Dog-friendly LondonGetting around
By The LondogOctober 14, 2018March 8th, 201916 Comments
Getting around by public transport in London with a dog is great. Still, there are instances where you may need (or prefer) a car ride to travel with your four-legged. In this guide we tell you all about finding a dog-friendly taxi, cab, mini-cab or ride in London, stress-free!
The time we took a plane with Argo and had to carry our luggage and his crate to Heathrow, we found ourselves in the situation of needing a taxi ride. But this is only one example of the times you may need one. Think about when you need to rush your dog to the vet, avoid one of those heavy rain days or unbearable heath of the tube on the most scorching day of the year, or visit your family or friends on Christmas Day, when public transport closure would otherwise preclude you doing so. A cab or minicab welcoming your dog would come in handy.
While taxi drivers and private hires (minicabs and chaffeurs) cannot refuse guide and assistance dogs, they are not required to allow your non-guide dog on board, so knowing your dog-friendly taxi and cab options beforehand is essential. We put together a list of alternatives and investigated how easy it is to book a dog-friendly cab with each of them and compared the fares, so you don’t have to go through the hassle.
#1. Dogs on black cabs: Gett app
Many black cabs allow dogs. Back in August I had the chance to experience how welcoming they are when travelling around London by cab with two small doggies and their owner (Miss Darcy and George with May, from Miss Darcy’s Adventures), to take photos around London’s main attractions. However, as this is the driver’s discretion, it can be a good idea to check in advance, especially if you have a large dog.
There is a way to do this with Gett, the black cab app (which doesn’t seem to have a desktop version), although I must say it is not the most user-friendly and stress-free one. In fact, unfortunately there is no option to book a dog-friendly black cab directly; instead, when booking a cab you can include a note to the driver and write that you are travelling with a dog. You will then have to wait and see which cab will accept the call, as explained by the customer care, when we got in touch with them to confirm how this works. See the screenshots above to see where you can add the note.
Gett
User-friendliness: ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
Stress-free: ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
Number of dogs allowed: unknown
Price: price by the meter applies (tariff information here)
#2. Dog-friendly Addison Lee cars
Addison Lee has a well-established dog-friendly policy and offers pet-friendly vehicles. Their terms and conditions explain that “the service is suitable for dogs, cats, and other typical household pets. Please be advised that if you’re travelling with a lizard, uncaged bird, a monkey, or any other exotic or less common pet, your driver will have right of refusal! We do not carry livestock as this is a restriction on our insurance policy, even if the animal is treated as a pet.”
We had a look at its online website and app to see how you can book a pet-friendly car and this is what we found:
Addison Lee website: on the booking page you are asked to select time, pick-up and drop-off points. Right below, you will find a “Choose your car” section, which last result is “Pet-friendly car”. This is indicated as a Ford Galaxy “prepared to carry you and your pet safely. Free Wifi and phone chargers included”, which carries up to 2 people and 2 bags. You can pay cash, Visa checkout, card or Paypal.
Addison Lee app: On Addison Lee’s website there is a GIF showing how to book a pet-friendly car within the app. Basically, on the screen where you select pick-up point and destination you will be able to select your car choice by clicking on the car icon and, in the following “choose your car” screen, select “Pet-friendly Vehicle” at the bottom (see the screenshots from the app above). Once selected, the app will provide you with a quote and you will be able to click on “Order your car”.
I downloaded it and found that, unlike the other apps, in order to use it you need to sign up (you will be required name, surname, email address, phone number and to set up a password). Download the app at these affiliate links for Android here and for iOS here, by using the code RIDE8 at checkout you will get £8 off your first booking.
Addison Lee
User-friendliness: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Stress-free: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Number of dogs allowed: unknown
Price: ££
#3. Minicabit for dogs
A couple of years back, on the tube I happened to see an ad by Minicabit, publicising their dog-friendly minicab feature. At the time, we had a look at their dog-friendly minicabs and we found that there were a few options, alas they will usually charged a higher fare.
Minicabit desktop version: On their website, in the booking mask you can input your desired start point and destination and, by clicking on the “Luggage” field, you will be able to add “Pets”, choosing between two options: “Small pet (in cage)” and “Large dog”.
