SINGAPORE: Uber will be letting the dogs out this Friday (Dec 9), with the launch of its UberPUPPIES service in Singapore.
For one day only, users of the ride-hailing app can request for 15 minutes of playtime with puppies which will be delivered to them.
The initiative sees Uber teaming up with local dog shelter SOSD and pet food brand Purina Pro Plan to raise awareness of homeless dogs in Singapore. While the service is free, Uber said those who opt for the service are encouraged to make a donation to SOSD. All puppies offered in the service are also up for adoption.
Jeshi, Soby, Tate, Sofy will be out on loan for a cuddle on Friday. (Photos: SOSD)
“People think that homeless dogs, especially mongrels, are unfriendly. In fact, they make great pets,” said Dr Siew Tuck Wah, president of SOSD.
“We hope to spread the message of adoption this Christmas, and also raise awareness of the stray dog issue in Singapore where thousands of dogs are homeless, or housed in shelters looking for a home,” he said.
Dr Siew added that each puppy has been screened by its rehoming team to ensure that the ones that are part of the service are friendly and like human interaction. They would also be accompanied by a volunteer to ensure the “safety and well-being of the puppies”, said SOSD in a Facebook post.
The service will be available for four hours on Friday between 1pm and 5pm. For each successful request, users will get to meet two puppies, according to Uber which expects demand to be high. Between 20 and 24 puppies will be involved, delivered by a total of 10 to 12 cars.
This is the first time Uber is bringing its puppy initiative to Singapore. The app has launched similar events in the US, Australia, Jordan and Lebanon, and has also previously run a version with kittens during National Cat Day in the US.
