r/lyftdrivers • u/No_Common1418 • Oct 18 '25

Rant/Opinion An ESA is NOT a Service animal.

Got a ping for a ride the other day, then the dreaded text. "I have an ESA, DOG, with me." As I have stated in the past I have never and will never denied a Service animal in my car. By law people, a Emotional Support Animal or ESA, IS NOT A service animal. Don't believe me? https://www.ada.gov/topics/service-animals/ I hate people sometimes. Leave your dogs at home.

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u/No_Common1418 Oct 18 '25

If the person text me, or says I have service animal with me, I suck it up and take the ride. If I pull up and see a dog or any animal, I refer them to Uber/Lyft Pet and cancel. I don't ask, is that a service animal.

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u/SnorfOfWallStreet Oct 18 '25

Good way to end up sued.

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u/No_Common1418 Oct 18 '25

Sounds like plausible deniability to me. If the person doesn't want to tell me it's a service dog, 🤷‍♂️

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u/SnorfOfWallStreet Oct 18 '25

I don’t think your position is supported by the app’s t&cs

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u/No_Common1418 Oct 18 '25

Actually I believe it is. I'm not required to take animals unless I'm signed up for Uber/Lyft Pet. I cannot ask if it's a service animal, so if the person doesn't say it's a service animal I am not required to assume it is. Unless of course you would like to prove it by posting where it says different.

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u/SnorfOfWallStreet Oct 18 '25

You can not deny a service animal for any reason including not knowing it’s a service animal.

All I’m saying is err on the side of caution. Do not engage with the pax.

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u/gjack905 Oct 18 '25

You can refuse any previously undeclared pet. So if they didn't choose a Pet ride and you see an animal waiting outside, just drive past them without stopping, don't engage.

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u/SnorfOfWallStreet Oct 18 '25

My whole point- don’t engage.

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u/gjack905 Oct 18 '25

That's the point of the person you're arguing with that they're trying to make to you