Minicabit app: In the app it is equally easy to add a pet (see screenshots above). Just click on “No luggage” in the main menu, then scroll down in the next screen until you find “Pets” and click on that to add the relevant number of pets. In the app it seems that you can add up to 4 small pets in a cage and 2 large dogs.
Minicabit
User-friendliness: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Stress-free: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Maximum number of dogs allowed: 4 small pets in cage; 2 large dogs.
Price: £££
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#4. Sixt Mydriver dog-friendly rides
Sixt Mydriver is a chaffeur and limousine service, which operates in a numbers of cities worldwide and offers a pet-friendly alternative to taxi.
Their pet-friendly service page reads: “As long as there is sufficient room in the car you book and your pet does not pose a threat to the driver then you are able to bring your pet along for the ride. Please make sure that you inform us in the comment section when you book your ride to let us know that you will be bringing your pet along. This will allow us to find the best possible ride for you and your dog and avoid surprising your driver.”
You can pick the location and car class. In the booking screen there is a “Special requirements” section, that I would assume is where you would indicate that you will be travelling with a dog, although it is not very clear how it works.
Sixt Mydriver
User-friendliness: ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
Stress-free: ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
Number of dogs allowed: Unknown
Price: ££££
#5. What about Uber?
Also with Uber, it is at the driver’s discretion whether they will accept dogs. We have heard of many people getting around with their pooches (mostly small and medium-sized ones) on Uber cars, although we have been told that it happened to a few people the odd driver who would refuse to take their dog.
Uber Singapore has recently launched a new feature, uberPET, which with a $2 surcharge gets owners and pets around (there is an opt-in system for drivers, and pet owner riders can select their preference in the app; you can read more about this on Uber’s blog here). In the UK at the moment there is no such service, but we would really love to see it introduced!
The test: fares comparison
We tested the apps to compare their fares on a same route and at a same hour, from Parliament Square to King’s Cross Station. These are the quotes we received:
- Uber: £8.59 – UberX: £9-13 (but no guarantee about dog-friendliness of vehicle)
- Addison Lee – pet-friendly vehicle: £13.80
- Minicabit – with 1 large dog: no cars available at the time requested (current time), by selecting one hour later we got a quote of £28.80 for the cheapest car, up to £34 for other options
- Gett: fares are by the meter, so it is not possible to know them in advance. We had a look at a taxi fare simulator online, which indicated that an average fare for the chosen route could be of £16.73, but depending on traffic it could be rise to £25 or 55 in the worst case scenario.
- Sixt Mydriver: it was not possible to book a car for an immediate pick up, you need to allow at least one hour for the pick up. Quotes were £42.98 for Economy class, £52.99 Standard Class and 74.99 1st Class vehicles.
Conclusion
In light of user-friendliness of the app to book with a dog, being sure that a dog-friendly car will be available and fares, in our opinion, the best choice among the apps we tried is Addison Lee.
We would love to hear your experience and hear from your if you have used any other cab/minicab companies and apps!
Other dog-friendly transport methods in London:
- Tube. How to get around by tube avoiding escalators (for large dogs) and stairs (step-free access for dogs with disabilities).
- Cable Car. Get the Emirates Air Line Cable Car between Greenwich Peninsula and Royal Docks
- Boats. Some tips about getting around by boat in our post about a boat tour and visit to the Brunel Museum, back in May; getting to Hampton Court by boat here, and on rowing boats here and here.
- Bike. Hire a dog-friendly cargo bike. More tips about taking your dog on a bike are coming soon on the blog!
E N J O Y !
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FAQs
How to find a dog-friendly taxi in London: an essential guide - The Londog? ›
Basically, on the screen where you select pick-up point and destination you will be able to select your car choice by clicking on the car icon and, in the following “choose your car” screen, select “Pet-friendly Vehicle” at the bottom (see the screenshots from the app above).
Can I take a dog in a London taxi? ›Cabs/Taxis
Black cabs are often pet-friendly, depending on if your driver is happy for your pet to be in their cab. Apps like Addison Lee, which has an option to order a pet-friendly car, also make it incredibly easy to travel with your dog around the capital.
