Spirit Airlines Pet Policy 2026

Spirit Airlines, a reputable carrier, recognizes the value of allowing customers to bring their cherished pets on flights. Understanding the Spirit Airlines pet policy 2026 is essential for stress-free travel, whether fliers are traveling domestically or abroad.This guideline states that only domestic dogs, cats, rabbits, and small household birds are allowed to fly in the cabin. As long as they meet the size, age, and behavior restrictions, these are permitted. Additionally, each flier may only have one pet in an authorized carrier that fits beneath the seat. For more queries regarding the pet policy, one can speak with the agents of this air operator. 

Guidelines of the Spirit Airlines Pet Policy 2026

Spirit Airlines has provided the following set of pet-related guidelines that must be followed prior to booking: 

• Under the Spirit Airline pet policy, All domestic flights, including those to Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, allow small domesticated dogs in the guest cabin.
• Dogs with brachycephalic or nose-nosed noses may be more vulnerable to hazards when flying.  
• For information on any special safety measures before traveling, the airline advises speaking with the veterinarian. 
• Pet owners are obliged to check in at the ticket desk when they are traveling.   
• Curbside or self-service check-in is currently prohibited. 
• Therefore, it is crucial to give more time than the standard check-in rules.   
• The amended DoT regulations require emotional support animals (ESAN) to travel as pets as of January 11, 2021. 

Important Rules for Spirit Airlines Pet Policy 2026

• As per the Spirit Airlines pet travel policy, a health certificate is not needed for pets flying in the aircraft cabin, except for passengers going to the USVI.   
• Pets flying with passengers in the cabin to Puerto Rico do need a rabies vaccination certificate. 
• Only tiny domestic dogs, cats, small domestic rabbits, and small home birds are permitted on Spirit’s flights.  
• In Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, birds are prohibited from entering and leaving cities.
• Snakes, spiders, rats, and other unusual pets are not allowed on Spirit Airlines.
• There can be no more than two dogs per container and only one container per guest.
• Spirit Airlines’ pet policy requires that the animals be able to stand up straight and move freely within the container.
• Animals must stay in the carrier throughout the journey.
• The pet must be completely weaned and eight weeks old.  
• Further, the animal needs to be odorless, innocuous, and undemanding of attention when in flight.  
• The animal will be taken out of the gate if it starts to act offensively or disturbs others before it leaves.
• In compliance with the Spirit Airline pet travel policy, the pet cannot be physically distressed, sick, or aggressive.
• While not necessary, prior notice is advised.
• Except for the first row and the emergency exit rows, fliers are free to sit wherever they like. 
• Pets are never transported in cargo by Spirit Airlines.  
• The security checkpoint screeners will need to see the animal in order to screen it.

Spirit Airlines Pet Policy for Fees 

There is a pet fee for Spirit Airlines passengers. Depending on where they arrive, it might be mended or not:

• As per the Spirit Airlines pet policy for cost, there is a USD 125 penalty for each container.
• Only one-way travel is covered here; round-trip travel is not.
• Any fees associated with revocation will have to be paid separately.
• Service fees might not be covered by this sum. 

Spirit Airlines Pet Policy 2026 Rules for Foreign Travel

Except for assistance animals, Spirit Airlines does not allow dogs on foreign flights. Certain paperwork pertaining to the assistance animal could be needed, depending on the foreign location. One of the air carrier’s agents will be pleased to check destination rules for travelers if they contact the carrier. 

Restrictions 

Spirit Airlines has imposed the following restrictions to guarantee that there is no safety violation while the animals are being transported: 

• As per the Spirit Airlines pet policy 2026, flights to and from the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are prohibited for birds.
• Except for assistance animals, no animals are allowed on foreign flights. 
• It is forbidden to have reptiles or unusual creatures like snakes, spiders, or rodents.
• They should not put the other travelers or their dogs in danger. 
• Restrictions will be applied to any partner who does not maintain the necessary standard of hygiene.
• Those who act aggressively at the check-in gates will not be allowed to board. 
• Spirit Airlines’ pet travel facility is closed to latecomers. 
• It is also necessary to adhere to the restrictions set at the airports of arrival.

