Pets are accepted for travel only in the passenger cabin on Spirit Airlines. Spirit Airlines pet policy does not allow pets to travel in the checked baggage or cargo section of the aircraft. After purchasing your ticket, you can add a pet to your reservation by phone, text message (48763), and WhatsApp (855-728-3555), but not online).
When travelling with a pet, you must check in with your pet at the airport counter—not at the curbside or a self-service kiosk.
Overview of Spirit Airlines Pet Policy
Below is an overview of Spirit’s pet policy:
- Passengers are allowed to bring only certain types of pets in the aircraft cabin.
- Only domesticated dogs, cats, and household birds* and rabbits are accepted in the cabin on domestic flights within the United States, flights to/from Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
*Farm poultry, game birds, flightless birds, birds of prey, and waterfowl are not considered household birds.
- Only domesticated dogs, cats, and household birds* and rabbits are accepted in the cabin on domestic flights within the United States, flights to/from Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Exceptions: Household birds and rabbits are not accepted on flights to/from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- The Spirit pet fee is USD 125 each way for domestic flights).
- Pups and kittens must be fully weaned and a minimum of 8 weeks old.
- Passengers with disabilities are allowed to bring trained service animals (only dogs) to the aircraft cabin free of charge on domestic and international flights.
- The maximum number of pet carriers accepted on domestic flights (incl. Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, and U.S.V.I.) is 6 pet carriers.
- Each passenger can bring 1 pet carrier, and up to 2 pets per carrier are allowed.
- The combined weight of your pet and the carrier must not exceed 40lb/18.14kg.
- On domestic flights, you may not be required to carry a health certificate, except if travelling to the U.S. Virgin . Islands.
Spirit Airlines Pet Policy for Domestic Flights
- In-Cabin Travel Mandatory
- Per Spirit Airlines’ pet policy, pets are only allowed in the cabin and must remain inside their carriers at all times.
- Pets are not permitted in the checked baggage hold section or cargo section.
- Only domesticated dogs, cats, household rabbits, and birds are accepted.
Exception: Household birds and rabbits are not accepted on flights to/from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Carry-on Baggage Fee: Your pet carrier will be treated as a carry-on bag.
- Pet Carrier Requirements
What are Spirit Airlines’ pet carrier requirements for an approved pet carrier?
Per Spirit Airlines’ pet carrier policy, an approved pet carrier must meet all the requirements below:
- Only soft carriers/containers are allowed—but not those where the pet’s head remains outside.
- The pet carrier size (Length x Width x Height) should not exceed 18 x 14 x 9in (45.72 x 35.56 x 22.86cm).
- The maximum permissible weight of a pet (including the carrier) is 40lb/18.14kg.
- The pet carrier should be large enough for the pet to comfortably sit, stand, lie, and turn.
- The pet carrier should comply with the government’s safe transportation requirements.
- The pet carrier must fit under your front seat.
- Spirit Airlines Pet Price (in-cabin pets). Spirit Airlines pet prices are USD 125 per pet carrier for in-cabin pets.
- Pet Age: Cats and dogs should be 8 weeks or older.
- Number of Pet Carriers Allowed. A maximum of 6 pets is accepted per flight.
Pet Reservations
After purchasing your ticket, you can add a pet to your reservation by:
- Phone (+1-844-933-2065 through this website))
- Text message (48763)
- WhatsApp (855-728-3555)
Online pet reservations are not accepted. Also, pet reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis, so reserve in advance.
- Pet Documents/Pet Travel Forms
Per Spirit Airlines’ pet document requirements for in-cabin pets:- Health certificates are not required, except when travelling to the U.S.V.I.
- A rabies vaccination certificate will be required for pets flying to Puerto Rico.
- Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) will not be allowed to fly free of charge and will have to travel on a paid basis per Spirit Airlines’ pet policy.
- Trained service animals (only dogs) can travel for free with the owner in the passenger cabin.
- 1 pet carrier is allowed per passenger.
- Pet Travel Restrictions
- Route Restrictions: Pets are not permitted on international flights.