- making sure your dog is secured by a harness or barrier and that there is plenty of ventilation.
- gently lifting your dog into the back of the cab with you (check whether the cab driver is happy for your dog to be on the seat or would prefer them on the car floor)
- always carrying water for your dog.
As long as there is sufficient room in the car you book and your pet does not pose a threat to the driver then you are able to bring your pet along for the ride. Please make sure that you inform us in the comment section when you book your ride to let us know that you will be bringing your pet along.
Are dogs allowed in taxis in UK? ›Travelling by taxi
There is no set rule when it comes to taxis and whether you can travel with your pet or not is down to the taxi company and/or the driver. To avoid confusion, you should always call the taxi company ahead of time to check whether they're pet-friendly.
Comfortable rides with your pet
Just choose Uber Pet when you request your next ride. As a courtesy to your driver, we recommend that you bring a towel to protect the vehicle's seats. If you are riding with a service animal, you do not need to select Uber Pet.
What type of pet can I bring on Uber Pet? You may bring one small animal such as a dog or a cat. It is the driver's discretion whether any additional pets are allowed. There are no breed or size restrictions.
How does pet Uber work? ›You can request an Uber Pet trip for you and your pet by scrolling through the vehicle options at the bottom of your screen. Uber Pet trips are also available to request in advance in some areas now. For Uber Pet trips reserved in advance, you will see a reservation fee included in the upfront fare.
Are dogs allowed on London buses? ›London's transport system can seem complex for us humans, so making a journey with your dog can require some forward planning. Luckily, TfL is dog-friendly and our four-legged friends are allowed on all London buses, trains, tubes and trams for free.
Are dogs allowed on buses in England? ›Trains, buses, taxis, and ferries are just some of the modes of transport that allow owners to travel around the UK and beyond with their dog.
Can dogs go on the Elizabeth line? ›
Like the rest of the Transport for London network, it allows inoffensive animals to travel alongside humans, free of charge. And as some adorable photos of pups on the trains are showcasing, many London dog owners' four-legged friends are already joining them in testing it out.
Are dogs allowed on black cabs in London? ›Similar to Uber, Bolt and Lyft, most black cab drivers will accept travel with a dog. You can use Gett, the black cab app, to request a ride and leave a note that you're traveling with a pet. You will then have to wait and see which driver will accept the ride.
Can Uber drivers say no to dogs? ›In accordance with state and federal laws, as well as Uber's policies, service animals are permitted to accompany riders at all times. If you're traveling with a pet that's not a service animal, drivers may choose whether or not to allow the pet in their vehicle.
What is the safest way to transport a dog in a car UK? ›The Highway Code from the UK Government states that “a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars”. These are the safest and most appropriate ways to restrain your dog in the car, and it's important to choose the restraint-type that suits you and your dog the best.
Why can't dogs travel on the cabin UK? ›Due to government regulations, UK airlines don't allow pets in passenger cabins. The only animals that are permitted to fly in the cabin are registered assistance dogs. Some other carriers, such as Air France, KLM or Lufthansa, allow small pets in aircraft cabins on flights out of the UK.
How can I travel to London with my dog? ›- has been microchipped.
- has a pet passport or health certificate.
- has been vaccinated against rabies - it will also need a blood test if you're travelling from an country that is not 'listed'
Uber Pet allows riders to bring a pet on their ride. If you accept an Uber Pet trip, you're allowing the rider to bring a pet into the vehicle. Note: Uber Pet trips are for non-service animal pets.
How do I ask for an Uber pet? ›- In the Uber app, enter your pickup and dropoff location.
- Under “Choose a ride,” select “Uber Pet”.
- Tap “Choose Uber Pet” to confirm.
- When your driver arrives, you can bring your pet inside the vehicle.\
What is the difference between Uber and UberX, you might wonder? Actually, there is no difference between UberX and Uber – UberX is simply a basic level of service that Uber offers. Uber offers a variety of service level options. They range from cheaper, economy rides to pricier luxury rides.
Can I take a dog in a bolt taxi? ›If you would like to travel with your pet on board of Bolt, be kindly advised that it is up to the driver whether or not they accept such a trip. Give the driver a call after requesting your trip. This way, you'll be able to ask if they are willing to take your pet along.