Pet in Spirit Airlines Cabin 

According to the Spirit Airlines carry on pet policy, most flights inside the United States and some foreign flights allow pets in the cabin. The main points are as follows: 

• For the animals to be transported, they must be at least eight weeks old. 
• They need to be carefully and completely weaned.
• Make sure they can be transported in a crate or container.
• The animal must always be with its owner.
• Extra care or special attention shouldn’t be necessary.
• The cabin will not be open to foul-smelling creatures.
• The space should be sufficient for the animal. 
• According to Spirit Airlines pet in cabin policy, seats in the first or exit rows are not permitted.
• As a single piece of carry-on luggage, animals will be counted separately.
• Passengers who are traveling with others should wait until everyone has disembarked.
• There can only be one animal per guest. 
• The pet and carrier combined cannot weigh more than forty pounds (18 kg).
• On flights to and from Puerto Rico or St. Thomas, small dogs and cats are also allowed in the cabin. 
• In a pet carrier, each traveler is allowed to bring up to two pets.
• On US routes, including those to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and St. Thomas, Spirit Airlines limits the number of pet carriers permitted in the cabin to four.
• One pet will be treated as one piece of carry-on luggage as per the Spirit Airlines pet policy 2026. 
• Each way, the cost of this service is $125.

Restrictions 

Pet travel in the cabin is permitted at almost all domestic locations, with the exception of a select number that will be mentioned when booking. 

Rules for Spirit Airlines Pet Carrier Policy

All pets must be housed in crates that meet Spirit Airlines’ requirements for pet carriers’ weight and size. 

• Animals must be kept in containers that Spirit Airlines inspects and approves.
• In accordance with the Spirit Airlines pet carrier policy, the pet’s carry-on baggage will be considered one plus one.
• The container must be able to fit under the seat in front of the guest who is traveling with the animal and have total dimensions of no more than 18″x14″x9″ (45.72 cm x 35.56 cm x 22.86 cm).
• It must be possible for the pet to stand and turn around in the container, and it must always be kept in the carrier.
• It is not permitted to keep the pet’s head outside the cabin; only soft containers are permitted.
• Verify that the container satisfies all legal specifications for secure shipping.

What are the Requirements for the Spirit Airlines Kennel? 

According to the Spirit Airlines pet travel policy, the USDA and Spirit Airlines mandate that kennels fulfill the following specifications in addition to the size and weight limitations:

• It should be impervious to leaks and escapes.
• Be adequately ventilated, but keep the animal from sticking out of the container in any way.
• It must be composed of wood, metal, or a strong composite or plastic.
• The kennel contains trash or other absorbent materials.
• It is vital to install handles that operate on the outside of the kennel.
• It can prevent tilting and any direct contact with the animals. 
• It should be safely closed, but not locked.
• On the top of the box and on at least one side, place labels that read “Live Animal” in letters that are at least that tall.
• Based on the Spirit Airlines pets policy, the kennel must show the proper location with labels that point in an upright arrow. 

Pets Allowed on Spirit Airlines Flights

Spirit flights only allow the following pets:  

• Household canines 
• Household felines 
• Small domestic birds (Apart from those traveling to and from the U.S.V.I. and Puerto Rico) 
• Small domestic rabbits (Apart from those traveling to and from the United States Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico)

Note: In line with the Spirit Airline pet travel policy, farm poultry, waterfowl, game birds, birds of prey, and flightless birds are not regarded as home birds. 