- Animal Restrictions: These pets are also not permitted:
- Birds of prey and large birds like cockatoos, parrots, and macaws,
- Rodents (squirrels, rats, mice), beavers, and ferrets
- Reptiles and amphibians
- Insects and spiders
- Lions, tigers, and bears
- Seating Restrictions: You cannot sit in the first row or an emergency exit row when traveling with a pet.
- Other Restrictions
- The pet should remain inside the carrier at all times.
- Do not feed or water your pet during the flight.
- Never sedate your pet for the journey.
- Your pet should be harmless, emit no odor, and need no attention during the trip.
Spirit Airlines Pet Policy for International Flights
Spirit Airlines does not accept pets other than service animals (dogs) on international flights.
- Emotional support animals are no longer accepted free of charge and must travel per Spirit Airlines’ pet policy, and all restrictions will apply.
- Trained service animals (dogs) can travel for free with their owners in the aircraft cabin.
Spirit Airlines Checked Pets Policy
Spirit Airlines does not allow pets to travel as checked baggage.
Spirit Airlines Cargo Pets Policy
Spirit Airlines does not allow pets to travel as manifest cargo.
Spirit Airlines Service Animal Policy
Spirit Airlines has updated its pet policy to comply with the rules of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Under the new policy, service animals include trained dogs and psychiatric service animals only. Passengers with disabilities can travel with 2 trained service dogs in the cabin without having to pay any pet fee.
- Documentation—Spirit Airlines Service Dog Forms
- Download and complete the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form before travelling.
- Submit the form online 48 hours (2 full days) before the flight’s scheduled departure time.
- The form must be fully completed and include updated rabies vaccination details.
- If the flight duration is 8 hours or longer, the owner must submit a U.S. DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form stating that the service animal will not be relieving itself in the aircraft or will do so without creating a sanitary issue.
- When travelling on international routes, the owner must comply with country-specific requirements.
- Seating requirements
- If travelling with a service dog, you cannot occupy an emergency exit row or a seat with an inflatable seat belt (for safety reasons). These seats include:
- 319 Seat rows 1, 4, and 5 (D, E, F).
- 32A/32N Seat rows 1, 3, 12, and 13.
- 32B Seat rows 1 and 3.
- If travelling with a service dog, you cannot occupy an emergency exit row or a seat with an inflatable seat belt (for safety reasons). These seats include:
- Other conditions
The service animal:
- Can be a dog only.
- Must be at least 4 months old.
- Should be fully trained. Dogs under training are required to travel per Spirit Airlines’ pet policy.
- Must be seated at the feet of the passenger, or in the lap only if it is not larger than a 2-year-old a lap infant.
- Cannot occupy a passenger seat.
- Must be with the passenger throughout.
Call +1-844-933-2065 to make a booking through this website or visit the destination country’s website/consulate for more information.
Spirit Airlines Pet Policy for ESAs (Emotional Support Animals)
If you booked your flight after January 11, 2021, you will not be allowed to bring your emotional support animal free of charge. This regulation complies with the rules of the U.S. Department of Transportation. If you wish to bring an emotional support animal with you, you must make a paid reservation per Spirit Airlines’ pet policy—and your emotional support animal’s weight and size must be within the defined limits:
- Max. pet carrier size 18 x 14 x 9in (45.72 x 35.56 x 22.86cm)
Max. pet weight (incl. carrier) 40lb/18.14kg
Frequently Asked Questions
Spirit Airlines only allows small domesticated cats, dogs, household birds, and rabbits in the passenger cabin on domestic U.S. flights and flights to/from Puerto Rico and the U.S.V.I. However, household birds and rabbits are not allowed on flights to/from Puerto Rico and the U.S.V.I.
The maximum weight of a pet (plus pet carrier) should not exceed 40lb/18.1kg and the pet carrier’s size should not be more than exceed 18in (length) x 14in (width) x 9in (height).
