Australian startup PetCloud has launched the nation’s first dedicated pet taxiservice and in a first for Australia, the new Pet Taxi App allows pets to rideunaccompanied.
Whether they’re arranging a taxi to a grooming appointment, vet check-up, or alift home from a wedding, pet owners who use the Pet Taxi App can rest assuredthat every driver is insured, trained in animal handling and has undergone apolice-check, and their pet is properly secured during each trip.
Like other ride share services, users simply download the app and book a pettaxi on demand or schedule a pick-up up to 72 hours in advance. Pet owners cantrack their pet’s ride in real time through the app’s GPS system and get fareestimates before they book. Pet businesses such as vet clinics and groomingsalons can also book pet taxis on behalf of their clients.
With pets in two-thirds of Australian households, PetCloud CEO Deb Morrisonsaid it was about time they had their own ride share service.
“There are more pets than people in Australia with last estimates at around 30million, which adds up to a lot of pet health and grooming appointments.Whether a pet needs a ride home from a mid-morning grooming appointment or aride to the vet for a dental check-up, pet owners can’t always stop half-waythrough their workday to pick up their pets, and we know that not all petowners have a car. PetCloud’s mission has always been to remove barriers topet ownership and make responsible pet care easy and we are proud to say wehave found a new way to do this through our Pet Taxi App,” Ms Morrison said.
While PetCloud has been offering pet taxis through its pet sitting platformfor a couple of years, Ms Morrison said increased interest in the service,especially among Australia’s growing aging population, showed the nation wasready for its first dedicated pet taxi service.
“Pets bring so much joy and comfort to people’s lives and we don’t want anyoneto miss out on that special relationship because they can’t drive or have abusy job. By offering a pet taxi service we’re paving the way for moreAustralians to be able to care for a pet regardless of their life situation,”she said.
“We already have more than 1100 pet-loving drivers across Australia gearing upto drive Miss Daisy to her next appointment and welcome anyone else looking tomake some spare cash as a pet taxi driver.”
In line with PetCloud’s regulations, Pet Taxi App drivers have all had policechecks, are trained in animal handling, insured, and have the backing ofAustralia’s most respected animal welfare charity, with RSPCA Queensland apart owner of PetCloud.
The Pet Taxi App is now available to download, pet taxi drivers can sign uphere and pet businesses can access the pet taxi business portal here.
For more information on PetCloud visit www.petcloud.com.au
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