A Guide to Spirit Airlines Pet Policy 2025

Spirit Airlines allows pets on domestic flights, but only service animals are permitted on international flights.

Spirit Airlines Pet Policy

Almost every airline now permits pets to travel with their dog parents. Spirit Airlines pet policy also allows you to travel with your pets. But before traveling with Spirit Airlines, you should always be updated with new guidelines to avoid any hassle at the end moment.

We've compiled this comprehensive guide to ensure you and your companion have a smooth, stress-free journey with Spirit Airlines. From booking your pet's ticket to preparing for the flight and understanding the in-cabin requirements, we've covered all you need to know. So, buckle up (and remember your pet's harness, too) as we dive into making your next adventure together as enjoyable as possible.

Spirit Airlines prioritizes the safety and comfort of all passengers, including pets. Their pet policy is designed to ensure a smooth travel experience for everyone onboard.

• In-Cabin Travel Only: Spirit Airlines only allows pets to travel in the cabin with you. There is no option for checked baggage or cargo transport of pets.
• Pet Fee:Spirit Airlines pet policy fee is $125. This fee is a one-way fee that applies to each pet traveling.

Fond Tip: Spirit Airlines has a policy where pets are not transported in cargo under any circumstances.

Permitted Pets on Spirit Airlines

Not all pets are allowed on Spirit Airlines domestic flights within the US, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

• Dogs: Well-behaved and healthy dogs are welcome onboard, provided they meet the airline's size and weight restrictions for pet carriers.
• Cats: Spirit allows well-behaved and healthy cats to travel in the cabin.
• Household Rabbits (with Restrictions): Unlike most airlines, Spirit allows household rabbits on some domestic flights, but with an important exception. Rabbits are banned on flights to or from the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
• Birds (with Restrictions): Similar to rabbits, Spirit allows some domestic flights with household birds. However, birds are prohibited on U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico flights.

Fond Tip: Exotic pets, such as snakes, spiders, rodents, etc., are prohibited in Spirit Airlines pet policy 2025.

How much does Spirit Airlines charge for a pet?

Spirit Airlines charges a pet fee of $125 each way for pets traveling in the cabin. The pet must be in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you and remains inside the carrier for the entire flight.
Additionally, Spirit allows only one pet per passenger and limits the number of pets per flight, so it's a good idea to call ahead and confirm availability.
The fees and requirements for pets traveling as checked luggage (e.g., in the cargo hold) differ. Spirit generally doesn't allow pets to be transported as checked luggage, except in specific cases or for service animals. Always check the latest policies on the website before booking, as airline policies can change.

Understanding Cabin vs Cargo Transport

Before diving into Spirit's pet policy rules, it's essential to understand the difference between cabin and cargo transport for pets.

• Cabin Transport: This allows your pet to travel with you in the airplane's passenger cabin. Your pet must be secured in a carrier that fits comfortably under the seat in front of you.
• Cargo Transport involves your pet traveling in a temperature-controlled compartment underneath the airplane's passenger cabin. Stricter regulations and requirements apply to pets traveling as cargo, and Spirit Airlines' pet policy does not offer this option for any flights in 2025.

Learn more about United Airline's pet policy here.

Spirit Airlines Pet Carrier Requirements

This airline requires pets to travel in soft-sided carriers only. The carrier must meet the following specifications:

• Dimensions: The maximum dimensions allowed are 18 inches long x 14 inches broad x 9 inches high (45.72 cm x 35.56 cm x 22.86 cm).
• Weight: The combined weight of your pet and its carrier cannot exceed 40 pounds (18.14 kg).
• Functionality: The carrier must be well-ventilated, allowing your pet to comfortably stand up and turn around. If necessary, there should be easy access to water during the flight.
• Stowage: The carrier must fit completely under the seat before you.

Service Pets and Spirit Airlines Dog Policy

Spirit Airlines allows service animals to travel with their owners in the cabin without any additional charge. This includes

• Small dogs, cats, and birds.
• Therapy animals, meant to provide comfort, are not considered service animals and can only travel as pets if they meet Spirit Airlines' dog policy.
• It is important to note that service animals require specific documentation and advance notice.
• As of 2021, emotional support animals are no longer considered service animals and must travel as pets.

Fond Tip:Check-in at the counter is mandatory for travelers with pets, as curbside or self-service check-in is not allowed. Extra time is needed to avoid any inconvenience.

Booking and Check-In on Spirit Airlines with pets

Once you've ensured your pet meets all the requirements, it's time to book your flight! While booking a pet on Spirit Airlines isn't mandatory, it's highly recommended.

• Booking Recommendation: While Spirit doesn't require advanced pet booking, it's a good idea to call +1-(571)-389-6426 to reserve a spot for your furry friend on the flight. This helps ensure there's space available for your pet in the cabin.

After booking your flight tickets, completing all necessary research, and filling out the required forms, there are a few pet-specific procedures that you need to follow before and after arriving at the airport to ensure your furry companion can fly with you.

• To begin with, you must make a separate reservation for your pet by calling or chatting with us on WhatsApp.
• Keep in mind that Spirit only allows six pet carriers on each flight. Therefore, if you want to secure a spot for your pet, it's best to contact us as soon as you book your reservation.
• You will be required to pay a $125 Spirit Airlines pet policy cost for each direction of travel, per pet container, upon reservation.

Upon arrival at the airport, the check-in process will be slightly different. For instance, travelers accompanied by pets may only be able to check in online after their flight as usual. In that case, you may need to arrive at the airport earlier than typical to ensure adequate time to check in at the Spirit counter. This will give airline staff enough time to confirm that you have followed pet-specific procedures.

Fond Tip: When traveling with a pet, you cannot select seats in the first row or emergency exit rows in the Spirit Airline dog policy.

Essential Tips to Consider When Flying with Pets in Spirit Airlines

Pets are welcome on Spirit Airlines, but specific guidelines must be followed to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers. Here are some crucial points to keep in mind:

• You don't need a pet health certificate except if you're flying to the U.S. Virgin Islands, but a rabies vaccination certificate is required for pets traveling to Puerto Rico.
• Only one carrier per guest is allowed under Spirit pet policy 2025, and a maximum of two pets per carrier is permitted.
• Your pet must be able to stand up and move around in their carrier, which must fit under the seat in front of you.
• Pets must remain in their carrier for the entire flight.
• Your pet should be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned.
• The animal should be healthy, calm, and not physically distressed. If your pet causes a disturbance before the plane leaves the gate, you and your pet will be escorted off the flight.
• No pets are allowed in the first row or emergency exit rows.
• The pet's weight and its carrier must be 40 pounds or less.

At Fond Travels, we understand that your furry friends are an important part of your travels. We would be delighted to reserve a seat for them, making your next adventure hassle-free and unique. Please give us a call +1-(571)-389-6426 and let us take care of everything!

We hope this information helps you and your furry friend have a safe and pleasant journey.

Bottom Line: Recap of Travel Requirements with Pets on Spirit Airlines (2025)