Uber has launched a new program to support service dog handlers.
In simple terms, the program allows service dog handlers to self-identify that they will be traveling with a legitimate service dog. This information will be provided to the driver along with reminders about ADA law and Uber’s service dog policies. Note: Emotional support animals do not qualify and must use Uber pet.
Upon hearing about this new program, Kai’s first question was, “When will the drivers be notified? Because if it’s before they accept the ride, I’ll be waiting much longer.”
Uber’s communications did not explicitly state the answer, so I investigated by going through the process myself.
Uber’s site outlines the following steps to self-ID (source Uber Newsroom)
- Tap Account / Settings
- Tap Accessibility and select Service Animal
- Tap Complete Eligibility Form
- Complete the eligibility form
- Select “I will ride with my service animal”
- Choose whether you want drivers to be notified of this information. You can change this setting or opt-out of self-identification at any time.
When I got to the eligibility form the first question read: Is your animal required because of a disability? Yes or No (Again, it states that emotional support animals to not qualify.)
If you click Yes, a box opens asking, “What work or tasks has your animal been trained…” The examples given include guide dog, hearing dog, seizure alert dog. I entered guide dog.
The next screen has a toggle button “I will ride with my service animal.” This button was automatically toggled on.
The next section stated, I want drivers to know I will ride with my service animal when: Drivers arrive to pick me up – or – I don’t want drivers to know.
Then there are links provided to visit Uber’s service animal policy and community guidelines (I will provide the links at the end of this post).
Once complete there is an option to completely delete the info you entered, which I did.
According to the process outlined, Uber will notify drivers that you are traveling with a service dog when they arrive to pick you up (or not at all if that’s what you specify). And, if a driver attempts to cancel your ride, they will receive a popup reminder that it is illegal to do so. If the driver goes through with the cancellation, the rider will receive a pop up asking them to report what happened. This is a streamlined reporting system.
I hope this overview helps you feel more confident with the process. I also hope that the process is a success. Kai is going to try it and will report back. He’d stopped using Uber all together because of the number of denials he experienced when traveling with his guide dog, Pride.
If you try the new Uber self-reporting process please drop your experiences in the comments section.
Also, if you want to read more, I’ve placed some helpful links below.
Click here to read the Uber News report about this new process.
Click here to read Uber’s community guidelines.
Click here to read Uber’s service animal policy.
Click here to access a previous post we did about Uber denials
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