Canadian rideshare service now allowing passengers to ride with pets

Uride founder and CEO Cody Ruberto is shown holding his phone with the app displayed on screen and a company vehicle in the background in this undated promotional image. (Supplied/Uride)

Starting July 7, pet owners across all Canadian Uride cities can now bring their furry companions along for the ride without stress, thanks to the company’s newly launched “Pets” ride option. The feature, which was fast-tracked after a heartfelt conversation between Uride’s CEO and a loyal passenger, ensures a smoother experience for ‘pet parents’ while giving drivers the flexibility to opt in or out of accepting such requests.

From flight chat to fast-tracked feature: How a passenger’s struggle sparked change

The idea took flight – quite literally – when Uride founder and CEO, Cody Ruberto, was travelling from Toronto to Thunder Bay last week. During the flight, he struck up a conversation with Nathan, a frequent Uride rider, who shared his recurring frustration with cancelled rides whenever he mentioned travelling with his dog.

“One night, he was left stranded after a night out because no drivers would accept his ride with his dog,” Ruberto said in a news release.

“He ended up having to crash at a friend’s place. That’s not the kind of experience we ever want our riders to have.”

A win for pet owners: How Uride’s new option works

Determined to address the issue, Ruberto and his team quickly developed a solution: a dedicated pet-friendly ride option. For an additional $5 fee, riders can now request a driver who is comfortable transporting pets, ensuring fewer cancellations and a more inclusive experience.

Notably, passengers travelling with service animals do not need to use this feature or pay any extra fee – they can simply book a ride as usual.

Originally, the feature was set to debut only in Thunder Bay, Ont. this week, with plans to expand to other regions later. However, after seeing the immediate need for a broader solution, Uride accelerated the rollout, making the option available in all its service areas on Monday.

“We’re proud to launch this feature in every single Uride city this week,” Ruberto said.

“We want Uride to be inclusive and accessible – for all riders, and for all pets. This change means fewer cancelled rides for pet owners and more choice for our drivers.”

The company emphasized that pets are more than just animals – they’re family – and this update reflects Uride’s commitment to accommodating every member of the household. Whether a dog rides on a passenger’s lap or in the back of an SUV, the company said the new feature provides peace of mind for pet owners and greater flexibility for drivers.

With this nationwide rollout, Uride aims to ensure that no passenger – or their ‘four-legged friend’ – is ever left stranded again.

Founded in Thunder Bay in 2018 to provide reliable transportation in underserved communities and reduce impaired driving, Uride now operates in 24 cities across Canada, including North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Timmins, and Thunder Bay in northern Ontario.

“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.

For more information on the company, its services or to book a ride, visit its website or download the Uride app.