THUNDER BAY – Starting Monday, pet lovers in Thunder Bay and beyond will be able to bring their furry companions along for the ride – hassle-free – thanks to a new “Pets” ride option from Uride.
The new category allows riders to request a pet-friendly driver for an additional $5 fee. Whether the dog rides on the passenger’s lap or in the back of an SUV, this feature ensures a more inclusive experience for pet owners while giving drivers the choice to opt in or out.
The idea took flight – quite literally.
Cody Ruberto, founder and CEO of Uride, was on a flight from Toronto to Thunder Bay this week when a conversation with his seatmate – a loyal Uride rider named Nathan – revealed a recurring problem.
“Nathan told me he uses Uride all the time in Thunder Bay and has taken rides with us in five different cities. But he said the most frustrating part is how often his rides get canceled after he tells the driver he has a dog with him,” said Ruberto.
One night, Nathan ended up stranded after a night out because no drivers would accept his ride with his dog. With no way to get home, he had to sleep at a friend’s place.
“That’s a terrible experience – and one we don’t want anyone else to ever go through again,” said Ruberto. “We want Uride to be accessible for everyone – including our furry best friends. This change means fewer cancelled rides for pet owners and more choice for our drivers.”
The new feature will roll out in Thunder Bay starting Wednesday, with more regions to follow in the future.
Uride was founded in Thunder Bay and now operates in 24 cities across Canada and Mexico, with active expansion underway in Germany and Poland. What began as a mission to prevent impaired driving and get people home safely has grown into a trusted rideshare platform giving millions of rides each year.
