Hong Kong pet parents rejoice as Uber Pet is set to launch in Hong Kong to provide a safe and convenient option to travel around the city with pets.
The new in-app option will be available to Hong Kongers starting from August 28. Hong Kong will be the second market in Asia Pacific to welcome Uber Pet on board, following its availability in the US, Australia and New Zealand.
“From now on, whether you are taking your family dog for a run by the park, taking your cat to the vet, or bringing home a new dog from the animal shelter, traveling with furry friends is now made much easier with Uber Pet,” Uber stated.
Riders with an accompanying cat or dog can simply select Uber Pet on the Uber app to match with a driver-partner who has opted to transport pets. Riders who choose the Uber Pet option will have to pay an extra HKD 20 (USD 2.58) surcharge.
Uber said the pet surcharge will ensure riders and their pets can ride at their convenience with peace of mind, and also allow driver-partners to earn a little more each trip and put it into maintaining a pet-friendly environment for all riders.
Estyn Chung, General Manager of Uber Hong Kong said, “Over the past six years, our products have changed as Hong Kongers’ lifestyles demand different and varied services. We have the technology and capability to build programs that accommodate unique needs for those who choose Uber, and Uber Pet is just one example where we are extending convenience in different ways for our local community.”
“We are always looking for ways to serve Hong Kongers, and this time we’re glad to extend our reliable rides options to pet owners, as well organizations such as Hong Kong Dog Rescue and its volunteers, who are tirelessly caring for and rehoming dogs,” Chung said.
Sally Andersen, Founder and Chairperson of Hong Kong Dog Rescue said, “Pets are integral family members, and we are happy to see Uber Pet launching in Hong Kong to provide a much needed service. Our volunteers who spend the day ferrying dogs between homing centers, foster homes, and vets can now have an additional transport option to choose from. It is also good news for our future adopters, who can easily request a comfortable ride to bring their new family member home.”
Meanwhile, riders with their service animals are free to continue to select any other Uber rides options that suit their needs, at no extra cost.
Commentary
The launch of Pet Uber in Hong Kong allows pet parents and their pets to travel to their destinations at the push of a button. This can come in handy when taking dogs to the veterinarian, grooming appointments or even to fun places like the dog parks.
It also seems that Uber’s previous Uber Pet trials across other countries have proven to be popular and successful as they continue to expand across Asia Pacific.
The ongoing expansion of Uber Pet also shows that the world is indeed becoming more pet friendly and the tech giant is recognizing and capitalizing on that. This could lead to rival ride sharing services also offering pet friendly options which could also lead to public transport services offering pet friendly services to keep up with the rider sharing firms. Overall, it’s a win for pet parents who have more options to get to places with their pets.
