Taxi drivers CAN invoice Guide Dogs a ‘reasonable’ amount if service animals soil their cabs

The Guide Dogs charity have confirmed that taxi drivers CAN invoice them should a service dog soil their taxis.

The clarification comes after a harrowing incident involving a blind woman and her ailing service dog during a taxi journey in Sheffield. The dog, sadly unwell, soiled the licensed vehicle, which left all parties confused over who should bear the cost of the soiling charge.

The incident sparked a discussion about the responsibilities of taxi drivers and passengers when it comes to such situations involving assistance animals.

Speaking directly to TaxiPoint, a charity spokesperson confirmed Guide Dogs do pay ‘reasonable costs’, such as in the case of this incident.

All taxi and private hire vehicles (PHV) must pick up service dogs. It remains against the law to refuse entry should a handler and their dog require a taxi or PHV service.