Only small domestic dogs, cats, household birds, and rabbits can travel in the aircraft cabin on flights within the U.S. However, Spirit does not accept birds and rabbits on flights to/from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
You can only bring small domesticated pets (dogs, cats, household rabbits, and birds) in the passenger cabin on domestic flights within the U.S. Spirit Airlines does not allow birds and rabbits to travel on flights to/from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Spirit accepts only small domesticated dogs, cats, household rabbits, and birds as carry-on pets on flights within the U.S., but it does not accept birds and rabbits on flights to/from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Spirit allows pets like small dogs, cats, household rabbits, and birds in the passenger cabin only on domestic flights within the U.S. but does not accept rabbits and birds on flights to/from the U.S.V.I. or Puerto Rico. However, service animals are allowed to fly free of charge in the passenger cabin on both domestic and international flights.
spirit Airlines’ charges a one-way pet fee of USD 125.
Spirit Airlines’ pet carrier size should not exceed 18in x 14in x 9in (45.72 x 35.56 x 22.86cm).
Spirit Airlines’ maximum pet carrier dimensions (Length x Width x Height) are 18in x 14in x 9in (45.72cm x 35.56cm x 22.86cm).
Yes, your pet’s carrier’s size should not exceed the maximum dimensions of 18in x 14in x 9in (Length x Width x Height) and your pet must fit comfortably inside it.
Spirit is quite strict with pet carriers, so you must ensure that you comply with all the required weight, size, and other requirements.
Per Spirit Airlines’ pet policy, the one-way cost of travelling with a pet is USD 125.
Spirit allows small dogs, cats, household birds, and rabbits onboard only on domestic flights—pets (other than service dogs) are not accepted on international flights. However, household birds and rabbits are permitted on routes to/from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Spirit does not allow pets to travel as checked or air cargo baggage.
Pet carriers must be soft-sided and comply with the airline’s standards. They should not exceed 18 x 14 x 9in (Length x Width x Height) in size and 40lb/18.14kg in weight.
Spirit Airlines accepts certain pets (dogs, cats, household birds, and rabbits) on domestic flights, depending on who booked earlier. However, small household birds and rabbits are not accepted on flights to/from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Spirit does not accept pets on international flights (other than trained service animals). The maximum number of pet carriers allowed on a domestic flight is 6, so you should book early. You can add a pet to your reservation by phone, text message (48763), and WhatsApp (855-728-3555)—but not online.
Spirit does not permit pets to travel as checked baggage or air cargo baggage. When travelling within the U.S., you’re not required to carry a health certificate for most states, except when you’re travelling to the U.S.V.I. Also, a rabies vaccination certificate is required for pets travelling to Puerto Rico.
Your pet carrier should be soft-sided, meet the carrier’s required standards, and must not measure more than 18 x 14 x 9in (Length x Width x Height). Also, the weight of your pet (incl. carrier) should not exceed 40lb/18.14kg.
Some of the important pet guidelines at Spirit Airlines are as follows:
Spirit Airlines does not require a pet health certificate, except if you’re travelling to the U.S.V.I.
Spirit Airlines requires a rabies vaccination certificate for pets travelling to Puerto Rico.
Spirit only accepts small domesticated dogs, cats, household birds, and rabbits.
Spirt does not allow birds to/from the U.S.V.I. or Puerto Rico.
Spirit does not accept exotic animals like rodents, spiders, and snakes.
Spirit allows a maximum of 2 pets per carrier and only 1 carrier per passenger.
Your pet must be able to stand upright and move comfortably inside its container.
Your pet must remain inside its carrier throughout the flight.
Your pet must be fully weaned and at least 8 weeks.
Your pet or service animal must be harmless, odorless, and inoffensive and must require no attention during your flight.
Pets that become offensive or cause a disturbance before the flight will not be accepted.
Your pet must not be violent, ill, or in physical distress.
Advance pet reservations are recommended but not mandatory.
You can sit anywhere on the aircraft with your pet except in the emergency exit or first row.
The total weight of your pet and its carrier should not exceed 40lb/18.14 kg.
The pet carrier cannot be more than 18 x 14 x 9in (Length x Width x Height).
