Traveling with pets can feel tough for many people, but Spirit Airlines has a clear pet policy that helps make it easy for pet owners. The rules cover cats, dogs, and small household birds. Spirit Airlines gives choices to have your pet be safe and feel comfortable. If you know the airline’s rules, fees, and restrictions, it helps you get ready before the trip. This way, you and your pet can have a smooth and relaxed journey together.
Guidelines on Spirit Airlines Pet Policy
Spirit Airlines lets you bring some pets with you, but you need to make sure you follow the rules set by the airline.
- You can bring cats, dogs, or small birds as your pets.
- Each pet must be at least 8 weeks old. It should be fully weaned and feel healthy enough to go on the trip.
- The total weight of your pet and its carrier must not go over 40 lbs.
- The carrier can’t be bigger than 18” x 14” x 9”. It must be leak-proof. It should not let pets slip out. It needs good airflow.
- You may have just one pet in each carrier. A passenger can only bring one carrier.
- You have to show a health certificate dated within 10 days before you fly. The certificate should have all vaccine and fitness details.
- Your pet must stay inside its carrier the whole flight.
- A pet fee of $125 per container each way must be paid. This fee is not refundable.
- Book your pet spot early. Spirit puts a limit on the number of pets allowed on each flight.
Types of Pets Allowed
Spirit Airlines puts pets in different groups to make the rules easy to understand:
- Cats and Dogs – The cats and dogs must be healthy. They need to have shots. They must be small enough to stay under the seat.
- Household Birds – The birds can fly under the same size and weight rules.
- Service Animals – These animals can travel free in the cabin with real papers that show they help you.
- Emotional Support Animals (ESA) – These animals can come with papers showing they meet the rules.
Pets in Cabin
Most people like to keep their pets with them when they travel. Spirit Airlines lets you bring your pet in the cabin, but there are strict rules you need to follow:
- Only cats, dogs, and birds are allowed to travel in the cabin.
- The pet has to fit in the carrier and be able to stand, turn, and lie down.
- Both the pet and the carrier need to stay under the seat in front of you at all times during the flight.
- People who bring pets on board often get a window seat to keep things calm.
- Boarding might change a bit for people with pets so it goes more smoothly.
Pets in Cargo

For bigger pets that can’t go with you in the cabin, Spirit Airlines lets them fly as cargo. Here are some main things you need to know:
- You need to make reservations at least 48 hours before you leave.
- Use an airline-approved container that is big enough for your pet to move and feel comfortable.
- You must have a current health certificate from your vet.
- The container must have food and water trays that you can reach from outside.
- You should not give your pet medicine to calm them. This can make flying more dangerous for your pet.
- Pets may not be able to go in the cargo hold when it’s very hot or cold outside. This is for their safety.
Restricted Animals
For safety, Spirit Airlines does not let some animals travel with them:
- Snub-nosed breeds (pugs, bulldogs, Persian cats) can have trouble breathing.
- Aggressive breeds such as pit bulls, rottweilers, and dogs like that.
- Rare animals like snakes, lizards, spiders, and ferrets.
- Pregnant animals or those with health problems that need extra care.
- Big animals like horses or farm animals.
Banned Dog Breeds
Spirit Airlines does not let some dog breeds fly, including:
- Pit Bull Terriers
- Rottweilers
- Doberman Pinschers
- Mastiffs
- German Shepherds
- Cane Corsos
- Akitas
- Chow Chows
- Boxers
- Wolf Hybrids
- And any mix of these restricted breeds
Spirit Airlines Pet Fees
Taking your pet with you when you travel will add some extra costs. You need to pay these costs when you book.
- Fee per pet container: $125 each way.
- Limit per flight: Only 6 pets can be in the cabin.
- Fee is non-refundable and cannot be given to someone else.
How to Add a Pet to Your Flight
Online Booking
- Go to Spirit.com and start to book your flight.
- Pick the route, date, and say how many people will go.
- Click on “Add a Pet”.
- Fill in your pet’s name, breed, and weight.
- Pay the fee that is needed.
- You will get an email that shows the details of your pet’s booking.
Offline Booking
- Call Spirit Airlines reservations.
- Tell the agent that you will be bringing your pet and give them the details.
- Check if there is a spot for your pet on your flight.
- Pay the fee and finish the booking.
Frequently Asked Questions – Spirit Airlines Pet Policy
Q1: How much is a pet fee on Spirit?
The pet fee is $125 for each trip for every carrier.
Q2. How much does Spirit charge for a pet?
Spirit Airlines will ask you to pay a pet fee of $110 for each way if you bring a small pet with you in the cabin. Your pet must be in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. The fee can change if you book an international flight or if you bring a bigger animal. To get all the details, look at Spirit’s official pet policy before you make your travel plans.
Q3. How strict is Spirit with pets?
Spirit Airlines is very firm about their rules for pets. You can only take pets in approved carriers that fit under the seat. There is only room for a few pets on each flight. You have to pay a pet fee and follow all airline rules. This includes health needs and how big the carrier can be. If you do not follow these rules, pets are not allowed in the cabin. So, be sure to read Spirit’s pet policy before you fly.
Q4. Does Spirit Airlines allow pets?
Yes, Spirit Airlines lets you bring small pets with you in the cabin. You must keep your pet in an approved carrier that can fit under the seat in front of you. A pet fee will be charged. There is a limit to how many pets can be on each flight, and you need to follow all the rules about carrier size and health. Big pets are not allowed to travel in the cargo hold. So, you should always look up Spirit’s pet policy before you book your trip.
Q5. Does Spirit allow pets as carry-on?
Yes, Spirit Airlines lets you take small pets with you in the cabin as carry-on. Your pet needs to be inside an FAA-approved carrier. The carrier has to fit under the seat in front of you. You have to pay a pet fee for this, and only a few pets can go on each flight. Be sure to read and follow all Spirit rules about carrier size and pet health. This will help you, and your pet have a good trip.
Q6. Can I buy a seat for my dog Spirit?
No, Spirit Airlines does not let you buy a different seat for your dog. If you have a small dog, it can only go in the cabin with you if it is in an approved carrier. This carrier has to fit under the seat in front of you. There will be a pet fee for this. Larger dogs are not allowed to fly with Spirit Airlines. They cannot travel in the cabin or as cargo. You should always follow Spirit’s pet policy to make sure your pet has a safe trip.
Q7. What are the rules for pets on Spirit Airlines?
Spirit Airlines lets small pets come with you in the cabin. They have some rules for this:
- Pets need to be inside an approved carrier. The carrier should fit under the seat right in front of you.
- A pet fee of $110 each way is there for flights inside the country.
- There are only a few pet spots on each flight.
- Pets must meet the health needs. They also need to stay secure inside the carrier for all of the flight.
- Big pets cannot fly in the cabin or in the cargo.
By following these rules, you and your pet can have a safe and smooth trip. This way, both of you will feel good and enjoy the time out together. It helps make sure there are no problems along the way, and everyone can feel relaxed and happy.
Q8: Is a health certificate required?
Yes, you will need a health certificate for your travel. It must be from within 10 days before you go.
Q9: How many pets can I bring on a flight?
Spirit lets up to six pets travel in the cabin on each flight.
Q10: Can pets travel in cargo?
Yes, bigger pets can go in cargo. They must follow strict rules.
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