Spirit Airlines- Pet and Service Dog Policy

Did you catch the travel spirit? Whether you are planning a relaxing vacation, visiting family, or going on a work trip and want to bring your beloved paw friend, it is important to prepare carefully ahead of time.

Spirit Airlines is a major ultra-low-cost US airline that operates flights within the US, the Caribbean, and Latin America. If you want to use their services with your dog—whether as a pet or a trained service dog—you should familiarize yourself with the airline’s policies.

This article aims to help you review all the important information related to Spirit Airlines’ pet and service dog policies and have a pleasant flight! Let’s get started!

 Key Takeaways

• Does Spirit Airlines Accept Emotional Support Animals (ESA)?

Like most other carriers, Spirit Airlines no longer recognizes ESAs as service animals. They can still be transported by the airline but must follow the same guidelines as standard pets.    

• Does Spirit Airlines Accept Service Dogs?

Yes, Spirit Airlines accepts service dogs, including psychiatric service dogs. Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual and must be directly related to their disability, whether physical or mental.

• Do Service Dogs Fly for Free?

All service dogs, including psychiatric service dogs, that meet Spirit Airlines’ requirements can fly at no additional cost.    

• How to Get a Service Dog?

To be considered a service animal, a dog must be trained to perform specific tasks to assist their owner with a disability. If you already have a dog, the team at ServiceDogTraining School can help you train them as your reliable service animal to meet your needs! 

• How to Qualify for a Service Dog?

To qualify for a service dog, you must have a diagnosed disability, including but not limited to mobility, hearing impairments, cardiac issues, diabetes, anxiety, PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, etc.  

• How to Get Started?

Get started by taking the SDTSI online assessment to see if you qualify, and enroll with your paw friend in the training program that would best suit your needs! 

Can You Fly with Your Emotional Support Animal (ESA) on Spirit Airlines?

The airline no longer recognizes Emotional Support Animals as Service Animals. However, ESAs are treated as pets and can be accommodated if they meet the airline’s requirements for transporting pets.

What Species Are Accepted by Spirit Airlines Per Its Pet Policy?

If you are planning to bring your pet/ESA on the airline, please note that the following species will be accepted:    

• Domestic dogs;

• Domestic cats;

• Small household birds (the only exception is for flights to / from Puerto Rico and the U.S.V.I.);

• Small domestic rabbits (the only exception is for flights to/from Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I).

Bird Restrictions

If your pet/ESA is a bird, please note that the following types of birds are not considered ‘household’ and won’t be accepted:    

• Farm poultry;

• Waterfowl;

• Game bird,

• Birds of prey,      

• Flightless birds.

Brachycephalic Dog Breeds

The airline advises passengers to consult with their veterinarians and familiarize themselves with any precautions that may need to be taken throughout the flight.

Maximum Number of Pet Containers per Flight

Spirit Airlines accepts no more than 6 pet carriers on the aircraft for all domestic flights, including Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.

How to Add a Pet to Your Booking?

The airline requires its passengers to contact its agents directly. Any arrangements related to flying with pets should be made in advance.

Please note that if you are flying with a pet, you need to check in at the ticket counter. At this time, the airline does not permit curbside or self-service check-in. Some extra time may be needed for the process that exceeds the normal check-in guidelines.

Pet Fees

Passengers with pets need to pay a pet fee of $125 per pet container, each way.

Bringing Pets Onboard- Requirements

There are certain requirements you need to meet if you want to bring your pet on Spirit Airlines:

• You will not be required to provide a health certificate for your pet flying the cabin unless to U.S.V.I.
• If you are flying to Puerto Rico with your pet in the cabin, you will be asked to present a rabies vaccination certificate for them.
• Keep in mind that only pets of the following species are accepted in the aircraft: small domestic dogs, domestic cats, small household birds, and small domestic rabbits.
• Birds will not be accommodated for flights to/from Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I.
• Exotic pets will not be accommodated, including spiders, snakes, rodents, etc.
• One passenger is allowed to bring only one pet carrier. 
• The maximum number of pets per container is 2.  
• Pets must have sufficient space in their carriers to feel comfortable, including standing upright and moving.  
• Pets need to remain in their carriers during the flight.
• Please note that your pet should be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned.
• The animals onboard must be non-threatening, well-behaved, odor-free, and require no care during the flight.
• Additionally, pets must be healthy, calm (non-aggressive), and must not show any signs of distress.
• Animals who misbehave before departure, won’t be allowed on the aircraft.
• According to the airline’s policy advance notice is advisable but not mandatory.    
• Passengers with pets can be seated anywhere except for the first row and emergency exit rows.