Restricted Animals or Pets on Spirit Airlines Flights

Spirit Airlines maintains a list of particular animals/pets that are never permitted on its flights. The following animals are currently on this list: 

• Snakes
• Reptiles
• Ferrets 
• Sugar gliders 
• Snub-nosed breeds
• Aggressive animals 
• Animals with disabilities 
• Pregnant animals 
• Rodents include rats, squirrels, mice, hamsters, and others

Does Spirit Airlines Allow Pets in Cargo?

As per the Spirit Airlines pet policy 2026, customers of this carrier are not permitted to transport animals as cargo luggage.

• Pets are not allowed on Spirit Airlines at any time or for any kind of animal.
• This holds for both domestic and foreign travel.
• Furthermore, dogs cannot be transported as checked luggage. 

What is the Spirit Airlines Emotional Support Pet Policy?

Emotional support animals are no longer considered service animals by Spirit Airlines. These pets must fly in accordance with the Spirit Airlines standard per policy, which includes applicable costs and limitations, as of January 2021. 

• Owing to the Spirit Airlines emotional support pet policy, animals other than ferrets, spiders, snakes, rodents, and super gliders, are accepted. 
• However, the air carrier restricts each passenger to having no more than one emotional support animal that is older than four months. 
• Alternatively, a maximum of three service animals per person is permitted. 
• They have to adhere to all common in-flight pet regulations, such as:
  • Authorized carriers
  • Weight restrictions
  • Seating arrangements. 

What Pet Health Records Are Needed for Spirit Airlines Flights? 

Spirit Airlines typically doesn’t need a pet’s health certificate. However, in compliance with the Spirit Airline pet policy, certain states and countries demand the same prior to traveling. With the following table, this can be explained: 

Location	Health Certificate	Rabies Certificate
U.S. Virgin Islands	Required	Usually needed
Domestic U.S. (Mainland)	Not needed	Not required
Puerto Rico	Not required	Needed

Spirit Airline Pet Policy for Service Dogs

Service animals are permitted to travel on Spirit Airlines. For fliers with disabilities, they are a must. 

• Dogs are the only animals that will be considered service animals.
• Each person may only have a maximum of two pets.  
• Passengers’ animals need to be trained by a specialist. 
• It is necessary to produce the training certificate. 
• By following the Spirit Airlines pet travel policy, it ought to be distinguishable from ordinary creatures. 
• The service pet must wear one of the following to be identified:
  • Best
  • Identify card
• The service animals do not include therapeutic animals or animals used for emotional assistance. 
• Psychiatric entities are likewise covered under the Spirit Airlines pet policy 2026 for therapy dogs. 

Bringing Service Dogs to the United States 

The following guidelines should be adhered to while traveling to the US with service pets on Spirit Airlines: 

• It is necessary to complete the DOT form. 
• 48 hours before the trip, this form should be submitted. 
• Bring the form to the airport when travelers are unable to complete it online. 
• Since the form needs to be checked, get to the airport a few hours prior to departure. 
• Every detail ought to be accurate. 
• Once the ticket has been purchased, guests should fill out this form. 
• The rabies vaccination certificate needs to be included.  

Travel Restrictions 

Assistance animals exhibiting the following traits are prohibited from traveling owing to the Spirit Airline pet policy: 

• The effectiveness of the animal’s training cannot be sufficiently demonstrated. 
• It can act aggressively by jumping, biting, lunging, growling, or barking. 
• The animal must relieve itself on the airplane.  
• It is not groomed properly. 

Spirit Airlines Service Animals Policy for International Travel

Due to the following aspects of Spirit Airlines international pet policy, only service animals are permitted: 

• The following CDC guidelines must be followed when departing from these high-risk nations:
  • Columbia 
  • Ecuador 
  • Honduras 
  • EL Salvador 
  • Dominican Republic 
  • Haiti 
  • Peru 
  • Guatemala 
• To be granted permission to travel abroad, additional documentation may be needed. 
• In addition, according to the Spirit Airlines pets policy, The requirements of the box/crate must be followed.  

