Uber has launched a brand-new travel service, and it means pet owners can now bring their four-legged friends along for the ride.
Having already proved to be an extremely-popular service in the US, the leading app-powered minicab company has now launched Uber Pet here in the UK this week, and it lets you book dedicated pet-friendly rides in advance for an additional surcharge of £2 across Manchester.
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.
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 Manchester, London, Leeds, 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 the them to decide if they want to take them on the trip.
Introducing Uber Pet 🐕🐈⬛ As of today, you can now ride with your furry friend anywhere in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol and Bath, for a small fee, by tapping Uber Pet when choosing your ride. https://t.co/A4XgA5S1XJpic.twitter.com/mGEA2clFON
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.
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Passengers travelling with a service animal can continue to use the regular Uber option.
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.
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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.”
If 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”.
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
27th April 2022 
