Internet rallies to support choice of Lyft driver who declined to pick up passenger with service dog

People with pets might face several difficult scenarios while using external transportation for a variety of reasons. A driver might be scared of animals, might not want to clean up after them, be allergic to their fur and so on. But it is a different story when it comes to service dogs, as people are required to keep them with themselves at all times. However, a Lyft driver refused to take a person because they had a service dog with them. The person, who goes by @growing.gimli on TikTok, took to the platform to share their story but received an unexpected reaction.

"So that Lyft driver would not take us because I have a service dog," the text overlay of the video read as the person filmed the Lyft car that had refused to give them and their service dog a ride. "So, yay for that lady," the person added. "She completely denied us a ride because I had my service dog with me," the dog owner went on. Soon enough, the car drove off, leaving the dog and the person behind. They also shared a photo of their dog, Gimli, in a vest and wrote, "So scary." They sarcastically added, "Thanks, Lyft." 

The caption of the video reads, "A Lyft driver just denied Gimli and me a ride...Yay for following the ADA. This is what happens when the ADA doesn't have teeth to enforce it." Lyft's website explains, "When it comes to transporting riders with service animals, drivers on the Lyft platform should remember one thing: Always Say Yes. You’re required by the law and Lyft’s policy to always accommodate service animals, even if you have an allergy, religious or cultural objections, or a fear of them." The policy continued, "We know service animals can raise some questions for Lyft drivers, but they’re essential for many people. Lyft drivers like you are in a unique position to help riders with service animals get around effortlessly in their community — thanks for taking this seriously, and being there when people need your rides the most."

"Both Lyft's service animal policy and the law require drivers to accommodate riders with service animals," the site clearly states. The video received over 46.8k views and more than 800 likes. People took to the comments section to express their opinions on the topic, but most of the comments were quite contradictory to what the policy clearly emphasized. Many people on the platform believed that the driver did the right thing. @texassmia wrote, "Uber has an option for drivers to choose to p/u passengers with dogs. I did ONCE, never again, because it took me 1.5 hours to clean up all the hair and I lost money during the busiest time."

@funfun1215 commented, "That could have been avoided if you had told them beforehand, so you can get a driver that would." The individual replied, "I am not required to. And she didn't have the right to deny me for it. If she does deny me, it's a $75,000 fine." In another comment, they explained, "A service dog is not a pet. Drivers are required by law and by contract to accommodate them. We don't have to notify the driver. Otherwise, we never get a ride," @manning_2 remarked, "Where people use their personal car, I'm not sure you have much other than to force policy change or sign-up requirements. Is Uber a job or a contractor?" @ichihashimaiden commented, "These apps need to have a section where you can note if you're bringing an animal with you, and what kind, and if it's a service animal. Allergies can be horrid and it's not fair to the driver or you."

Meanwhile, @ugak8b chimed in: "Did you let them know beforehand you have a dog?? It could be allergies or they don’t want the dog scent/fur in THEIR car and that’s okay." @heda_nessie spoke of their personal experience in a comment that reads, "I have the same issue with traveling with my service dog. It's a private vehicle, they have the right to say no. I've learned to attach a note saying I have a service dog and if not okay please cancel." What do you think of this incident? Was the driver wrong to deny service?

You can follow @growing.gimli on TikTok for more lifestyle content.