Why you need to mention your pet when booking
Not every private hire driver is able to carry animals. Some have allergies, and some cars are better suited to pets than others. That is why a dog friendly taxi has to be arranged at the time of booking, not sprung on a driver at the kerb. When you tell us about your pet, we can send the right car and driver. If you do not, the driver may be unable to take you, and you lose time finding another car.
When you book, tell us:
- what kind of animal it is, and roughly how big (a Jack Russell and a Great Dane need different space);
- whether it will travel in a carrier, a crate or on a lead;
- how many people and bags are travelling as well;
- if the animal is unwell, injured or likely to be nervous in a car.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are different. By law, licensed private hire drivers must carry assistance dogs and cannot charge extra for them, unless the driver holds a medical exemption certificate issued by TfL. You do not need to ask for a pet friendly car if you are travelling with an assistance dog, although it helps to mention it so we can plan space for you both.
Taking a dog in a minicab: a few simple rules
To keep the journey comfortable for your pet, you and the next passenger:
- Small animals and cats should travel in a secure carrier.
- Dogs should be on a lead and sit in the footwell or on a blanket or cover you bring along.
- If your dog is wet or muddy after a walk on Mitcham Common or in Nonsuch Park, a towel goes a long way.
- Animals should not travel loose on the seats or in the driver's area.
If you are not sure whether your pet will be comfortable, say so when you book and we will work it out with you.
Taxi to the vet and back
Vet visits are the most common pet journey we do. Appointments are often booked at short notice and animals can be poorly, so it helps to have a car that is ready when you are. We can take you to your usual vet practice in Sutton, Carshalton or Morden, wait while you are seen if you arrange it in advance, or collect you again when you call. Since our office is open 24/7, we can also take you to an out-of-hours emergency vet at night.
Longer journeys with pets
Pets also travel with their owners further afield: to boarding kennels before a holiday, to a new home across London, or to a family member for the weekend. For longer trips, bring water and a bowl, and let us know if you would like a comfort stop on the way. If a family with a dog and luggage needs more space, a 6 seater MPV or 7 seater vehicle gives everyone room.
Pets and airport journeys
Pets flying with their owners usually need to be checked in at a special cargo or animal reception area, not at the terminal door. If you are travelling to Heathrow or Gatwick with a pet, tell us exactly where you need to be dropped off, and give us the address from your airline or pet transport company.
Where we collect
We pick up pets and their owners from all over Sutton, Carshalton, Cheam and Wimbledon, as well as the rest of the areas we cover. Book using the form above, by phone on 020 3468 0904, or on WhatsApp.
Questions we get asked
Do you charge extra for pets?
The fixed fare is shown when you book. Tell us about your pet at the time of booking so the quote reflects the right vehicle. Assistance dogs are always carried with no extra charge.
Can I book a pet friendly taxi at short notice?
Yes, although the sooner you book, the more likely it is that a suitable driver is close by. For urgent vet visits, call us rather than booking online.
Can the driver refuse my pet?
A driver may decline a pet that was not mentioned at booking, or one that cannot be carried safely. Assistance dogs cannot be refused unless the driver has a TfL medical exemption.
Can I take more than one dog?
Yes, if there is enough space for them to travel safely. Tell us how many animals and their size so we can send a big enough car.