It is a familiar knot of anxiety for any pet owner in Durham. You are standing in the rain on North Road, clutching a cat carrier or holding a nervous Labrador on a short lead. You hail a taxi, the window rolls down, the driver takes one look at your four-legged companion, shakes their head, and drives away.
At Durham City Cabs, we believe you shouldn’t have to “hope” a driver accepts your ride. Whether you are a student moving into a new let in the Viaduct with an emotional support animal, or a local resident rushing a sick pet to Gilmoor Vets, your transport should be a certainty, not a gamble.
We don’t just “tolerate” pets; we have a dedicated fleet of drivers who have specifically opted-in to carry them.
Local Insider Tip: While public buses in Durham may allow dogs, it is entirely at the driver’s discretion. If the bus is full, or if the driver simply prefers not to, you will be left at the bus stop. Our service removes that “refusal risk” entirely.
The “No-Refusal” Guarantee: How We Are Different
The biggest pain point for pet owners isn’t the cost; it’s the fear of rejection. Most taxi apps treat pets as an afterthought. You might book a ride, watch the car approach on the map, and then face an awkward confrontation at the curb when the driver realizes you aren’t travelling alone.
We operate differently. When you book with Durham City Cabs and tick the “Pet Friendly” box (or tell our operator), our dispatch system filters the fleet. We only assign your job to a driver who is expecting a furry passenger.
We Don’t Leave You Curb-Side
By filtering at the dispatch level, we eliminate the “curb-side negotiation.” The driver arriving at your door has already prepared their vehicle for your pet. They are likely carrying a seat cover and, more importantly, a positive attitude toward animals.
Assistance Dogs vs. Family Pets
It is vital to distinguish between legal rights and our additional services:
- Assistance Dogs (Guide/Hearing Dogs): Under the Equality Act 2010, trained assistance dogs travel free of charge in any of our vehicles. They are welcome in the footwell, and no driver (unless medically exempt) will refuse them. This is your legal right.
- Family Pets & Emotional Support Animals: For non-assistance animals, we offer our “Pet Policy” guarantee. This is a pre-booked agreement where we ensure you get a willing driver and a suitable vehicle.
Vehicles for Every Size (From Vet Visits to Move-In Day)
A Great Dane requires different logistics than a hamster. We match the vehicle to your specific need to ensure safety and comfort.
The Vet Run (Saloon & Hatchback)
When your animal is unwell, stress levels are high. The last thing you need is a rough journey. For trips to Gilmoor Vets (Sunderland Rd), Dunelm Veterinary Group (Gilesgate), or emergency runs to Abbey Vets, our standard saloons are ideal.
- Capacity: 1-2 Passengers + Small/Medium Pet.
- Best For: Cats in secure carriers or dogs that sit calmly in the footwell/rear seat.
The Student Move (Estates & MPVs)
Durham University move-in weekends (Late September and Late June) are chaotic. If you are moving from a college to a private rental in Claypath or Gilesgate, you likely have two large suitcases, boxes of books, and your pet.
- Capacity: Estate Cars or 6-Seater MPVs.
- Best For: Large dog crates, “Move-In” payloads, and students with emotional support animals who need extra luggage space.
Station Transfers
Durham Railway Station is located on a steep ridge. The walk down to the city centre is manageable, but the walk up with luggage and a leash is physically demanding. We provide a seamless connection from the platform to your doorstep, handling the luggage while you handle the pet.
Transparent Pricing (No Hidden “Messing Fees”)
We believe in upfront pricing. You will never be charged a random fee by a driver at the end of a journey.
The Pet Surcharge
We apply a small, fixed surcharge for non-assistance pets, typically between £3.00 and £5.00 per journey.
- Why? This fee compensates the driver for the “down time” required after your trip to vacuum the seats, wipe down door panels, and ensure the car is pristine for the next passenger (who might be wearing a black suit).
- Comparison: This is comparable to, or cheaper than, the pet fees charged by rail operators like LNER.
Cleaning Policy (The “Soiling Charge”)
We need to protect our drivers, but we also want to be fair to you.
- Hair & Mud: Minor shedding or a few muddy paw prints are covered by the Pet Surcharge. You will not be charged extra for this.
- The Statutory Limit: In the rare event of a “bio-hazard” incident (urine, vomit, or extreme soiling that renders the car unusable), the driver is legally permitted to charge a maximum of £200.00 for professional valeting.
- Our Promise: We view the £200 charge as a “nuclear option.” If you let us know your pet is travel-sick beforehand, we can provide protective sheets to avoid this entirely.
Why Walking Your Pet in Durham is Harder Than You Think
You might be thinking, “It’s only a mile, I’ll just walk.” However, Durham is a peninsula defined by the “Seven Hills.” For a pet, the city’s topography presents genuine physical challenges.
The Cobble Factor
If you are transporting a cat or small animal in a wheeled carrier or stroller, the historic streets are your enemy.
- Silver Street & Saddler Street: The uneven cobblestones cause severe vibration, which can be terrifying for a caged animal.
- Stress Reduction: A taxi glides over the tarmac, bypassing the cobbles entirely and keeping your pet calm.
The Hill Factor
Durham has some of the steepest residential streets in the region. Redhills Lane hits a gradient of 15.3%, and the climb from the river to the Cathedral is relentless.
- Health Risk: For elderly dogs or brachycephalic breeds (like Pugs and Bulldogs), forcing a steep climb, especially in summer, puts them at risk of heat exhaustion or breathing difficulties.
The Access Advantage (2025/2026)
With new pedestrian zone restrictions tightening around the Market Place and Silver Street in late 2025, private cars will be banned during peak hours. However, as Licensed Taxis, our vehicles typically hold exemptions. This means we can legally drive you and your pet closer to your front door than you could get in your own car or a friend’s vehicle.
Comparison: Your Transport Options
| Feature | Durham City Cabs | Public Bus | Walking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pet Policy | Guaranteed (Opt-in Fleet) | Discretionary (Driver can refuse) | N/A |
| Reliability | High (Pre-booked) | Low (Space dependent) | Weather dependent |
| Stress Level | Low (Direct route) | High (Crowds/Noise) | High (Hills/Cobbles) |
| Luggage Capacity | High (Estates available) | Low (No aisle blocking) | Manual Carry |
| Door-to-Door | Yes | No (Bus stops only) | Yes |
Ready for a stress-free ride?
Don’t risk the walk up the hill or a refusal at the bus stop.
Book Your Pet Friendly Ride Now
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my dog to the vet in a taxi?
Yes. We frequently service all major veterinary clinics, including Vets4Pets at the Arnison Centre and Gilmoor Vets. If you are booking a return trip, please let the operator know if you need the driver to wait (waiting time charges of approx. 20p per 40 seconds apply).
How much extra is a taxi with a dog?
We charge a fixed surcharge (typically starting from £3.00) on top of the meter fare. This is significantly cheaper than specialist “Pet Ambulance” services which can charge base rates of £30+.
Do I need a crate?
For cats and small animals, a secure carrier is mandatory for safety. For dogs, we recommend a harness that can be clipped into the seatbelt, or they can sit in the footwell. If you have a large crate, please request an Estate car or MPV when booking.
Will you take my large dog?
Yes. As long as the dog fits in the vehicle safely, size is not an issue. We regularly transport Labradors, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers. Just let us know in advance so we don’t send a small hatchback!
