Mallorie Sullivan

msullivan@enquirer.com

What if there were an Uber, but for puppies?

We know you’ve asked that question more times than you care to admit. And, finally, Uber is delivering.

Literally.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, those in need of a dose of fluffy cuteness to make it to the weekend will be able to request the ride-hailing app not just for a ride, but for a fleet of puppies to be delivered to the workplace.

Interested? During the time UberPUPPIES is available, Uber users in Cincinnati will see a limited-time "PUPPIES" option on the app. The delivery, which can only be made to offices, costs $30 for 15 minutes of snuggle time, according to a news release.

That $30 fee for getting puppy kisses on demand goes toward the League of Animal Welfare, which is partnering with the ride-hailing service to bring Uber users a little pre-Valentine's Day love while raising awareness for shelter animals across the city.

"We are all looking forward to this great event," said Rhonda Kidd, the shelter's operations manager, in an email to The Enquirer.

Kidd said the Batavia-based animal shelter also partnered with Uber last fall during the service's UberKITTENS promotion. The launch went so well last year, she said, the ride-hailing service told the shelter to keep early February open in mind for UberPUPPIES — and the timing couldn't have worked out better.

"Several months ago we rescued a lovely little pointer mix who happened to be pregnant," Kidd said. The dog had nine "adorable little pups about 8 weeks ago," so a few will be on hand at the event.

Because the puppies are alternated throughout the day in order to get rest, The Enquirer was able to visit with three squirmy Labrador mixes: Burke, Bishop and Bundy.

If you happen to fall in love with a puppy during playtime — spoiler alert: you will — you'll be happy to know all of them are looking for their "furever" homes, Kidd said.

The only caveat: You'll have to visit the shelter to fill out the paperwork, which is probably good for productivity's sake.

Those seriously interested are asked to act fast, because by the end of the day most of the pups are already spoken for, according to Casey Verkamp, Uber Cincinnati general manager.

Because UberPUPPIES will be in high demand Friday, offices wanting to participate should be ready to request early and request often, as the service is first-come, first-served.

For those who miss out, or if the pooches aren't allowed in the building, arrangements to meet and to play with them can be made at the shelter.

Live in Columbus and Cleveland? Stay tuned: UberPUPPIES is coming your way next week, Verkamp said.

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