Beta Beta — hiring neighbors on Papalocal is new; what you see here is real, and it's still growing.
Pet rides to the vet or groomer Beta
A neighbor who drives your pet to and from the vet, the groomer or a boarding place when you can't, with the pet safely crated or harnessed.
- How often
- One-off
- Where the work happens
- Looking after people or pets
- Who it suits
- Best done by an adult
- Before you start
- Check local rules
These open your Papalocal account. You'll be asked to log in or sign up first.
A pet ride is just what it sounds like: a neighbor picks up your dog or cat, drives them to an appointment and brings them home again. Some drivers stay for the visit; others drop off and come back.
It's wanted by people who don't drive, who work during the vet's hours, whose car is too small for a big crate, or who are home recovering and can't lift a carrier.
Since the vet and the groomer are usually close by, a neighbor who already drives those roads can fit a ride around their own day, and your pet sees a familiar face on the trip home.
Also called: pet taxi, pet transport, pet transportation service, ride to the vet for my dog, dog transport to the groomer, take my cat to the vet.
What's usually included
- Pickup at your door and drop-off at the vet, groomer or boarding place
- Securing your pet in a carrier, crate or seat-belt harness for the drive
- Waiting during the appointment, or coming back at pickup time, as you agree
- Passing along notes, paperwork or questions you give them
- Bringing your pet home and settling them back inside
What to ask before you hire
- Will you pay the clinic or groomer directly, or does the driver need to hand anything over?
- Does the driver stay during the appointment, and may the clinic talk with them for you?
- What carrier or harness will your pet ride in?
- How does your pet do in the car: drooling, panic, trying to climb into the front seat?
- If the clinic recommends something unexpected, how will they reach you to decide?
Staying safe
- Never let a pet ride loose in the car or leave one alone in a parked car
- Clip the leash or close the carrier inside the house before the door opens, and undo it only once you're inside again
- The owner makes every decision about care and stays reachable by phone during the appointment
- Keep the owner's number, the clinic's number and an emergency contact with you
Local rules
Some cities, counties and states have rules for driving other people's animals for pay — for example a business license or a commercial insurance requirement. Check your local rules before you hire a pet driver or offer pet rides.
Pet rides to the vet or groomer by town
Questions people ask
Can the driver make decisions at the vet for me?
Keep those decisions with you. Tell the clinic you'll be reachable by phone, and let the driver carry messages back and forth.
What if my pet gets carsick?
Tell the driver ahead of time so they can bring towels and drive gently. Questions about preventing car sickness are for your vet.
Can one driver take several pets at once?
Some can, if every animal is secured on its own and they get along. Agree on it beforehand.
Is this only for vet visits?
No. Neighbors also give pets rides to the groomer, to boarding or daycare, and home from an adoption.
Thinking of offering this yourself?
- You'll want a car with room for a crate, seat covers or old towels, and a way to keep cats in carriers and big dogs restrained
- Carrying pets for pay can need special insurance or a license where you live, so check before offering and ask your car insurer about it too
- Meet the pet before the first ride; a dog who knows you will get in the car more easily
- Call the clinic with the owner beforehand so the front desk knows who is bringing the pet
- Set your own price for your area, thinking about distance, waiting time and cleaning the car afterward
