Spirit Airlines Pet Policy: Rules, Fees, and Tips

Spirit Airlines pet policy mentions all rules and guidelines that must be followed by travelers who are carrying their pets to the plane. The pets are allowed to be carried only in the cabin, and an additional fee will be charged. They must be vaccinated, odorless, and harmless to other passengers. Also, it should be kept in a carrier, and some carrier rules are there as well. The policy also states the limits that only domestic pets are allowed onboard, which includes small dogs, cats, rabbits, etc.

Spirit Airlines Pet Policy Guidelines

Certain rules are clearly acknowledged in the Spirit Pet Policy, highlighting the requirements, limits, eligibility, and carrier types.

• As of 2025, Pets are only allowed to be kept on domestic flights. This service hasn’t started for international flights. 

• Small dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds can be carried. However, there are restrictions on carrying them to Puerto Rico & U.S.V.I. routes. 

• One passenger can carry a maximum of one container in which two pets of the same species can be kept, catering to the weight limit. 

• The pet must be at least 8 weeks old and fully vaccinated, odorless, and harmless to other onboard passengers.

• Spirit Airlines only allows 6 pet containers per flight, which means a maximum of 12 pets can be carried at a time. 

• The pet will be in the carrier throughout the flight, which is why it should be comfortable enough for the pet to sit, stand, and lie in that.

• The maximum size of the carrier should be 18 x 14 x 9 inches, as it must fit under the seat of the passenger. 

• Only service pets are allowed to be taken on an international flight. 

• Pets need proper documentation of vaccinations to travel on a Spirit Airlines flight. 

Spirit Airlines Pet Fees

Travelers will have to pay the Spirit Airlines pet policy fee, which ranges between $110 to $125, depending on route and distance of each travel journey. The pet must be under the seat in front of the passengers and should remain inside the carrier throughout the journey.
Spirit Airlines allows only one or two pets per passenger, as there a certain limits that are set by the airline on carrying animals to the aircraft. It is advised that travelers must call the airline, confirm the availability, and the cost as well.

NOTE: Passengers can cancel their pet reservation after booking, but they will not be able to receive any refunds, as it doesn’t generate refunds on pet bookings, under the Spirit Airlines Cancellation Policy.

How to book a Reservation for a pet on Spirit Airlines?

Pet reservations can be made through the official website or app of Spirit Airlines and by calling the customer support department. As compared to the second method, confirming through the portal or app is considered more convenient, due to its accessibility. 

Steps to book a pet reservation through Spirit Airlines’ website

1. Book a flight

Travelers are required to book a flight after logging in on the official website, spirit.com. Enter their desired arrival, destination, time, and dates to reserve a seat. 

2. Add Pet Services

During the checkout procedure, look for the section which reflects ‘Additional services” and select the pet service option in that.

3. Add to an Existing booking

Post selecting, go to the booked flight in the “My Trips” section located on the home page. Choose the flight, and the screen will display further instructions for adding the pet for co-traveling.

4. Review and Confirm

Review all the entered details, travel terms and conditions, pay the fee, and submit. Once done, the airline will send a confirmation email mentioning all details of the flight to the registered email address. 

Booking a pet reservation on Spirit Airlines by phone

Another option is provided to passengers to book a pet reservation, who are not comfortable with the online method; they can call the customer support department of Spirit Airlines and seek assistance from them. 

• Call at +1-855-728-3555, and an agent will be connected to assist the traveler. 
• They will have to mention their travel plans, adding pet concerns. Also, travel dates, destination, and arrival airport. If they have already booked the flight, those details will also be needed to retrieve. 
• The agent will inform the flyer about all the rules, and whether there is availability of pet reservations on the selected flight or not. 
• Provide the Spirit representative type of animal, breed, age, and other essential information. The pet reservations are generally non-refundable and charged per flight segment. 
• Once all requirements are met, the representative will confirm the booking for the pet. 
• Traveler will receive a confirmation email as soon as the agent confirms the reservation. 

Pro Tip: Flyers should not cut the call until they receive the confirmation email from Spirit Airlines, and the agent can also provide the flight details after booking it, while passengers can note them.

