Why tell us about your pet when you book?
Not every driver can carry animals. Some have allergies, and some cars are better suited to pets than others. When you book, tell us what kind of animal you have, roughly how big it is and whether it will be in a carrier. That lets us send the right driver and car, so you are not turned away at the kerb.
This does not apply to assistance dogs. By law, licensed private hire vehicles must carry assistance dogs at no extra charge. You do not need to book a pet friendly car for an assistance dog, but it still helps to mention it so the driver knows to expect you.
Common pet journeys
Here are some of the trips our customers book with pets:
- Vet appointments, including emergency visits at night. We run 24/7.
- Kennels and catteries, dropping off before a holiday and collecting after.
- Groomers, especially for bigger dogs that are hard to carry.
- Moving house, when the pets need to travel separately from the removal van.
- Pet travel through Heathrow, where animals travelling abroad are handled by specialist services at the airport. Check the arrangements with your pet transport company first, then tell us where you need to go.
Keeping pets safe and calm
Cats and small animals should travel in a secure carrier. Dogs should be on a lead, and larger dogs are usually most comfortable in the back of an estate car. Please bring a blanket or towel if your dog is likely to be wet or muddy, especially after a walk by the river or in Bushy Park. It helps keep the car clean for the next passenger.
If your pet gets anxious in cars, let the driver know. They can keep the car quiet, avoid sudden braking where possible and open a window slightly if that helps.
Pets and airport trips
Some of our customers take their dog to stay with family or with a sitter on the way to the airport. We can build that stop into your journey, for example a pickup in Twickenham, a stop in Hampton Hill, then on to Heathrow. Tell us about extra stops when you book so the fare covers them.
Fixed fares, card or cash
We agree the fare before you travel. If your trip includes a wait, for example at the vet, tell us so we can include it. You can pay by card or cash.
Travelling with older or unwell pets
Older dogs and pets recovering from treatment may struggle to get into a car. If your pet needs lifting, or needs to lie flat, tell us when you book so we can send a car with enough room and allow extra time. After an operation, the vet may give you advice on how your pet should travel home. Please follow it, and let the driver know if they need to take corners slowly.
Checklist for travelling with a pet
Before the car arrives, it helps to have a few things ready. Dogs should be on a lead and, where possible, used to sitting on a blanket or in a crate. Cats and small animals should be in a secure carrier with a solid base. Bring a towel, some water and a bag for any accidents, especially on longer journeys. If your pet has recently had an operation, bring anything the vet has given you and let the driver know how best to lift or move them.
For trips to a vet in Richmond, Teddington or Hounslow, tell us whether you need the driver to wait. Short waits can often be arranged, and the fare for waiting time will be agreed with you before the trip. If you are moving house with animals, we can plan a separate car for them so they travel calmly while the removal van does the heavy lifting.
Other services and areas
Families with a dog and children often book our 6 seater taxi for extra room. Pet owners around Teddington and Hampton use us for trips to Bushy Park and back. We also run a school run taxi for local families.
