Bounds launches new '˜dog-friendly' taxi service in Northampton

Bounds, based in Bradshaw Street, announced on its Facebook page that it was now offering a service for dog owners to travel with their pet by paying a £3 surcharge.

The company said it had been listening to feedback from customers and had canvassed all drivers as to whether they would be happy to accept a dog.

The Facebook post stated that 15 per cent of drivers had given approval, leaving 300 others who didn’t want to carry dogs.

The post states: “We now offer a service enabling you to book your Bounds Taxi to take you and your four-legged friend, subject to a £3 surcharge and availability at peak times.

“The surcharge ensures that drivers will travel further than usual to pick you up, as we normally allocate the closest driver.”

However, some dog owners pointed out their pets can travel for free on other forms of public transport.

Susan Hughes said: “Bounds Taxis, my dog regularly travels, with me of course, on buses around Northampton and on London Midland trains - all for free too, no surcharge.”

But other people pointed out they would not want to use a taxi that was “covered in dog hairs”. Some dog owners also said they would be happy to pay the extra surcharge to travel with their pet.

Paul Tooley said: “So pleased you have decided to publish this as my dog is such an important part of my life and enjoy going to my friends for a meal with a few beers and am now able to have the option of getting home.”

Stacie Louise said: “I drive so thankfully not a problem for me! However... I think the surcharge is fair... And someone else makes a good point... I’d be furious if I got out the taxi and was covered in dog hair. My dogs get fur everywhere even after lengthy grooming and get saliva all over the windows... And when its wet they stink. I’d be complaining if a taxi reeked like that. They have to make it fair on everyone.”