Essential Documents for Pet Travel on Spirit Airlines

For pet travel, owners need certain documents to be readily accessible according Spirit Pet travel policy, as they will be checked at the time of check-in and security check. These documents should prove that the pet is healthy and harmless to other people. 

• Rabies Vaccination Certificate: This certificate must show the date of vaccination and the duration of its effectiveness. 

• Veterinary Health Certificate: A recent health certificate signed by the veterinarian to reflect that the pet is healthy to travel.

• Pet Acknowledgment form: Travelers need to fill out the pet acknowledgment form when traveling with a pet in the cabin of a Spirit Airlines flight.

• For Psychiatric Service Animals, A mental health professional form and ID tag are necessary along with the other above-mentioned documents, as per the Spirit Airlines pet travel rules.

NOTE: These documents are required for the allowed pets; no big pets are allowed on the aircraft. If someone fails to submit these documents on time, they can consider changing the flight, according to Spirit Airlines Flight Change Policy.

Spirit Airlines Pet Carrier Policy

Spirit Airlines allows pets to travel in the soft-cushioned carriers of the proper size and meet the other specifications as well. 

1. Size: The carrier must be 18 x 14 x 9 inches in length, width, and height, respectively. 

2. Weight: The combined weight of the pet and the carrier must not be more than 18 kg (40 pounds). 

3. Comfort: The carrier must have enough space that the pet can sit, lie, turn around, and stand properly without any inconvenience. 

4. Placement: The carrier will be placed under the seat in front of the passenger; hence, it is important to keep that within the set size limit. 
   
5. Ventilation: The carrier must be well-ventilated, giving ample space pet to breathe comfortably.

Emotional Support Animals on Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines no longer accepts ESAs (Emotional Support Animals) and treats them like a general pet, which means they are required to follow the rules mentioned in the Spirit Airlines Pet Policy. A carrier will be used for these pets, remaining under the seat throughout the flight, and an additional fee will also be charged to their owner. 

The Department of Transportation (DOT) 2021 change ended the earlier designation of ESAs and reformed the rules, allowing Spirit Airlines, along with other airlines, to consider them as normal pets. This means they are not permitted to travel as service animals in the cabin openly. 

Service Animals Rules on Spirit Airlines

The Department of Transportation (DOT) 2021 change has also restricted the species of service animals to dogs, which are specifically trained to perform tasks in place of a person with disability. 

Rules for traveling with Service Animals:

• Allowed: Only dogs are permitted after the reformation of DOT rules. 

• Documentation: It is necessary to submit the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) service animal air transportation form at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure of the flight. 

• Airport Assurance: A verbal assurance is essential at the airport that the dog is well-trained to perform tasks for their owner. 

• Seating: The dog cannot occupy or block the aisle seat and cannot sit in the exit row of the cabin of Spirit Airlines flight. 

• Limit: Spirit Airlines allows only two service dogs per flight. 

The spots in flights for service dogs are very limited; that’s why it is advised to reserve early and submit all documents timely manner to Spirit Airlines. Disabled passengers can seek Spirit Airlines special assistance at the airport from the available staff.

Practical Tips for Spirit Airlines Pet Travel

Pets are allowed on Spirit Airlines, but the rules should be followed, and keeping these tips in mind will make it safer and easier to travel. 

1. Book Early: As the seats for Spirit pet travel are limited, the bookings must be made at least 48 hours before the flight. 

2. Contact the airline: Spirit Airlines’ Pet policy can have some modifications, so it’s better if travelers confirm the rules and specifications by calling the airline directly.

3. Visit the Vet: Before the flight, make sure to visit a vet to ensure that the pet is healthy and get all necessary documents from them. 

4. Get the right carrier: The carrier must be efficient, it should be comfortable and ventilated for the pet, as well as of an appropriate size set by Spirit Airlines.

5. Use Pet Relief Areas: Designated pet relief areas are present at airports; use them before the flight to relax the pet. 

Conclusion

Spirit Airlines Pet Policy highlights that it is appropriate for small and domestic animals, not for big animals. As it is possible to have additions to this policy in the near future, travelers are hereby advised to check the official website or app of the airline for the latest updates. But at present, they should gather all the mentioned documents before their flight to board the flight and make sure that their pet is well-trained and doesn’t disrupt the peace of other passengers.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs