The New Uber Service Animal Feature: A Step Forward for Accessibility
- Published on:
- By: ASP Team
At American Service Pets, we know how frustrating it can be to face discrimination or logistical challenges when traveling with a service animal. When you rely on a Psychiatric Service Animal (PSA), getting from point A to point B shouldn’t be a hassle. Fortunately, Uber has taken a major step forward to improve the experience for riders who travel with service animals.
If you’ve ever had a ride canceled or felt uneasy about bringing your service animal along, Uber’s latest update is designed to address these issues head-on. Let’s dive into what’s new, how you can use this feature, and how American Service Pets can help you ensure your service animal is properly trained and documented.
What’s Changing with the New Uber Service Animal Feature?
Historically, riders with service animals have faced obstacles when using ride-hailing apps. In fact, a November 2024 Forbes article noted that disabled riders often experience driver refusals, canceled trips, or even confrontations. While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires drivers to accept service animals, enforcement has been inconsistent.
Uber’s new feature aims to change that. Now, when you request a ride, you can enable a notification that informs your driver in advance that you will be traveling with a service animal. This proactive communication reduces the likelihood of last-minute cancellations and ensures drivers are prepared to accommodate you.
How Do I Use the New Uber Service Animal Feature?
If you rely on a service animal and want to take advantage of Uber’s latest update, here’s how to do it:
- Update Your Uber App – Make sure you have the latest version of the Uber app installed on your phone.
- Go to Accessibility Settings – In the app, navigate to your profile and select “Accessibility.”
- Enable the Service Animal Feature – Toggle on the setting that notifies drivers when you’ll be riding with a service animal.
- Request Your Ride as Usual – Once activated, Uber will automatically alert your driver that you have a service animal with you.
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How This Compares to Past Issues with Rideshare Services
For years, Uber and Lyft have struggled with accessibility. Many riders with service animals have reported cancelled rides, discrimination, and even rude encounters with drivers who refused to accept service animals in their vehicles. While legal protections exist, enforcement has been patchy.
This update from Uber represents a significant improvement . By proactively notifying drivers and giving them the opportunity to acknowledge your service animal before they arrive, it helps reduce frustration and increase acceptance.
How Do I Get My Dog Recognized as a Service Animal?
At American Service Pets, we help you get the documentation you need to ensure your service animal is recognized. If you need a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) letter, our network of licensed mental health professionals can review your case and provide the necessary documentation. But keep reading because a legitimate PSD must be task trained!
How Do I Train My Dog to Be a Service Animal?
Proper training is essential for service animals, and not everyone has access to in-person trainers. That’s why we created I Train Academy, a fully online program that guides you through the process of obedience- and task-training your dog. Our program offers a 7-day free trial, so you can start training immediately from the comfort of your home or local park.
Important note: Until your dog is task trained as a service animal (whether through another trainer or a program like I Train Academy), you cannot claim your dog as a service animal! Doing so is a crime, usually a misdemeanor, and in doing so, you’re looking at fines or even jail time. Not only that, it erodes the privileges for those who have and need their legitimate service animals. Don’t be that person falsely representing your dog as a service animal if your dog has not been trained accordingly.
Take the Next Step
The new Uber service animal feature is a game-changer for accessibility, but having the right documentation and training is just as important. If you’re ready to make travel with your service animal easier, here’s how we can help:
- Need a PSA letter? Start your assessment with American Service Pets today.
- Looking to train your dog as a service animal? Try I Train Academy for free and start training from home.
Your service animal is more than just a companion – they’re a lifeline. With Uber’s latest updates and the right resources from American Service Pets, traveling can be smoother and stress-free.
The benefits of an Emotional Support Animal certification and a Psychiatric Service Dog certification are drastically different. Fortunately for you, American Service Pets’ network of active board certified doctor or other licensed mental health providers can help you find the right path to certification. To find out whether you need an ESA or PSD letter, take our easy, three-step Pet Owner Survey!
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