Pets are part of the family and most people don’t think twice about jumping in the car to take their dog on a family outing or even on holiday.
But for people without transport – or with animals that taxi drivers refuse to take – pet taxi services can be a lifeline. And it is more than a case of simply taking an owner and their pet from one place to another.
While taxi drivers are required by law to take passengers with assistance animals, they can refuse to take someone travelling with a pet such as a dog, whether it is for a trip out or an appointment with the vet.
Need
This led former paratrooper Chris Dancey to become a pet taxi driver for Pets 2 Places in Pontefract 11 months ago. Based in Featherstone, 52-year-old Chris told the Wakefield Express that he had seen pet owners in his area struggle with animal transport, especially the elderly and those with disabilities.
Despite the huge change, Chris is loving his new career and said he is humbled after being nominated for an Animal Star Award in the Best Pet Service 2024 category for his caring service.
He told the Wakefield Express: “I already feel like I have won just being nominated. It is definitely an achievement and it is really nice that I have been recognised. I didn’t expect anything.
“Starting a business in an industry I have never been in before and people like it, which makes me even happier.”
Chris’s role sees him cover the Wakefield and Pontefract area, taking pets to vet appointments, or to and from kennels.
It also takes him all over the UK, including collecting pets from Heathrow Airport, and driving to Plymouth at 3am to rescue two Labradors who were due to be put to sleep.
During one trip, he even helped deliver French Bulldog puppies which arrived before he could reach the vet in Morley.
Feedback
Chris’s customers are full of praise for his caring approach and he has 30 100% recommended reviews on his Facebook page.
Reann Price said: “It was my first experience with Chris today and definitely won’t be my last either. I can’t begin to tell how much he goes above and beyond for our animals. His service is amazing and will be there for you when you need him so no need to worry about transport.
“He loaded us all in the car and made us feel safe and at ease the whole journey. Had a great chat and a laugh and just genuinely a lovely, bubbly, very polite guy that’s always happy to help anyone!
“Chris as got everything in hand so with it being warm weather, there were water and cooling mats down for Winston. He also comes in and sits with you on your appointment he as all the patience with his customers. 100% recommend, you won’t be disappointed!”
Gaz Tansley said: “First of all, what a guy Chris is! Kind, caring and helpful in every way and will go above and beyond for anyone, even if you just contact him for advice this man knows his stuff.
“We found Pets 2 Places after being let down by other taxis and Chris responded to us within minutes and delivered a 10/10 service from start to finish and even transported our 2 pocket bullies alone (if you know anything about the bully breed you will know that’s some challenge alone due to the strength and size of the breed) it just didn’t faze him at all.”
The winners will be announced at an awards night in Nottingham on November 9.
