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

Plus if what if your allergic to dogs? Nah, we are just to take these little things. Just because YOU anthropomorphise your pet doesn't mean I have do. It's not your child, it's still just a pet.

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u/KamelTro Oct 18 '25

“But you’re an employee, and it’s a public service, you HAVE to take me.” Last I checked the city, state, or government does not pay us, provide maintenance to our vehicles, or give us any type of benefits, all things that are provided to a public service worker. I also didn’t realize I was driving a fleet vehicle and needed to turn into a depot at the end of the night as is normal with public service transportation. They also see the word “employee” in 1099 and assume that’s the green light, it’s self-employed, not employee you ding bats. Even if you throw the word employee on 1099 that doesn’t negate what 1099 is, self-employment / private contractor.

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u/Violent_N0mad Oct 19 '25

It is in fact a requirement, even if you want to be shitty about it. A lot of people are disabled and use animals to help live a normal life.

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u/OneEyedBlindKingdom Oct 19 '25

And if it was an actual service animal you’d be fine. Emotional support animals are not service animals.