Spirit Airlines Pet Policy

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. You can add a pet to your reservation by phone, text message (48763), and WhatsApp (+1-866-399-0587) (but not online)—after purchasing your ticket.  

Overview of Spirit Airlines Pet Policy

• Passengers are allowed to bring only certain types of pets in the aircraft cabin.
  • Only domesticated dogs, cats, household rabbits, and birds are accepted in the cabin on flights within the United States, flights to/from Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 
  • Household birds and rabbits are not accepted on flights to/from Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
  • Only trained service animals are accepted on international flights.
• The pet fee for domestic flights is USD 110 each way.
• Pups and kittens must be fully weaned and at least 8 weeks of age. 
• Passengers with disabilities are allowed to bring trained service animals (only dogs) free of charge in the cabin 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 the pet and its carrier must not exceed 40lb/18.14kg. 
• On domestic flights, you may not be required to carry a health certificate, except when travelling to U.S.V.I. 
• Restrictions 
  • Spirit does not accept pets on international flights.
  • Large birds like macaws, parrots, cockatoos, birds of prey, and other animals are not accepted.
  • You cannot sit in the first row or an emergency exit row when traveling with a pet.
  • Your pet must remain inside the pet carrier at all times. 
  • Your pet must be harmless and odorless and require no attention during the flight.

Spirit Airlines Pet Policy for Domestic Flights 

Spirit Airlines pet travel requirements for domestic flights (and flights to/from Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) are as follows:

• In-Cabin Travel Mandatory
  • Per Spirit Airlines pet policy, pets can only travel in the cabin—and must remain inside their carrier at all times. 
  • Pets are not permitted in the checked baggage 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, St. Thomas, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• Carry-on Bag Fee. The pet carrier will count as a carry-on bag. 
• Pet Carrier Requirements

• Only soft carriers/containers are allowed—but not those where the pet’s head remains outside. 
• The pet carrier size (L x W x H) must not exceed 18 x 14 x 9in (45.72 x 35.56 x 22.86cm).
• The maximum permissible weight of the pet (plus carrier) is 40lb/18.14kg.
• The pet carrier must be adequately sized. 
• The pet carrier must comply with government requirements for safe transportation. 

• Pet Fee. Spirit Airlines charges a one-way pet fee of USD 110 per pet carrier. 
• Pet Age. Dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old to travel on Spirit.
• Number of Pet Carriers Permitted. A maximum of 6 pet carriers is accepted per flight.
• Pet Reservations
  • You can add a pet to your reservation by phone, text message (48763), and WhatsApp (855-728-3555)—but not online. 
  • Pet reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis, so reserve in advance.
• Forms Required
  • Health certificates are not required, except when travelling to the U.S.V.I. 
  • A rabies vaccination certificate is required for pets travelling to Puerto Rico. 
• Emotional support animals will no longer be accepted free of charge and must travel per Spirit Airlines pet policy—all restrictions apply.
• Trained service animals (dogs) can travel free with their owners in the passenger cabin.
• Only 1 pet carrier per passenger is allowed.
• Restrictions 
  • Pets are not accepted on international flights.
  • The following pets are never accepted: 
    • Large birds like macaws, parrots, cockatoos, and birds of prey
    • Rodents (mice, rats, squirrels), ferrets and, beavers
    • Reptiles (incl. snakes)
    • Amphibians
    • Spiders and insects 
    • Tigers, lions, or bears
  • You cannot sit in the first row or an emergency exit row when traveling with a pet.
  • Your pet must remain inside the travel container at all times. 
  • Avoid feeding your pet (food or water) during the flight. 
  • Do not sedate your pet for the trip.
  • The pet must be harmless and odorless and require no attention during the flight.

Spirit Airlines Pet Policy for International Flights 

Spirit Airlines does not accept pets other than services animals (dogs) on international flights.

• Emotional support animals will no longer be accepted free of charge and must travel per Spirit Airlines pet policy, and all restrictions will apply.
• Trained service animals (dogs) can travel free with their owners in the passenger cabin.

Spirit Airlines Pet Policy for Pets Travelling as Checked Baggage 

Spirit Airlines does not allow pets to travel as checked baggage. 

Spirit Airlines Pet Policy for Pets Travelling as Cargo Baggage 

Spirit Airlines does not allow pets to travel as manifest cargo.

How to Travel with Trained Service Animals (Dogs) on Spirit Airlines

In keeping with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) rules, Spirit Airlines has updated its pet policy. According to the new policy, service animals cover only trained dogs and include psychiatric service animals. Passengers with disabilities can travel with up to 2 trained service dogs in the cabin free of charge. 

• Documentation 

• Download and fill out the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form before travelling (to validate the dog’s training, behavior, and health). 
• The form must be submitted 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 passenger may additionally be required to 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. 
• On international travel, all country-specific requirements must be met by the owner.

• 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.
• General conditions 

The service animal: 

• Must be a dog. 
• Must be at least 4 months old.
• Must be fully trained. Under-training dogs must travel according to Spirit Airlines’ pet policy.
• Must sit on the floor at the feet of the passenger, or in the passenger’s lap if no larger than a lap infant of under 2 years of age. 
• Cannot occupy a passenger seat. 
• Must remain seated on the floor if it is larger than a 2-year-old lap infant.
• Must always be with the passenger. 

Call +1-866-399-0587 to make a booking or visit the destination country’s website/consulate for more information.

Emotional Support Animals (ESA) 

If you booked your flight after January 11, 2021, you will not be allowed to travel with your emotional support animal free of charge. This regulation complies with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s rules on the topic. If you wish to travel with an emotional support animal, you must make a paid reservation per Spirit Airlines’ pet policy—and your service animal’s weight and size must be within the defined limits.

Frequently Asked Questions on Spirit Airlines Pet Policy

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