Your pet carrier must be soft-sided and must comply with Spirit’s standards.
You can add a pet on Spirit Airlines after purchasing your ticket in any of the following ways:
By phone through this website (+1-844-933-2065)
By Text message (48763)
By WhatsApp (855-728-3555)
However, you cannot add a pet online.
Spirit Airlines’ pet charges are USD 125 per way for domestic flights. Round trips will cost twice as much. However, trained service dogs can travel for free with disabled passengers in the aircraft cabin.
Per Spirit Airlines’’ pet policy for in-cabin pets, only small domesticated dogs, cats, household rabbits, and birds are accepted in the cabin on domestic flights within the U.S., U.S.V.I., and Puerto Rico. However, household birds and rabbits are not accepted on flights to/from the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
Your pet’s carrier must not be more than 18in long, 14in wide, and 9in high. The pet carrier’s weight (including the pet) should not exceed 40lb/18.14kg, and your pet’s age must be at least 8 weeks. Plus, your pet is not allowed to be let out of its carrier.
You will be charged a one-way pet fee of USD 125 on domestic flights within the United States.
Per Spirit Airlines’ pet policy, pets other than trained service animals (dogs) are not accepted on international flights.
Only small domesticated dogs, cats, household birds, and rabbits are allowed only in the aircraft cabin on domestic flights within the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. However, if you’re flying to/from the U.S.V.I. or Puerto Rico, household birds and rabbits will not be allowed.
The pet fee at Spirit Airlines is USD 125 per way. A round trip will cost you twice the one-way fee.
Spirit’s pet fee is payable by phone, text message (48763), and WhatsApp (855-728-3555)—but not online—by adding your pet to your reservation. This means you should first make your reservation and then add your pet to your reservation as suggested above.
Spirit Airlines charges USD 125 per way for pets on domestic flights. It does not accept pets on international flights. However, trained service dogs can travel free of charge in the passenger cabin with their owners.
If your pet or service animal is ill, aggressive, or badly behaved, it might not be accepted on the flight.
Spirit Airlines allows domesticated cats, dogs, and household rabbits and birds to travel in the aircraft cabin on flights within the U.S., flights to/from Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and the U.S.V.I. Spirit does not accept household birds and rabbits on flights to/from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
When travelling with a pet in the aircraft cabin, the maximum permissible weight of your pet (incl. carrier) is 40lb/18.1kg. Also, the pet carrier’s size should not exceed 18in in length, 14in in width, and 9in in height.
Spirit Airlines allows domesticated pets such as dogs, cats, and household rabbits and birds in the aircraft cabin on domestic flights, flights to/from Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and the U.S.V.I. Household birds and rabbits are not allowed on flights to/from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and St. Thomas.
The weight of your pet (incl. carrier) should not exceed 40lb/18.1kg, and your pet carrier’s size should not be more than 18in (length) x 14in (width) x 9in (height).
Spirit Airlines accepts pets like small domesticated dogs, cats, household birds, and rabbits in the aircraft cabin on domestic flights only. However, household birds and rabbits are not accepted on flights to or from the U.S.V.I. and Puerto Rico.
Service animals can travel free of charge in the passenger cabin on both domestic and international flights.
Spirit Airlines pet policy for Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) no longer allows ESAs to travel free of charge in the passenger cabin. They must travel on a paid basis as normal pets, which means they must meet the permissible weight and size criteria laid out in the airline’s current pet policy. This means the weight of your pet (plus carrier) should not be more than 40lb/18.1kg and the (soft-sided) pet carrier size should not exceed 18in (length) x 14in (width) x 9in (height).
Spirit Airlines does not allow pets to be shipped as air cargo.
Travelling with pets on Spirit Airlines is free only for trained service dogs. Other pets can only travel for a USD 125 fee per way on domestic routes.
After booking your ticket, you can add a pet to your flight by phone (+1-844-933-2065) through this website, text message at 48763, WhatsApp (855-728-3555), or through your travel agent. Remember, you cannot make online reservations for pets on Spirit.
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