Can you Take a Service Dog on Spirit Airlines

Sometimes pets become our family as they grow with us or we grow up with them and don’t like to leave them behind and want to travel with them or you have a service dog and don’t know whether they can travel in Spirit Airlines. In this blog, we will find out what Spirit Airlines Pet policy. Read the full blog given below to know more.

Spirit Airlines pet policy

On Spirit Airlines there is no restriction when traveling with pets on domestic airlines, but airlines have some restrictions for international flights. Though, pets are allowed to travel in a cabin, not on checked cargo, that simply means that the pet you are carrying should come or fit under the seat in front of you. 

Understanding the difference between Cabin and Cargo transport

• Cabin transport: This lets you take your pet in the passenger compartment with you. Your pet has to be safely kept in a carrier that fits within the seat in front of you. 

• Cargo transport:  It involves placing your pet in a temperature-controlled space below the passenger cabin of the plane. Pets traveling as cargo are subject to stricter rules and standards, and Spirit Airlines pet policy does not permit this option for any flights in 2025.

Domestic animals that are allowed:

• Dogs 
• Cats 
• Small household Birds
• Small rabbits.

Note: birds and rabbits are not allowed on flights to and from the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

Animals that are not permitted to travel by airline

• Spider 
• Snakes 
• Chicken and ducks
• Birds of prey

Service animals 

If you are flying with licensed service animals, the rules are quite different. 

Only dogs can fly on Spirit flights as service animals. Before flying, you need to fill out the U.S. Department of Transportation's Service Animal Air Transportation Form and send it to Spirit using their online request form at least 48 hours before your flight.

If you are in a hurry, Spirit will allow you to bring your completed form to the check-in counter on the travel day. However, the staff may sometimes not be able to approve it right away, and you may need to rebook your flight, and they will assist you with it.

If you are traveling with more than one dog, the airlines allow you to travel with two dogs only, you have to fill out the form for each of them separately and the dog must sit on your lap or within your space. 

In case you are traveling internationally, you might have to submit some documents such as immunization confirmation, etc.

Spirit Airlines pet policies and procedures

Now, let's take a look at the airline pet policies so that you can have a good idea and travel accordingly when traveling with your pet. 

• If you are flying to the U.S. Virgin Rico or Puerto Rico, you might require a rabies vaccination certificate. 
• A container for the animal should be big enough for them to stand and walk around.
• Only one pet per passenger is permitted, with a maximum of two pets per carrier.
• For the entire flight, pets have to be in their container.
• Remember the pet should be healthy and calm during the whole journey and should not disturb the passengers around. If your pet causes a disturbance before the plane leaves you could be asked to escort. 
• Animals should be eight weeks old to travel. 
• The weight of the pet and carrier must be 40 pounds or less when combined.
• The dimensions of the container should be 18L×14W×9H.
• The pets will not be allowed in the first row.

Pet reservation and check-in on Spirit Airlines 

Once you have seen that you meet all the requirements of the pet policy, now you can book your flight. Though the airline does not need any advanced booking for the pets, still it is a wise choice to call and inform the airline about your pet and make sure there is enough space for your pet in the cabin.

After going through all the necessary research, and filling out forms. When booking flight tickets there are some set of procedures that you have to follow. 

• You have to make a separate booking for your pet by calling or chatting with us.
• The airline allows only six pet carriers which usually fill very soon, so in order to get your pet onboard you have to contact the airline as soon as possible.
• Upon booking, you will have to pay a pet policy fee of $125 for each direction of travel, per pet container, on Spirit Airlines.

Check-in will be a little different at the airport when you have a pet for example, passengers with the pets might only be able to check in online as usual after their trip. You might have to reach the airport earlier than usual to give enough time for the staff to cross-verify that you follow all the terms and conditions. 

Conclusion 

So yes, Spirit airlines allow pets, not to be checked in the cargo area, and pets should be in the container that fits under your seat. But make sure you make the booking in advance. And as long as you meet the requirements you can travel hassle-free with the airline.

FAQ’s

Do I need to bring some documents for my pet to travel on Spirit Airlines

For other flights, you might need a rabies vaccination certificate and for flights to the U.S. Virgin Islands, a health certificate by a doctor may be required.

Is it important to book my pet’s flight spot in advance

Well, it is not mandatory by the airline but we highly recommend it for hassle-free travel.