Why isn t Uber pet showing up? ›
In some cities, you cannot request this service, and in others, it comes and goes. If the app or website isn't showing an Uber Pet price estimate, it is not currently available. Perhaps there is a lack of drivers, or maybe there was a company policy change in your city.
Does free now allow dogs? ›FREENOW drivers must accept service animals.
Bringing other animals is at the discretion of the driver.
Fits your group of 6 riders (or extra luggage) comfortably.
What is Uber Comfort? ›Uber Comfort gives you newer vehicles with proper legroom and highly rated, experienced drivers.
What is Uber green? ›Uber Green is a low-emission ride option that connects you with hybrid and fully electric vehicles. Take a trip.
Can you walk dogs in London? ›It may be among the most densely populated cities in the world, but London remains dotted with plenty of green spaces and woodland trails where dogs are welcome to run free, play ball and sniff their way around.
Can dogs fly into London cabins? ›1- your pet is in cabin with you ( no stress for both of us). 2- cost is 40 Euro only. 3- no paper work or documents required at booking time or arrival at the airport ( except the pet passport with the vaccination required).
Is London a dog-friendly city? ›In a recent 2022 study, dog-friendly London outranked 84 major cities across the globe to be named the most pet-friendly city in the world. Given London's abundance of pet-friendly public transport, restaurants, apartments and more, it's easy to see how London earnt the title.
Can I take my dog on the tube? ›Service dogs, as well as any dog that does not appear dangerous, are allowed on the London Underground. The dog must remain on a leash or in a crate and is not permitted on the seat. You must keep your dog well behaved; staff is not allowed to control your pet.
Can dogs go on the London Eye? ›Yes, we welcome assistance dogs. We request that your dog is clearly identifiable as a working dog. Please be aware that there may be a small delay to boarding to ensure that your dog is as comfortable as possible.
Are dogs allowed on first class trains UK? ›
Yes, you can bring up to 2 pets on the train, free of charge, in both First Class and Standard Class.
Are dogs allowed in London museums? ›Dog-Friendly Galleries & Museums In London
It's a shame none of the major art galleries in London allow dogs. The only gallery I could find that does is The Kennel Club Art Gallery, which you have to book an appointment for. The only museum to allow dogs is The British Museum.
They are followed by subways in Paris, Seoul, New York City, Moscow, Beijing, Mexico City and Shanghai. The London Underground allows dogs on leads throughout the entire system, unlike many other subway operators that mandate they must be in carriers.
Can you take a dog to the Royal Gorge Bridge? ›Visit the world-famous Royal Gorge Bridge and take Fido with you. All leashed and friendly dogs are welcome on the bridge and in the park, but not permitted in buildings or on rides. Kennels are also available for use at the Park.
How do I bring my dog to London? ›- has been microchipped.
- has a pet passport or health certificate.
- has been vaccinated against rabies - it will also need a blood test if you're travelling from an country that is not 'listed'
In a recent 2022 study, dog-friendly London outranked 84 major cities across the globe to be named the most pet-friendly city in the world. Given London's abundance of pet-friendly public transport, restaurants, apartments and more, it's easy to see how London earnt the title.
Are pets allowed on London transit? ›Pets are not permitted on-board LTC buses.
How can I bring my dog from USA to UK? ›- STEP 1: Identification with microchip. ...
- STEP 2: Rabies vaccination. ...
- STEP 3: 21-day waiting period (after primary vaccination) ...
- STEP 5: Have APHIS endorse (counter-sign and emboss/seal) the UK Health Certificate. ...
- STEP 6: Tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis) treatment- DOGS ONLY.
What are TfL's rules for dogs on transportation? Your dog can travel for free on the London Underground and London Overground as long as they are kept on a lead or in a crate/carrier. Station staff can refuse you entry if your dog is misbehaving.
Can dogs come to Heathrow? ›Landing at Heathrow
All pets arriving in the United Kingdom must go through an official live animal Border Inspection Post (BIP) to receive official approval when they land. For pets arriving at Heathrow, they will be taken to Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC).