’re equipped to deal with pet accidents without damaging or soiling the car in any way. This is where pet carriers, disposable plastic bags, and wet wipes will come in handy. 

2. Tip Your Driver

Another way to show the driver your appreciation for their willingness to take on pets is to leave a good tip. When a Lyft driver accepts a ride with pets, they’re taking a risk that may result in damage to their car. For instance, some pets chew on seats; others can end up soiling the vehicle or making a mess. 

Leaving your driver a tip will reflect your gratitude and make the driver more comfortable accepting rides involving transporting pets. You can also help future customers by leaving good feedback and mentioning that you traveled with your pet.