Taxi drivers and private transportation services such as Uber in Querétaro have indicated that they do not allow the transport of animals in their units, unless they are small breeds and are in transport boxes.
The operators argue that this measure seeks to avoid damage to their units and keep them clean for future users.
According to the drivers, transporting animals can represent a risk both for the cleanliness and for the integrity of the vehicles.
“Not all passengers have their pets well controlled. There are those who want to take dogs without a leash or boxes, and that creates problems for us. If the animal makes a mess or damages something, we take on the time and cost of the repair,” said Adrián Martínez, an Uber driver.
Iván Saldaña, a taxi driver, mentioned that he has had bad experiences with animals during his trips: “Once a large dog scratched the seats. Although the owner said he would control it, he didn’t, and I ended up spending more than I earned that day on cleaning the car.”
Uber allows its drivers to decide whether or not to accept transporting animals, except in the case of guide or assistance dogs, which must be allowed by law.
However, some operators consider that this flexibility is not enough to avoid problems. “Even though we can refuse a trip, sometimes users insist or get upset. We need clearer rules,” said Martínez.
In the case of traditional taxis, there is no specific regulation governing the transport of pets. This, according to drivers, gives them a certain freedom, but also generates conflicts with passengers who are unaware of these restrictions.
The operators point out that, although they understand the need of some users to travel with their pets, they consider that the lack of preparation or adequate equipment on the part of the owners aggravates the situation.
“If all the animals were in well-closed boxes and the owners were responsible, it would be different. But many do not take into account the necessary care and expect us to resolve everything,” added one driver.
Some transporters propose that both taxis and transport platforms implement a system that allows to specify whether the traveler will be with pets, to avoid misunderstandings. In addition, they suggest that additional rates be established to compensate for the possible costs derived from carrying animals in their units.
Source: oem