Pets in the Cargo Hold

Please keep in mind that the airline does not accept pets in the Cargo hold.

Pets on International Flights

Spirit Airlines does not allow animals on international flights. The only exceptions are service dogs.

Security Inspection

Passengers flying with pets are required to bring their pets to the security checkpoint for screening by the staff. 

Pet Carrier- Requirements

Pet carriers are inspected by airline agents and have to fulfill certain requirements.

The accepted maximum dimensions are as follows:

Length: 18 inches / 45.72 cm;

Width: 14 inches / 35.56 cm;

Height: 9 inches / 22.86 cm.

The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. Make sure your pet feels comfortable and can stand up and move in the carrier. 

The airline specifies that pets are considered part of your one carry-on luggage allowance.

What Types of Pet Carriers Are Accepted by Spirit Airlines?

Spirit Airlines allows only soft containers in the passenger cabin. However, passengers need to ensure their pets’ heads remain inside the carriers. They must not be outside the carriers. 

All pet carriers must comply with the government requirements for safe transportation.

Does Spirit Airlines Accept Service Dogs?

Yes, the airline accepts service dogs, including psychiatric service dogs, at no cost. They must fulfill the airline’s requirements.

How Is a Trained Service Animal Defined?

To be considered a service animal, a dog must be individually trained to perform tasks or do specific work for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability. Psychiatric service dogs are also accepted.

Only dogs are accepted as service animals. Companion animals, such as Emotional Support Animals and Therapy Animals, as well as service dogs in training, are not considered service animals. However, if they meet the airline’s pet requirements, they may be accepted under its pet policy.

Requirement for Credible Verbal Assurance

At the airport, a Spirit Airlines team member will ask service dog handlers for credible verbal assurance that their dogs are trained to perform specific tasks related to a disability.

Maximum Number of Service Animals per Passenger

Up to 2 service dogs are allowed per passenger. Owners of more than 2 service dogs may be allowed to bring a third dog as a pet if they meet the airline’s pet policy requirements.

Service Dogs- Behavior

Since service dogs are considered medical necessities and not pets they are expected to have impeccable manners, especially around other animals and people.

Service dog handlers need to ensure their dogs are well-mannered and do not cause any disruption in the cabin. Per Spirit Airlines’ policy (this is valid for other airlines as well), dogs who cause disruption, who have not been trained properly, or who show signs of aggression will not be accepted. 

The following types of behavior are considered inappropriate and will result in the animal’s exclusion:    

•    Barking;

•    Lunging;

•    Growling;

•    Biting;

•    Jumping on other passengers;

•    Relieving themselves onboard the aircraft or at the airport outside of the specifically designated area for this purpose;

•    Emitting a strong odor.

Identification

Service dog ID gear alone—such as a vest, ID card, harness, or registration— is not considered sufficient proof of a dog’s status as a service dog.

Documentation Required for Flying with Service Dogs

Service dog handlers have to fill out and submit a U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form. It can be found on the airline’s website. The form has to be submitted online, no later than 48 hours before departure.

Service dog handlers who cannot submit their forms online are allowed to bring their completed forms to the ticket counter or gate on the day of departure. Spirit Airlines advises service dog handlers to arrive at the airport earlier so that their forms can be reviewed and approved by airline team members on-site.

If the DOT forms cannot be approved before their flights, service dog handlers have the option to be rebooked on the airline’s next available flight. This will help ensure there is sufficient time for the documents to be reviewed and approved. Alternatively, the dog may travel as a pet according to the airline’s pet policy.

Spirit Airlines highly recommends that service dog handlers submit their forms ahead of time to ensure their flight will proceed smoothly and without issues.

The airline points out that the information on the DOT form must be truthful, as the form is a government document and any false information will be treated as a federal crime. If there are any suspicions that the information might be fraudulent, the relevant government institutions will be informed.

U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form- Additional Information

It is important to remember that: 

• The form must be dated on or after the date you booked your flight.
• It needs to be fully filled out.
• Updated rabies vaccinations must be included.
• A separate form is required for each new reservation and for each animal if you are flying with two.

Flying With Service Dogs Internationally

If you are planning to fly with your dog internationally, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with laws at the destination and prepare all the additional documentation that may be required.

