Uber has launched a new service that means that riders can now travel with their pets in confidence.
It's called Uber Pet and has already been successfully launched in the US.
Now, it's arrived in the UK - meaning the dog owners of Leeds can now take their four-legged friends along for the ride, without any fear of their trip getting cancelled.
The new Uber Pet section in the app allows riders in Leeds to book dedicated pet-friendly rides in advance for an additional surcharge of £2.
Previously, it was at the discretion of drivers whether they allowed passengers to travel with an animal in an Uber, but now that’s all changed, reports The Manc.
Now, when you order an Uber Pet journey, customers will be matched with drivers who are eligible and willing to transport people with their pets.
Uber Pet has launched in Leeds, Manchester, London, Bristol, and Bath, and is limited to one pet per trip, but if you have more pets with you, then you’ll just need to notify the driver first and it’s then up to them to decide if they want to take them on the trip.
The company says that Uber Pet is “suitable for dogs and cats”, and that if you’re travelling with a less-common pet, then your driver will have the right of refusal, so you’ll just need to inform them before ordering the trip.
Passengers travelling with a service animal can continue to use the regular Uber option at no additional cost.
A maximum of three riders may ride with Uber Pet, and once again, additional riders will be left to the discretion of the driver.
Customers are fully responsible for controlling furry friends while on the trip.
When you order an Uber Pet journey, customers will be matched with drivers who are eligible / Credit: Flickr
Speaking on the launch of the new pet-friendly ride service, Andrew Brem – General Manager at Uber UK – said: “We’re really happy to be launching Uber Pet in the UK, bringing even more convenient travel options to our riders [as] with COVID-19 restrictions lifted, it’s the perfect time for new pets to get out and about again with you, no matter what your plans.”
f all of that wasn’t brilliant enough as it is, Uber has also said that it’ll donate £1 from every Uber Pet fare across the UK to the charity All Dogs Matter.
The charity works to “transform the lives of unwanted and abandoned dogs”.
Expect live music, a load of craic and plenty of Guinness at Leeds' brand-new bar.
Opening on Leeds' bustling Merrion Street, 'Love, Jackie' is the latest concept from the team behind Roxy Ball Room and King Pins.
Love, Jackie will be taking over a 7,000 sq ft space,and will be promising proper prints, late nights and plenty of Irish charm.
Pouring will be the holy trinity of Irish stouts - Guinness, Beamish and Murphy's.
Image: Supplied
These will be served alongside Leeds' own Kirkstall Virtuous IPA and a vast whiskey selection that celebrates the best of Ireland.
Games wise, try your hand at crazy pool, interactive darts, shuffleboard and karaoke. There will also be live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The opening comes as Merrion Street enjoys a new wave of investment and hospitality openings, helping bring new life to one of Leeds' best known night life attractions.
Image: Supplied
Matt Jones, CEO of Professionals at Play, said: “Everyone knows a Jackie. She’s the one who gets everyone together, convinces you to stay for another and makes sure there’s never a dull moment.
“We wanted to create a pub with that same personality. Somewhere with brilliant drinks, live music, plenty of games and the kind of atmosphere that makes you forget you were only popping in for one.
“Merrion Street is coming back to life, and we’re excited to be part of its next chapter. We think Jackie will fit right in. And because Jackie’s never been one to turn up empty-handed, the first drink’s on her."
We'll keep you updated on opening times as and when we find out, but for now you can sign up here for a pint of free Guinness. Cheers to that!
Leeds City Council granted £1.6m to tackle rough sleeping by Christmas
Clementine Hall
A £1.6m grant has been given by the government to Leeds City Council to help tackle rough sleeping.
The funding has been allocated to Leeds City Council as part of the Government’s national Rough Sleeping Programme.
The overall target is to help rough sleepovers off the streets by Christmas through providing safe accommodation.
The council have said that voluntary organisations and charities will be able to help them reach this target.
The council report said: "This funding will be used for immediate interventions to ensure all those rough sleeping have an offer of accommodation by Christmas and support longer term sustainment of accommodation.
“The initial target is to provide a suitable offer of accommodation for everyone who is rough sleeping by Christmas 2026.
“Providing a path into supported accommodation and independent living is the key objective and sustaining this independent living with, where necessary, ongoing support to prevent any return to rough sleeping and homelessness.”
The government announcement spoke of the scheme: "The programme is intended to support people experiencing rough sleeping.
"People experiencing rough sleeping may have differing entitlements to housing and support depending on their individual circumstances, including their immigration status and eligibility for public funds."
The funding is intended to help provide immediate support for people currently sleeping on the streets, while also helping them access longer-term accommodation and the support needed to maintain independent living.
By working with local charities and voluntary organisations, the council hopes to ensure people are not only offered a place to stay but are also given the help they need to avoid returning to the streets.
Georgina Pellant -
27th April 2022 
