A dog friendly taxi in Birmingham depends on the type of dog. With an assistance dog, the law is on your side: licensed drivers and operators must carry it, and they can’t charge extra. A pet dog has no legal right to travel, so it’s up to the operator and driver. That’s why you should always say you have a dog when you book, rather than when the car arrives.
This guide explains the rules for assistance dogs and pet dogs. You’ll also find what to ask before you book and how to keep your dog safe in the car. Common dog journeys in Birmingham are covered too, from vet visits to Crufts at the NEC.
Dog friendly taxi Birmingham at a glance
| Type of dog | Legal position | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Assistance dog | Must be carried, with no extra charge | Mention it when you book so the driver is ready |
| Pet dog | No automatic right to travel | Ask the operator before you book, and agree the details |
| Dog in a crate or carrier | Up to the operator and driver | Tell them the crate size when you book |
Rules and company policies change, so check the current position with your operator.
Assistance dogs in taxis: what the law says
Duties on drivers and operators
The Equality Act 2010 requires taxis and private hire vehicles to carry assistance dogs that accompany disabled passengers. Government guidance on access to taxis and private hire vehicles sets out the duties. Drivers can’t refuse the passenger because of the dog, and they can’t charge more for the journey. Private hire operators also can’t refuse a booking because the passenger has an assistance dog.
The penalty for refusing
Drivers who break these rules can be prosecuted and fined up to £1,000. A driver is only exempt with a medical exemption certificate from the licensing authority, and the driver must display it. In a written parliamentary answer in September 2026, the Transport Minister restated that fines of up to £1,000 also apply to disability-related surcharges. He added that enforcement is up to local licensing authorities.
What it means in Birmingham
Birmingham City Council’s guidance for private hire drivers is clear. When a passenger has an assistance dog, the driver must carry both the passenger and the dog. Refusing is a criminal offence unless the driver holds a medical exemption notice. The Council adds that it’s sensible to let the dog sit in the front passenger footwell.
If a driver refuses
After a refusal, note the date, time, vehicle details and the operator’s name. Report it to the licensing authority that issued the driver’s licence. For Birmingham-licensed vehicles, that’s Birmingham City Council. Keep any booking confirmation as evidence, because licensing authorities are the ones who investigate.
Pet dogs: no automatic right to travel
Why it’s up to the operator
The assistance dog duty doesn’t cover pets. A driver or operator can decline a pet dog, and some do. Common reasons include allergies, the condition of the vehicle, the size of the dog and the time needed to clean up afterwards. None of these is unusual, so don’t take a refusal personally.
Why pre-booking helps
Private hire vehicles in Birmingham must be pre-booked through a licensed operator, according to the Council’s guidance. The fare is agreed between the operator and the customer at the time of booking. That gives you the chance to ask about your dog first, and to agree the details in advance.
Our guide to fixed-price and metered taxis explains how a fare is agreed in advance. You can’t hail a private hire car on the street, so you can’t rely on a driver saying yes at the kerb.
What to ask before you book
The questions below take a few minutes and can save a refused pick-up on the day. Ask them when you book, not when the car arrives.
- Will the operator carry a pet dog on this journey?
- Is there a size or weight limit, or a limit on the number of dogs?
- Where will the dog sit, and can I bring a crate or a harness?
- Should I bring a blanket or a seat cover?
- Is there a cleaning policy or fee if the dog makes a mess?
- Will the driver wait while I take the dog into the vet or kennels?
- Which vehicle will it be, and is there room for a crate and luggage?
Write the answers down, or ask for them in your booking confirmation. If the operator can’t carry your dog, ask whether they know a company that can.
For a fixed price on your journey, you can get a quote online and tell us about your dog in the booking notes.
Keeping your dog safe in a taxi
Restraint: Highway Code rule 57
Rule 57 of the Highway Code says dogs and other animals should be suitably restrained in a vehicle. That way, they can’t distract the driver or injure themselves or others if the car stops suddenly. It lists a seat belt harness, a pet carrier, a dog cage and a dog guard as ways to restrain animals in cars.
Choosing the right restraint
A harness that clips into the seat belt works for many dogs on a rear seat. Pet-travel guides advise clipping the belt to the harness, not the collar. Small dogs can travel in a carrier, as long as the carrier is secured so it can’t slide or tip over. A crate suits dogs that already travel calmly in one.
Before you set off
Take your dog for a walk and a toilet break before the journey. Bring a short lead, water and a towel, and keep any treats and chews out of reach. If your dog gets travel sick, mention it when you book. A nervous dog may settle better with a blanket that smells of home.
During the journey
Keep the dog on the seat or in the crate, not on your lap. Don’t let it put its head out of the window. For a long journey, ask the driver about a short stop. Never leave a dog alone in a parked car, especially in warm weather.
