When flying with a pet, owners should always research rental car, Lyft and Uber pet policies before departure to avoid surprises when landing and securing a car. Here are pet policies of rental as well as on-call agencies when it comes to accepting your furry friends.
Uber
Drivers are expected to comply with all state, federal and local laws regarding the transportation of riders with disabilities and the use of service animals.
Uber’s policy on pets varies by region, and it’s ultimately up to the individual driver whether they allow pets in their vehicle. In some areas, Uber offers a “Pet Friendly” option within the app, where drivers are more likely to accept riders traveling with pets. Riders can select this option when requesting a ride to notify drivers that they will be accompanied by a pet.
If a rider wishes to bring a pet on an Uber ride, it’s recommended to contact the driver in advance through the app’s messaging feature to confirm that they are comfortable with the arrangement. Additionally, riders should take steps to ensure their pet is well-behaved, clean, and properly restrained during the ride.
Lyft
Lyft also allows riders to bring pets along for the ride, but it’s subject to the discretion of the individual driver. Like Uber, Lyft encourages riders to contact the driver in advance to confirm that they are comfortable with transporting a pet.
Lyft doesn’t have a specific option for pet-friendly rides within the app, so riders should communicate with the driver and provide details about their pet when requesting a ride. It’s important to respect the driver’s decision if they prefer not to transport pets in their vehicle.
Tips for Traveling with Pets in Uber or Lyft:
- Communicate in Advance: Contact the driver through the app’s messaging feature before the ride to inform them that you’ll be traveling with a pet. This allows the driver to make an informed decision about whether they’re comfortable with the arrangement.
- Be Respectful: Respect the driver’s decision if they’re not comfortable transporting pets in their vehicle. In such cases, it’s best to cancel the ride and request another one.
- Prepare Your Pet: Ensure your pet is well-behaved, clean, and properly restrained during the ride. Bring a pet carrier or travel crate if necessary to keep your pet secure and comfortable.
- Clean Up After Your Pet: Be prepared to clean up any pet hair or messes that may occur during the ride. Consider bringing a towel or blanket to protect the car seats and minimize cleanup.
- Tip Generously: If the driver accommodates your pet and provides excellent service, consider tipping them as a gesture of appreciation.
Ace Rent A Car
www.acerentacar.com
(877) 822-3872
customercare@acerentacar.com
Pets are fine to ride in vehicles; however, renters are responsible to any damage done to the vehicle and may be charged a cleaning fee for pet hair.
Advantage Rent A Car
www.advantage.com
Reservations: 800-777-5500
Customer Service: 800-777-5524
Advantage Rent-A-Car allows pets to ride in vehicles. For the health and comfort of subsequent renters of the vehicle who may be allergic to animal dander, the vehicle must be returned in its original condition with no animal hair or feathers anywhere in or on the vehicle. Renters whose vehicles require a detailed cleaning to remove animal hair or address sanitary issues will be assessed a $75 fee.
Alamo Rent A Car
www.alamo.com
Reservations: 877-222-9075
Customer Service: 800-445-5664
Alamo allows pets to ride in rental vehicles confined in carriers, however, to avoid cleaning fees of up to $450, vehicles should be returned clean and free of pet hair.
Avis Rent A Car
www.avis.com
Reservations: 800-331-1212
Customer Service: 800-352-7900
Avis allows pets to ride in rental vehicles, however to avoid cleaning fees vehicles should be returned clean and free of pet hair.
Budget Rent A Car
www.budget.com
Reservations: 800-527-0700
Customer Service: 800-214-6094
Housebroken pets are invited to travel in your Budget rental car, just as they do in your personal car. Although Budget doesn’t assess an extra fee for pets, pet owners will incur an additional charge for any damage caused by animals, or any special cleaning required as a result of shedding or accidents.
Dollar Rent A Car
Reservations: 866-776-6667
Customer Service: 866-776-6667
Pets are allowed to ride in the vehicles with no additional fees. Dollar suggests that the pet be kept in a carrier or crate. Renters are responsible for any damage caused by the pet, and to avoid cleaning charges of $50-$250, vehicles should be returned clean and free of pet hair.
Enterprise Rent A Car
Reservations: 800-261-7331
Customer Service: 800-264-6350
Most locations allow pets in the vehicles, as long as they are confined to a carrier. Renters are responsible for any damage caused by the pet, and to avoid cleaning charges, vehicles should be returned clean and free of pet hair. Call central reservations to determine the policy for your rental location.
EZ Rent A Car
www.e-zrentacar.com
Reservations: 800-277-5177
Customer Service: 800-277-5177
Pets are welcome if they are confined to a carrier. There are no fees or deposits. Renters are responsible for any damage done to the vehicle.
Fox Rent A Car
www.foxrentacar.com
Reservations: 800-225-4639
Customer Service: 800-225-4639
Pets are welcome. There are no fees or deposits. Renters are responsible for any damage and are subject to a cleaning fee if the vehicle is returned dirty.
Hertz Rent A Car
www.hertz.com
Reservations: 800-654-3131
Customer Service: 888-777-6095
Hertz allows domestic pets to ride in vehicles with 24-hour advance notice. Cars will be equipped wth protection grills between passenger seats. Locations in Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, Luleå, Nyköping and Skavsta Airport offer a safety grille installation service – just let them know at least 24 hours before vehicle collection. Although Hertz doesn’t charge an extra fee for pets, pet owners will incur an additional charge for any damage caused by animals, or any special cleaning required as a result of shedding or accidents.
National Rent A Car
www.nationalcar.com
Reservations: 877-222-9058
Customer Service: 800-468-3334
Pets are allowed to ride in the vehicles confined in a carrier with no additional fees. Renters are responsible for any damage caused by the pet, and to avoid cleaning charges, vehicles should be returned clean and free of pet hair.
Payless Car Rental
www.paylesscarrental.com
Reservations: 800-729-5377
Customer Service: 727-321-6352
Payless allows pets to travel in their vehicles as long as cars are returned free of pet hair and smells to avoid a cleaning fee of up to $250.
SilverCar
www.silvercar.com
Reservations: 855-359-2227
Customer Service: 855-359-2227
Pets are welcome as long as they are traveling in an airline-compliant pet carrier. Renters are responsible for any damage caused to the vehicle.
Sixt Rent A Car
www.sixt.com
Reservations: 888 749 8227
Customer Service: 888 749 8227
Customers must return their rental car in clean condition and free of pet hair to avoid cleaning and detailing fees.
Thrifty Rent A Car
Reservations: 800-847-4389
Customer Service: 800-847-4389
Most locations allow pets in the vehicles, as long as they are confined to a carrier. Renters are responsible for any damage caused by the pet, and to avoid cleaning charges of $50-$250, vehicles should be returned clean and free of pet hair. Call central reservations to determine the policy for your rental location.
Tips when renting a car with a pet
- Bathe and groom your pet before travel.
- Choose upholstery that is easy to clean.
- Bring a seat cover.
- Confine your pet to one area of the car.
- Keep your pet dry.
- Don’t leave your pet unattended in the car.
- Vaccuum the car before returning the rental.
Companies that do not permit pets in their rentals
- Europcar
- Ubeeqo
- U-Save
- Interrent
- Enterprise Car Club
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