Pet my ride: Lebanon launches taxi service for cats and dogs

A Lebanese entrepreneur has launched a new taxi company just for pets, offering a paw-some new service for pet owners in the country.

In July, Khattar Abu Merhi decided to set up Petaxi to pick up and drop off pets at vet and grooming appointments.

Taxi drivers in Lebanon often get hot under the collar about transporting cats and dogs, making the new service a rare breed for pet owners without cars.

In a country where the roads are often congested, the taxi service also saves on pbarking spots.

"So why not create a taxi for the animals," Abu Merhi says.

"A taxi that takes care of these animals who live in our homes and are members of our families."

Customers reserve the taxi a day in advance, offering a pet-friendly ride to the vet, airport or even just the beach.

The service costs 1 US dollar per kilometre and has at least three or four furry clients per day.

Petaxi has so far received rave reviews from pet-owners.