Spirit Airlines Pet Policy for Dogs
Flying with a small dog on Spirit? Here’s the current 2026 policy on fees, carrier rules, booking, and restrictions.
Spirit Airlines Pet Policy Overview
Spirit allows small domesticated pets, including dogs, in the cabin on domestic flights only. Pets are not accepted as cargo or checked baggage.
Spirit accepts small domestic dogs in the cabin only. Dogs must remain inside the carrier for the entire flight, be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned, and be harmless, odorless, and not in distress. Spirit does not require a health certificate for most in-cabin pet travel, but travelers to Puerto Rico need a rabies vaccination certificate and travelers to the U.S. Virgin Islands need a health certificate. Pets are not accepted on international flights, except service animals.
Last updated: 2026-03-25
How to Book Your Dog on Spirit Airlines
Confirm your trip is eligible: Spirit only accepts pets in the cabin on domestic flights, including Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. If any part of your itinerary is international, your dog cannot travel as a pet on Spirit.
Check your dog and carrier size: Your dog must be small enough to stay inside a soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. Spirit’s maximum carrier size is 18 x 14 x 9 inches, and your dog must be able to stand up and turn around comfortably inside.
Add the pet to your reservation: Spirit instructs customers to add a pet by contacting the airline through chat. Advance notice is recommended because only a limited number of pet containers are allowed on each aircraft.
Review destination paperwork: For most domestic in-cabin pet trips, Spirit says no health certificate is required. However, if you are flying to Puerto Rico, bring a rabies vaccination certificate. If you are flying to the U.S. Virgin Islands, bring the required health certificate.
Prepare for airport screening: At TSA screening, you will need to present the animal to security screeners. Make sure the carrier is secure, leak-resistant, and compliant with government transportation rules.
Arrive early and check in at the ticket counter: Spirit requires guests traveling with pets to check in at the airport ticket counter. You cannot use curbside or self-service check-in when traveling with a pet.
Follow onboard seating and handling rules: Your dog must remain in the carrier for the entire flight. You may not sit in the first row or an emergency exit row with a pet. Spirit also limits each guest to one pet container, though up to two pets may share one container if they fit safely.
Plan for limited availability: Spirit allows only a small number of pet containers on each domestic flight, so booking early and adding the pet as soon as possible is the safest approach.
Spirit Airlines vs Other Airlines
| Feature | Spirit Airlines | Southwest Airlines | JetBlue |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Cabin Fee | Service charge per pet carrier; see Spirit current charges during booking/support | $125 per pet carrier one-way | $125 per pet each way |
| Cargo Fee | Not offered | Not offered | Not offered |
| Weight Limit | No published pet+carrier weight limit; pet must fit comfortably in carrier | No published pet+carrier weight limit in cited sources; pet must fit comfortably in carrier | 18 lb maximum including pet and carrier |
| Carrier Size | 18 x 14 x 9 in. max | Must fit under seat; no dimensions stated in cited current contract/fees sources | Approved pet carrier counts as personal item; under-seat fit required |
| Breeds Restricted | No listed breed ban; snub-nosed dogs flagged as higher-risk | No specific breed ban stated in cited sources | No specific breed ban stated in cited sources |
| Booking Method | Add by chat with Spirit; ticket counter check-in required | Reservations can only be booked by calling Southwest; pay/check in at ticket counter | Pay at time of reservation |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my dog on Spirit Airlines?
Yes, Spirit allows small domestic dogs to travel in the cabin on domestic flights, including Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, as long as the dog meets the carrier and behavior requirements.
Does Spirit Airlines allow dogs in cargo?
No. Spirit does not transport pets in cargo or as checked baggage at any time.
What size pet carrier does Spirit allow?
Spirit says the in-cabin pet carrier cannot exceed 18 x 14 x 9 inches and must fit under the seat in front of you.
Is there a weight limit for dogs on Spirit Airlines?
Spirit does not publish a combined pet-and-carrier weight limit on its current pet policy page. Instead, the dog must be able to stand upright and move about comfortably inside the carrier.
How do I add a dog to my Spirit reservation?
Spirit instructs travelers to add a pet by chatting with the airline. Because only a limited number of pet containers are allowed on each flight, it is best to do this as early as possible.
Do I need a health certificate for my dog on Spirit?
Usually no for standard domestic in-cabin travel, but Spirit says a health certificate is required for pets traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands. A rabies vaccination certificate is required for pets traveling to Puerto Rico.
Can my dog sit on my lap during a Spirit flight?
No. Spirit requires pets to remain inside the carrier for the duration of the flight.
Can I check in online if I’m flying with a dog on Spirit?
No. Spirit requires guests traveling with pets to check in at the airport ticket counter; curbside and self-service check-in are not allowed.