Choosing the right vehicle
Size matters
A large dog needs room to sit or lie down safely, and a crate takes up space. Tell the operator your dog’s size and if you’re bringing a crate. They can then suggest a suitable car. Our Mercedes V-Class seats up to seven passengers, which may help if you have a crate and luggage. The Mercedes E-Class suits smaller dogs and fewer bags. Ask us to confirm what fits before you book.
Allergies and other passengers
Other passengers, including the driver, may have allergies or a fear of dogs. Mention your dog when you book, so the operator can plan around it. If you’re sharing a journey with friends or family, check that everyone is comfortable with a dog in the car.
Common dog journeys in Birmingham
Vets, groomers and kennels
Many dog journeys are short and local: a vet appointment, a groomer or a kennel drop-off. For a vet visit, tell the operator your appointment time, and agree how long the driver should wait. Our Birmingham taxi service covers journeys across the city.
Dog shows at the NEC
The official Crufts website gives 4 to 7 March 2027 at the NEC for the next show. It says assistance dogs are permitted in the venue. Other sources say general visitors can’t bring pet dogs, so check the Crufts visitor information before you travel. If your dog is competing, tell the operator the number of dogs and crates when you book.
Evenings and early starts
Dog owners often travel early, before work or a show, or late after a long day. Our guide to late-night taxis in Birmingham explains what to expect after dark.
Taking your dog abroad
If you’re travelling abroad with your dog, the paperwork matters as much as the journey to the airport or port. GOV.UK says a dog going to an EU country must be microchipped before, or at the same time as, its rabies vaccination. The dog must be at least 12 weeks old, and you must wait at least 21 full days after the first vaccination before it can travel.
You also need an animal health certificate from your vet. It’s valid for 10 days for entry into the EU, and you need a new one for each trip. If you live in England, Scotland or Wales, you can’t use a pet passport to enter the EU. Some countries also require a tapeworm treatment for dogs, and Northern Ireland has separate rules.
These rules also apply to assistance dogs. Read the GOV.UK guidance on taking your pet abroad before you book, because the rules change. Tell the operator about your dog when you book your journey to the airport or port.
Booking a taxi with your dog: step by step
- Decide if you have an assistance dog or a pet dog.
- Tell the operator when you book, and describe the dog’s size.
- Ask the questions in the checklist above.
- Agree where the dog will sit and how it will be restrained.
- Confirm the vehicle, the pick-up time and the fixed fare.
- Bring a lead, water, a towel and a harness or crate.
If the operator says no
A refusal for a pet dog isn’t a legal problem, but it’s frustrating. Ask whether a different vehicle would work, for example an estate or people carrier with more room. Booking earlier gives you more time to find an operator that can help. Don’t turn up with a dog the operator hasn’t agreed to carry, because a driver can refuse at the door.
Nervous, elderly and young dogs
Some dogs find cars stressful. If your dog is nervous, travels badly or is elderly, say so when you book and allow extra time. A puppy may need extra toilet stops, and an older dog may need help getting in and out of the car. Take your own blanket and keep a towel to hand. Ask the driver to avoid sudden braking where possible, and keep the journey calm.
Pickups across Birmingham and the Midlands
We collect from homes across the region. That includes pickups through our Birmingham taxi service, as well as from Solihull, Coventry and Wolverhampton. If you’re heading to the airport, see our Birmingham Airport transfers. Our coverage area page lists every town we serve.
Book your taxi with your dog
If you’re looking for a dog friendly taxi in Birmingham, tell us about your journey and your dog before you book. Give us the pick-up address, the time and the dog’s size. Say if it’s an assistance dog or if you’ll bring a crate, and we’ll confirm what we can do for your journey. Book your taxi online, or contact us with your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take a dog in a taxi in Birmingham?
Assistance dogs must be carried, at no extra charge. For pet dogs, it’s up to the operator and driver, so ask when you book.
Can a taxi driver refuse an assistance dog?
No, unless the driver has a medical exemption certificate. Refusing is a criminal offence, and drivers can be fined up to £1,000.
Do dogs have to wear a seat belt in a taxi?
The Highway Code says dogs should be suitably restrained, for example with a harness, carrier, cage or guard. A harness that clips into the seat belt is a common choice.
Can I take a pet dog on a pre-booked taxi?
Possibly. There’s no legal duty to carry pets, so ask the operator when you book and agree where the dog will sit.
Where should my dog sit in a taxi?
Birmingham City Council says it’s sensible for an assistance dog to sit in the front passenger footwell. For a pet dog, agree the position with the operator, and use a harness, carrier or crate.
Can I take my dog to Crufts at the NEC?
Crufts 2027 runs from 4 to 7 March at the NEC. Assistance dogs are permitted, and other sources say general visitors can’t bring pet dogs, so check the visitor information first.