Seating Conditions

The following seating guidelines will apply to Spirit Airlines passengers flying with pets in the service category: 

In Case Passengers Have Their Service Dogs On Their Lap

• The dog cannot be bigger than a youngster who is two years old. 
• No part of the animal or the animal itself may ever be out on an airplane seat. 
• For the dog’s safety, visitors are not permitted to sit in any seat that has an inflated seat belt. 

Seat Belts that are Inflatable in Rows: 

Aircraft	Seat Row
A321 CEO (32B)	1 and 3
A320 (32A, A320, 32S)	1, 12, 3, and 13
A321 NEO (32Q & 321)	1 and 30D

In The Event That The Service Dog Is Sitting On The Ground

• As per the Spirit Airlines carry on pet policy, passengers have to keep it within the foot space. 
• Dogs are not allowed to construct aisles or stray into spaces that need to be kept clear for emergency evacuation. 
• The dog is not allowed to straddle another guest’s foot. 

Travelers have the option of adding a Big Front Seat to their reservations with Spirit First or purchasing extra seats when they think their dogs need more room than one seat can provide. Spirit Airlines makes every effort to accommodate customers when they get to the airport, when they decide not to. However, it is unable to promise that there will be room for the pet. 

Service Animals Training 

The Spirit Airline pet travel policy states that only therapy animals are permitted as assistance animals in training. 

• These creatures offer their owners consolation and assistance. 
• Only after a charge has been paid will the transportation be permitted. 
• Every DoT requirement ought to be fulfilled. 

Does Spirit Airlines Pet Policy have Breed Restrictions for Service Dogs? 

According to the Spirit Airlines pet in cabin policy, service dogs are not subject to breed limitations. As long as the service dog is taught to carry out responsibilities associated with a disability and exhibits proper behaviour in public, any breed is acceptable. The Air Carrier Access Act, which forbids discrimination on the basis of breed, is followed by this policy. 

How to Make Pet Reservations on Spirit Airlines?

Reservations for pet travel can be made online or by calling Spirit Airlines’ representatives. Both of these choices will guarantee successful outcomes.

Making Use of the Internet

As per the Spirit Airline pet policy, adding tourists’ pets to their reservations via the carrier’s website is very simple. They can also access it from their mobile devices:

• Visit the Spirit Airlines website.
• The “My Trips” feature is located at the top of the homepage.
• Enter the information under “Find My Trip” on the newly redirected page.
• “Last Name” and “Confirmation Code” are aspects to be added.

• The “Continue” button should be clicked.
• Guests’ flights ought to be recovered. 
• Choose the flight that requires customers to bring companions/pets.
• To further manage the reservations, follow the on-screen instructions.

On the phone

Spirit Airlines agents are available all day, every day of the week for fliers who want to get in touch with them to make pet reservations: 

• As soon as they can establish contact with the agent:
• According to the Spirit Airlines pet travel policy, all the information needed for their flights will be requested from them.
• Passengers should include all of their animals’ information, including the breed, age, and gender.
• Pets are permitted by Spirit Airlines agents after their eligibility has been verified.
• Pay the required fees once it is determined to be qualified. 

Check Here: Spirit Airlines Baggage Allowance​ 2026

Spirit Airlines Pet Queries Resolved via Social Media

Tourists might have a few questions about the Spirit Airlines pet carrier policy. To solve them, they can contact their authorities via social media accounts. 

Social Media Platform	Link
Facebook	https://www.facebook.com/SpiritAirlines/
Twitter	https://x.com/spiritairlines
Instagram	https://www.instagram.com/spiritairlines/

Overall,

The Spirit Airlines pet policy 2026 makes it possible for many travelers to bring their pets along with them without any difficulties. In order to prevent any confusion, it explains all of the crucial rules and regulations in detail. Hence, prior to booking, it is crucial to read the same.

FAQs on Spirit Airlines Pet Policy 2026