Spirit Airlines recommends its passengers to contact their travel agents or the airline’s Guest Service for more detailed information based on the specific destination. You can contact Spirit Airlines at 1-855-SAVE-555 (1-855-728-3555). 

You should keep in mind that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has implemented new rules that came into effect in August 2024. These apply to all dogs, both pets and service dogs.

“CDC simplified the process for meeting requirements for dogs arriving from dog rabies-free or low-risk countries. This means that for dogs that have been only in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries for the last 6 months, the one form you will need is the CDC Dog Import Form, which should take a few minutes to complete.”

However, if your dog has been in a high-risk country in the last 6 months, you need to carefully review and comply with the new requirements.

The airline specifically notifies passengers flying with service dogs to ensure that they meet the international travel requirements, as it is the handlers’ responsibility.

Seating Arrangements When Flying with Service Dogs

Since trained service animals are allowed to fly in the passenger cabin, they must meet certain seating requirements, such as:    

• Service dogs are not allowed to sit in the emergency exit row;

If the dog has to remain on their handler’s lap:

• The dog must not exceed the size of a 2-year-old child;

• The dog or any part of them cannot be placed on an aircraft seat;
  

• For the dog’s protection, service dog handlers are prohibited from sitting in any seat that has an inflatable seat belt.

Based on the information listed on the airline’s website, rows with Inflatable seat belts are considered the following: 

Aircraft- Seat Row

319- 1, 4, 5 (D, E, F);

32A/32N- 1, 3, 12, 13;

32B- 1, 3.

If your service dog will remain on the floor throughout the flight, please keep in mind that:

• They  have to stay in your foot space;

• Service dogs are not allowed to extend  to an aisle or block access to it, including to any area that needs to remain unobstructed in case of emergency;

• Service dogs are not allowed to extend to another passenger’s foot space;

• Service dog handlers who believe their dogs may need more space than a single seat can provide can choose to purchase an additional seat or upgrade to a Big Front Seat. Handlers who do not opt for these may be assisted by airline agents upon arrival; however, there is no guarantee that extra space for their dogs will be available.

Relief Areas at the Airport

We strongly advise handlers to check the relief areas at the airports of departure and arrival. Pet relief areas are available in all airports.

Handlers are welcome to check the website of the specific airport in advance or reach out to an agent at the airport. 

Service Dogs in Training and Companion Animals

As mentioned above, Spirit Airlines does not recognize service dogs in training, and companion animals such as therapy dogs and emotional support animals as service animals. 

These animals are still welcome onboard as pets, but they must meet the airline’s pet requirements, and applicable pet fees will apply.

How to Train Your Pet Dog as a Service Dog With Service Dog Training School International?

Based on your location, training your pet dog as a service may be an option! For example, laws in many countries such as the US, the UK, several Canadian provinces including British Columbia, Ontario, and New Brunswick, the Netherlands, recognize self-trained service dogs. 

If you are a committed and responsible owner, and your beloved pet dog is calm, well-mannered, and responsive to you, you might consider enrolling them in a training program to become the perfect service dog!

Evaluate your needs by taking a quickonline quiz designed to assess your eligibility for a service dog. Once you complete the quiz, you will be guided by our team to select the appropriate training program.

Train your beloved pet dog as your service dog to perform tasks tailored to your health condition and needs, such as retrieving medication, providing deep pressure therapy (DPT), or responding to oncoming medical episodes. Our programs offer a convenient online platform to help you teach your dog valuable skills from the comfort of your home.

Once you finish the training program, you will receive a certificate as proof of training and your dog will be registered with us. A certificate of training can be useful in public settings, including during travel, if business owners or airline agents need to verify your dog’s legitimacy as a service dog who has completed a training program.

FAQ

What to do if a passenger is allergic to dogs?

The airline accommodates both pets and trained service animals in the cabin.

Passengers with severe allergies are assured that airline agents will do their best to seat them as far away from any animals in the cabin as possible. If this cannot be done, passengers with allergies will be accommodated on a different flight.

Given the status of service dogs and their protection under the law, the airline does not guarantee that its agents will be able to notify other passengers about animals in the cabin in advance. Passengers with allergies are advised to take all necessary medical precautions.

How many service dogs are allowed per person?

The airline allows up to 2 service dogs per passenger. Guests with 3 dogs are welcome to travel with the third dog as a pet.