When people book a taxi with their pet
Most of our pet journeys are short and practical. A dog with a sore paw going to the vet. A cat in its carrier heading to the cattery before a family holiday. A puppy coming home for the first time. Public transport can be stressful for animals and their owners, and some vets and groomers are awkward to reach without a car.
We also carry pets on longer trips, such as a dog coming with its family to a holiday cottage, or a cat moving to a new home across London. For those, plan in a break if the journey is more than an hour or so, and bring water.
How to book a pet friendly taxi
Use the booking form at the top of this page and add a note about your pet, or call the office on 020 8546 7000. Tell us:
- what kind of animal, and roughly how big it is
- whether it travels in a carrier, a crate or on a lead
- how many people are travelling with it
- anything that helps, such as a dog that gets anxious in cars
With those details, we can choose a car with enough space. A cat carrier fits easily in a saloon. A large dog with two adults is happier in an MPV, where there is more floor space. For bigger families with a dog and luggage, our 6 seater taxi is usually the best fit.
Keeping your pet calm and the car clean
- Bring a blanket or towel for your pet to sit on. It smells familiar and protects the seats.
- Walk your dog before the journey so it is more relaxed.
- Keep cats in a closed carrier for the whole trip, even if they protest.
- Avoid feeding your pet just before travelling, to lower the chance of travel sickness.
If an animal is sick in the car or causes damage, a cleaning charge may apply so that the car can be cleaned before the next passenger. Our explain how this works.
Assistance dogs
Guide dogs, hearing dogs and other assistance dogs are always welcome and are carried at no extra charge. This is a legal requirement for licensed private hire vehicles. You do not need to book a pet friendly car for an assistance dog, but it helps to mention it so that the driver can make space in the footwell.
Popular pet journeys around Kingston
Dog owners in Ham and Hampton Wick sometimes book us for a lift to the gates of Richmond Park or Bushy Park, with a collection booked for later. Families in Worcester Park, Chessington and Surbiton use us for vet and groomer appointments when the family car is not available. Before a holiday, we often take a pet to kennels or a cattery in the morning, then take the family to the airport later the same day.
Pets and air travel
If your pet is flying, the airline and its approved pet transport agent handle the arrangements at the airport, and pets usually check in at a separate cargo or animal centre rather than at the passenger terminal. Check the drop-off address with your agent and give it to us when you book, so the driver goes to the right building first. You can then continue to the terminal for your own flight, for example to Heathrow.
Pet travel questions
Do I need to tell you I am bringing a pet?
Yes, please. Pets must be mentioned when you book so that we can send a driver who is happy to carry animals. A driver who has not been told may not be able to take the booking on the day.
Does my dog need to be in a crate?
Small dogs and cats should travel in a secure carrier. Larger, calm dogs can travel on a lead in the footwell or the boot area of a larger car, depending on the vehicle. Tell us your dog's size and we will advise you.
Is there an extra charge for pets?
The booking form gives your fare for the journey. If your pet needs a larger vehicle, such as an MPV, the fare for that vehicle applies. Assistance dogs are always carried at no extra charge.
Will you carry my assistance dog?
Yes. Licensed private hire drivers in London must carry assistance dogs at no extra cost, unless the driver holds a medical exemption certificate. If that ever applies, we send a different driver.
Can you take my pet without me?
We carry pets travelling with their owner or another responsible adult. We do not carry animals on their own.