Best Pet Taxi Options for Pet Sitting Side Hustle
Compare the best Pet Taxi options for Pet Sitting Side Hustle. Side-by-side features, pricing, and ratings.
Choosing the right pet taxi option can help pet sitters add a valuable upsell, handle vet and grooming runs efficiently, and earn more from each booking. For side hustlers balancing classes, remote work, or a full-time job, the best choice depends on scheduling flexibility, pet safety requirements, and whether you want to drive yourself or outsource transportation.
| Feature | Your own insured vehicle service | Local pet taxi services | Uber Pet | CURB | TaskRabbit | Lyft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-demand booking | Yes | Limited | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Advance scheduling | Yes | Yes | Yes | Varies by city | Yes | Yes |
| Pet-friendly policy | Yes | Yes | Yes | Varies by driver | Case by case | Driver discretion |
| Driver screening | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-stop trips | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Your own insured vehicle service
Top PickRunning pet taxi trips in your own vehicle can be the most profitable option if you already offer pet sitting, drop-ins, or dog walking. It gives you total control over scheduling, safety gear, and client communication, but it also requires clear pricing, liability planning, and reliable vehicle upkeep.
Pros
- +Highest earning potential because you keep the full transport fee
- +You control cleanliness, safety restraints, and pickup timing
- +Easy to bundle with pet sitting, boarding, or grooming add-on services
Cons
- -Requires proper insurance review and written client permissions
- -You handle fuel, maintenance, cleaning, and scheduling logistics yourself
Local pet taxi services
Independent local pet taxi companies often specialize in transporting animals to veterinary clinics, groomers, daycare, and boarding facilities. They tend to offer more pet-specific handling and can be a strong option for sitters serving senior pets, anxious dogs, or repeat medical appointments.
Pros
- +Often staffed by people experienced with pets and carriers
- +More likely to accommodate special handling instructions
- +Can be ideal for recurring scheduled appointments
Cons
- -Availability depends heavily on your local area
- -Rates can be higher than general rideshare for short trips
Uber Pet
Uber Pet lets riders request a ride that is intended to accommodate one pet, making it a practical option for sitters who need occasional transportation for vet visits or grooming appointments. It is widely available in many cities and works well when speed matters more than specialized pet handling.
Pros
- +Easy to book through the standard Uber app
- +Good availability in many metro areas for last-minute trips
- +Useful for sitters who do not want to maintain a dedicated vehicle
Cons
- -Not every market offers Uber Pet
- -Drivers vary in comfort level with larger dogs or carriers
CURB
CURB connects users with licensed taxis in participating cities, which can be useful for pet sitters who prefer professional cab service over app-based rideshare. It is a practical backup when rideshare surge pricing gets expensive or availability drops.
Pros
- +Uses licensed taxi networks in supported cities
- +Helpful alternative during peak rideshare demand
- +Can be more reliable in some downtown and airport-heavy markets
Cons
- -Pet acceptance policies vary by cab company and driver
- -Coverage is not as broad as major rideshare apps
TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit is not a dedicated pet taxi platform, but it can help sitters find local helpers for transport-related errands in some markets. It is most useful when you need flexible support and want to discuss custom pet transport tasks directly with the Tasker.
Pros
- +Can be used for customized transport and appointment support
- +Direct communication helps clarify pet needs before booking
- +Useful for sitters who want local gig-based help beyond driving alone
Cons
- -Not all Taskers will accept pet transportation jobs
- -Quality and pet-handling experience can vary widely
Lyft
Lyft can work for pet transportation when a driver agrees to it, especially if the pet is crated or very calm. It is best used when sitters message the driver immediately after booking and confirm the pet details before pickup.
Pros
- +Widely recognized rideshare option with solid city coverage
- +Can be convenient for short vet or grooming runs
- +App is simple to use for quick route planning
Cons
- -No dedicated pet-friendly booking mode in many markets
- -Driver acceptance for pets can be inconsistent
The Verdict
For most pet sitting side hustlers, using your own insured vehicle is the strongest long-term option because it creates an extra revenue stream and gives you full control over pet safety and timing. Uber Pet is the best mainstream backup for fast, occasional trips in larger cities, while local pet taxi services are ideal for sitters handling senior pets, medical visits, or clients who want a more specialized transportation experience.
Pro Tips
- *Choose an option that matches your booking volume - occasional sitters can rely on rideshare, while frequent transport requests may justify offering the service yourself.
- *Confirm pet policies before every trip, especially with general rideshare or taxi apps where acceptance can vary by driver.
- *Factor in crate size, leash control, seat protection, and cleanup time when comparing total transport costs.
- *If you drive pets yourself, check your personal auto insurance and business liability coverage before advertising pet taxi services.
- *Look for options that support advance scheduling so you can coordinate vet, grooming, and drop-in visits around your day job or class schedule.