In this guide
Short answer: no, you can't bring your dog in a Waymo. Waymo asks riders to "leave pets at home out of respect to future riders", because some have allergies, and that includes small dogs in carriers. Service animals are always welcome. Tesla Robotaxi has the same rule.
"Can I bring my dog in a Waymo?" comes up a lot, often from people heading to the vet or the dog park. The rule is simple, but the details (carriers, emotional support animals, rides booked through Uber) are not always clear. Here they are. For the rest of the rules, see our Waymo rules guide.
Waymo's pet policy at a glance
| Animal | Allowed in a Waymo? |
|---|---|
| Dog on a leash | No |
| Small dog or cat in a carrier | No |
| Service animal (trained for a person with a disability) | Yes, always |
| Emotional support animal | Not mentioned in Waymo's rules; ask support first |
| Waymo booked through Uber | Same rule: no pets, service animals welcome |
Why Waymo doesn't allow pets
A Waymo car picks up the next rider minutes after you leave, and there is no driver to vacuum hair or check for accidents in between. Waymo's stated reason is respect for future riders, some of whom are allergic. In practice, hair, mud and the odd accident are also cleaning problems: Waymo charges $50 to $100 for a first mess and up to the full cleaning cost after that (see cleaning fees).
Service animals are always welcome
Waymo's rules say service animals are always welcome, and Uber's Waymo page says the same. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, a service animal is a dog individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability, such as guiding someone who is blind or alerting someone who is having a seizure. You don't need to book anything special or show paperwork in the app.
Riding with a guide dog? The Waymo app works with screen readers, and the car can honk or play a sound to help you find it at pickup.
Emotional support animals
Waymo's rules don't mention emotional support animals. The ADA doesn't count them as service animals, because comforting someone is not a trained task. So don't assume an emotional support dog will be treated like a service dog. If it matters for your trip, contact Waymo support in the app before you ride.
Tesla Robotaxi, Zoox and Uber
- Tesla Robotaxi: "Disabled riders may bring Service Animals. All other animals must stay home."
- Waymo on Uber (Austin and Atlanta): same Waymo rule. Only UberX, Uber Green, Uber Comfort and Comfort Electric requests can be matched with a Waymo, so an Uber Pet request goes to a human driver.
- Zoox: doesn't publish a detailed pet policy in English as far as we could find. Check the app before you bring an animal.
How to travel with your dog instead
- Book Uber Pet, which matches you with drivers who accept pets for a small extra fee.
- Ask a regular rideshare driver through the app before pickup; many accept a dog in a carrier, but it's their choice.
- Look for a pet taxi or pet transport service in your city for longer trips, like to the vet or the airport.
Travelling with kids rather than pets? Read can kids and teens ride Waymo. New to robotaxis? Start with how to ride Waymo.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs go in Waymos?
Only service animals. Waymo asks riders to leave pets at home out of respect for future riders, some of whom have allergies. Service animals are always welcome.
Is Waymo pet friendly?
No. Pets, including small dogs and cats in carriers, are not allowed. If you need to travel with a pet, book a ride with a human driver who accepts pets, such as Uber Pet.
Can I bring my dog in a carrier in a Waymo?
No. Waymo's rule is to leave pets at home, and it doesn't make an exception for carriers or small breeds.
Are emotional support animals allowed in a Waymo?
Waymo's rules welcome service animals and don't mention emotional support animals. Under US disability law (the ADA), emotional support animals are not service animals, so don't assume they are covered. Ask Waymo support before you ride.
Can I bring a dog in a Waymo booked through Uber?
No. Uber's Waymo page uses the same rule: leave pets at home, service animals are always welcome. Uber Pet requests are not matched with Waymo cars.
Update log
- Guide published from Waymo's One Rider Rules, Uber's Waymo page and Tesla's Robotaxi Rider Rules.
Sources and official texts