Spirit Airlines Pet Policy

Home » Information » Airlines » Spirit Airlines Pet Policy

When transporting a pet by a commercial airline, it is extremely important to understand their pet policy. These policies vary between airlines. Some allow small pets to fly in the cabin and others don’t. It is important to know the answers to all your questions before making your decision to fly your pet on any commercial airline. Can my pet fly in the cabin on Spirit Airlines? How much does it cost to fly a dog or cat on Spirit Airlines? What documents will I need? What are the carrier or crate requirements for Spirit Airlines? All your answers related to Spirit Airlines pet policy are answered below.

Note: It is important to mention that the pet policy of the airline that operates your pet’s route will preside over the policy of the airline that owns the route. This is important to note because if the operating airline changes during your trip, then you will likely need to claim and recheck your pet on the next airline. This will cause you to clear customs and enter the layover country. You will need time and extra documentation to accommodate this process during the layover unless flying domestically.

Classes of service offered to pets by commercial airlines

In-Cabin: Pets traveling in the cabin must fly with an adult passenger and travel in an airline compliant
carrier stowed under the seat.
Checked Baggage: Pets traveling with a passenger that are not permitted in the cabin due to size or breed can be transported as checked baggage in the cargo hold.
Air Cargo: Unaccompanied, very large pets or pets flying to countries that require that pets enter under air cargo will travel as manifest cargo in the hold.

Can my pet fly with me in the cabin? Yes (Certain Flights)
Can my pet fly with me as checked baggage? No
Can my pet fly as manifest cargo? No

Where is Spirit Airlines based?

Spirit Airlines [IATA:NK] is operates out of Miami and Ft. Lauderdale International Airports.

What countries does Spirit Airlines fly to?

Spirit Airlines offers service to pets to the following countries: United States and its territories only.

*For dogs returning to the United States, regulations have changed. Find new regulations to import a dog to the United States here.

Spirit Airlines Pet Policy – In Cabin

If your dog or cat meets the requirements listed in Spirit Airlines’ pet policy to fly in the cabin, it will need an airline-compliant pet carrier unless you are flying with a service dog who is trained to assist you in a task required to address a physical or medical disability. All pets must be accompanied by an adult with a confirmed reservation.

Pets flown by Spirit Airlines in the cabin

Small dogs, cats, household birds (parrots, finches, canaries and parakeets)* and small rabbits* can fly in the cabin on domestic routes** on Spirit Airlines. Pets must be clean, healthy, harmless and mannerly.

*Birds and rabbits cannot be carried to Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands). **Domestic routes include the United States, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Reservations

Reservations are recommended as there is a limit of six pets per flight; however, they are not required. Contact Spirit Airlines to add a pet to your reservation.

Age requirements

Pets must be at least eight weeks old and weaned to fly in the cabin.

Pet carrier requirements

Your pet’s carrier must:

Have adequate ventilation on at least three sides (domestic) or four sides (international)
Be large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around comfortably
Be able to accommodate your entire pet. No part of your pet can extend out of the carrier
Be able to fit under the seat in front of you
Have a waterproof bottom and absorbent pet pad
Have secure fasteners (heavy duty zippers are recommended)

The maximum dimensions for pet carriers flown in the cabin are 18″L x 14″W x 9″H (45.72cm x 35.56 cm x 22.86cm). Only soft, flexible carriers are permitted.

Exit row or bulkhead seats cannot be reserved when flying with a pet. Pets must remain in carriers for the duration of the flight.

Forms required

A health certificate is required for pets flying to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Proof of rabies vaccination is recommended for pets flying to Puerto Rico.

The passenger assumes full responsibility and expense for complying with applicable laws, customs and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the country, state or territory to and from which your pet is being transported. Upon arrival, health certificates, import permits, and other papers may be required by local authorities depending upon the route on which your pet is traveling.

Check in

Your pet should be presented at the departure airport ticket counter in its carrier at least 30 minutes before normal check in times. Your pet fee will be paid at that time.

Pet fee

The cost to fly a pet on Spirit Airlines is $110 per carrier in each direction.

Service dog pet policy

All service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge. They must be trained by a person or organization that specializes in service dog training to provide specific tasks for a person with a disability including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Spirit may asked whether the service dog is needed to provide assistance for a disability.

Up to two service dogs can fly per passenger. If there is not adequate room for your service dog(s), passengers can purchase an additional seat next to them for this purpose.

Service dogs must be suitably marked, harnessed and leashed. They must fit in the passenger’s lap if small enough or the space provided at their passenger’s feet without interfering with cabin operations or other passengers. They will not be seated in exit rows. They must be clean, mannerly and not show any signs of aggression toward other passengers or the flight crew.

Notice must be provided to the airline at least 48 hours prior to departure. A Department of Transportation form and a Relief Attestation Form must be completed and submitted to Spirit’s Guest Care Department at least 48 hours prior to departure. These forms can be completed at check in, and the passenger should allow extra time to do that. All required documentation required for the destination country must also be provided at check in.

All service dogs are subject to the same requirements as regular dogs when traveling internationally.

Spirit Airlines Pet Policy – Checked Baggage

Spirit Airlines does not offer checked baggage service to any live animal.

Spirit Airlines Pet Policy – Air Cargo

Spirit Airlines does not offer air cargo service to any live animal.

Private Jet Charter

Another option for pet owners who do not want their pet to fly in the cargo hold is a pet-friendly private jet charter. Your pet can fly in your lap, at your feet or beside you comfortably without being confined. We can arrange flights from anywhere in the world to anywhere you need to go on your time schedule, without the crowds or commotion of a commercial airport.

Other Information

The information published here is a guideline for Spirit Airlines pet policy. For more pet friendly airline pet policies, click the banner below.