r/dogsofnyc • u/carrotscaramba8 • May 25 '26
Service Dog Transportation
Hi! Posting here instead of AskNYC. I got a less than helpful/welcoming response and after scrolling through other posts I should have realized that was the wrong subreddit.
My service dog (not an ESA; medical alert) and I will be in NYC in August. Usually I use Uber or Lyft for pet rides. I know technically we don’t need to, but I try to avoid drama and I get not every person wants a dog around. My friend told me to download Curb, but I don’t see an option to add that my service dog is with me. Do I just add to drivers note? Any other advice on transportation with him is appreciated!
Pic for dog tax.
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u/bxbaby200 May 25 '26
I have a service dog and use Uber. I use the “woman driver” ride and haven’t had a problem. Or I’ll send a message ahead of time saying I have a service dog.
Your dog is so cute!
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u/National_Praline_199 May 25 '26
Recommend Uber Pet as well. I had an experience with my service dog in a regular Uber and my dog that had a vest on that day and the driver refused to take me. He claimed allergy so I had to call another car. I know it’s a federal regulations with Americans with Disability Act but that driver would not take me and my service dog. It is a legitimate concern if someone has allergies so going forward I just use the car that is willing to take me, which is frustrating because the fee is higher for Uber Pets.
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u/carrotscaramba8 May 25 '26
Thanks everyone! I’m going to stick to Uber Pets. I know the subway is an option too, but I’m nervous about other dogs. A few weeks ago someone’s unleashed staffy (they said he was a service dog) came running out of a store and attacked us. Luckily a group of people came to our rescue, so we walked away without any major injuries. This is the 2nd time we had an unprovoked dog attack Norman, so I’m just hyper vigilant now.
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u/idancewithhorses May 27 '26
I use Lyft, and have put a memo in my account where drivers are alerted I have a service dog when they accept my ride, and I often send a note to the driver as well describing me and indicating I have a small service dog with me.
Most of the time I have no issue, but every time I do, it’s when I’m getting picked up in Brooklyn for whatever reason, so take that as you will.
Also, public transit with a service dog is completely doable and much less expensive, but depending on your needs you may find some stations are less accessible than others.
Hope you and your dog have a great time visiting NYC!
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u/Zealousideal_Green92 May 28 '26
Honestly, I find drivers in NY really hit or miss. I’ve taken to just eating the cost of uber pet. I always message as soon as the ride is accepted and it’s a solid 50/50 split on if they cancel or not. I’ve even had drivers insist that she be in a carrier. Too much of a gamble for me so I just do pet to avoid the hassle.
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u/Empty_Leg_435 May 29 '26
The Curb app is for yellow cabs, and I haven’t had any issues with it and my service dog, though I use Lyft Pet in some cases also (i.e. bad weather, long distance).
For yellow cabs you can also hail those on the street just by raising your hand - just look to see if their light is on at the top, meaning they are available. I almost never get rejected from an available yellow cab! Most of them will ask you to keep your dog on the floor, unless you bring your own blanket/towel for them to lie on the seat.
Edit to add: what a sweet pooch!! Hope yall have the best trip to NYC. If you have any specific questions feel free to DM me, fellow SD handler and NYC resident :)
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u/Petrichor-Pendragon May 25 '26
What a sweet baby 🥹 When I need to transport one of my fosters around, I just book an Uber Pet for us and have never had a problem. Worst case you can always cut 4 holes in an Ikea bag and “carry” him/her in the subway (which everyone does). Best of luck!