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Spirit Airlines Pet TravelNK

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FAQ about Spirit Airlines pet policy

Policy last updated: April 19, 2026

Accepted pets:🐱 Cat🐢 Dog
Min age: 8 weeks

In-Cabin Travel

Allowed
🐾Accepted pets🐱 Cat🐢 Dog
Carrier max dimensions45.72 Γ— 35.56 Γ— 22.86 cm
Max pets per passenger1

Only one container per guest is allowed; a maximum of 2 pets may share one container. Pets count as one-plus-one carry-on luggage. Only soft-sided carriers allowed; carrier must fit under the seat in front. Pets must remain in carrier for the entire flight. Animals must be able to stand upright and move about comfortably. Guests must check in at the ticket counter β€” curbside and self-service check-in not allowed. Cannot sit in first row or emergency exit rows. Advance notice recommended but not required. As of January 11, 2021, emotional support animals must travel as pets per DOT requirements.

Cargo / Hold

Not allowed
As checked baggage No
As freight No

Spirit Airlines does not transport pets in cargo at any time.

Service Animals

Allowed
🐾Accepted species🐢 Dog
Documentation requireddestination-specific documentation may be required for international flights

Service animals are accepted on international flights. Specific documentation requirements vary by international destination; guests should contact Spirit to check destination regulations.

🐱🐢

Species Rules

Service animals exempt Yes

Maximum of 6 pet containers permitted per flight on all domestic flights including Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. Spirit only allows pets on domestic flights; international flights only accept service animals.

Documentation Required

  • Rabies vaccination certificate required for pets traveling to Puerto Rico
  • Health certificate required for pets traveling to U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI)
What types of animals are permitted in the cabin?
Spirit allows domestic dogs, domestic cats, small household birds (except to/from Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I.), and small domestic rabbits (except to/from Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I.) in the cabin on domestic flights.
What is the maximum weight allowed for a pet in the cabin?
Spirit does not specify a maximum weight for pets in the cabin, but animals must be able to stand upright and move about comfortably in the container, and the carrier must fit under the seat in front of the guest.
What are the carrier size requirements for in-cabin pet travel?
The carrier must not exceed 18" x 14" x 9" (45.72 cm x 35.56 cm x 22.86 cm) in overall dimensions (L x W x H) and must fit under the seat in front of the guest. Only soft-sided carriers are allowed; carriers that allow the pet's head to remain outside are not permitted.
Can pets travel in the cargo hold, and what are the requirements?
No. Spirit Airlines does not transport pets in cargo at any time.
Is there a limit on the number of pets per passenger or per flight?
Only one pet container is allowed per guest. A maximum of 2 pets may share one container. There is a maximum of 6 pet containers permitted on the aircraft per flight.
Are there any breed restrictions for pets traveling in the cabin or cargo?
There are no outright breed bans, but brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dog breeds may be more vulnerable to risks during air travel. Spirit recommends consulting a veterinarian before flying with snub-nosed breeds.
What documents and health certificates are required to travel with a pet?
Spirit does not require a health certificate for pets in the cabin, except for guests traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). A rabies vaccination certificate is required for pets traveling to Puerto Rico.
How do I book a flight for my pet, and can I do it online?
To add a pet to your reservation, you must chat with Spirit's customer support. Guests traveling with pets must check in at the ticket counter β€” curbside and self-service check-in are not available for pet travelers.
Are there special requirements for international travel with a pet?
Spirit does not accept pets (other than service animals) on international flights. Service animals traveling internationally may require destination-specific documentation; guests should contact Spirit to verify requirements.
What is the airline's policy on sedating pets during travel?
The pet cannot be ill, violent, or in physical distress. Spirit does not explicitly address sedation in its policy.
Is there a dedicated contact for pet travel inquiries?
Yes. Guests can chat with Spirit's customer support team online to add a pet or check destination regulations for service animals on international flights.

Source: Official pet policy page β†—