New “Pets” feature ensures furry friends ride comfortably too
Starting July 7, Uride, the Canadian rideshare service known for serving smaller communities, is now welcoming pets onboard in all its cities. The move marks a major step toward inclusivity, convenience, and care for pet owners across Canada—and it all started with a heartfelt in-flight conversation.
From a Flight Chat to a Canada-Wide Rollout
The idea for Uride’s new “Pets” ride option came midair. While flying from Toronto to Thunder Bay, Uride CEO Cody Ruberto met Nathan, a loyal Uride customer. During their chat, Nathan shared a frustrating story about being stranded one night—none of the drivers accepted his ride request when he mentioned he had his dog with him.
“He ended up crashing at a friend’s place,” Ruberto explained. “That’s not the kind of experience we want our riders to have.”
Motivated to prevent similar experiences, Ruberto and his team acted fast. What was initially planned as a pilot feature in Thunder Bay quickly turned into a nationwide launch.
How the “Pets” Ride Option Works
Riders can now select the “Pets” option in the Uride app for an additional $5 fee. This ensures their driver is someone comfortable with transporting animals—whether it’s a lap-sized dog, a curious cat, or any other furry companion.
Importantly, service animals remain exempt from this feature and the fee. Riders with service animals can continue to book standard rides without restrictions or extra cost.
Drivers also have the freedom to opt in or out of the pet-friendly ride option, promoting a flexible and respectful experience for all users.
A Big Win for Pet Owners – and Drivers
“This change means fewer cancelled rides for pet owners and more choice for our drivers,” said Ruberto.
Beyond just logistics, Uride’s update reflects a deeper commitment to treating pets like family. Whether a dog rides shotgun or curls up quietly in the backseat, this new offering ensures that every member of the household is cared for.
It’s also a smart move for drivers who want to tap into a new segment of riders and boost earnings with the $5 pet surcharge.
From Local Startup to National Platform
Founded in Thunder Bay in 2017, Uride was created with a mission to reduce impaired driving and offer reliable transportation in underserved areas. Since then, it’s grown into a trusted platform that now operates in 24 cities across Canada—including North Bay, Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, and beyond.
“What began as a mission to prevent impaired driving has grown into a trusted transportation platform delivering millions of rides each year,” the company said.
Now, with the introduction of pet-friendly rides, Uride continues its mission of making transportation more inclusive, accessible, and community-driven—one ride at a time.
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for more heartwarming stories and impactful changes across Canada.
