Spirit Airlines' pet policy: Here’s how to fly with your pet on Spirit

Looking to take your pet with you on your next trip? If so, the Spirit Airlines pet policy lets you travel with more pet types than most other airlines. Specifically, the Spirit pet policy allows you to bring domestic dogs, domestic cats, small household birds and small domestic rabbits on board.

But before you book your flight and take your pet to the airport, know that you must follow certain rules and regulations. Here's everything you need to know about flying with your pet on Spirit Airlines.

Spirit Airlines' pet policy

According to the Spirit pet policy, domesticated dogs and cats can fly on Spirit Airlines flights throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. And while small "household birds" (excluding such things as chickens and ducks) and small domestic rabbits are allowed to fly in-cabin on Spirit, these pets can only fly domestically (not to or from Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands).

Additionally, Spirit doesn't allow any animals to fly as cargo. So, unfortunately, larger dogs can't fly on Spirit according to the Spirit Airlines dog policy.

All pets must be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned from their mother. Additionally, health certificates are required for pets flying to the U.S. Virgin Islands, and a rabies vaccination certificate is required when traveling to Puerto Rico.

While Spirit doesn't allow any pets to fly on international flights, service animals can fly internationally.

When flying with an approved pet on Spirit, you may choose any seat except the first row and the emergency exit row. Your pet must remain in its carrier for the entire flight, can't require attention and must be "harmless, inoffensive and odorless."

Related: Everything you should know before flying Spirit Airlines

Booking your pet on a Spirit Airlines flight

Spirit Airlines charges a fee of $125 one-way to bring a pet with you in the cabin. Reservations are recommended but not required. However, it is probably best to reserve a spot for your pet on the plane as soon as possible since Spirit doesn't allow more than six pet carriers per flight. To add a pet to your reservation, contact Spirit directly.

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When checking in at the airport with your pet, the Spirit Airlines pet policy states you'll need to visit the ticket counter (curbside or self-service check in isn't allowed). When you visit the ticket counter, a Spirit agent will inspect and approve both your pet and its carrier.

Related: 8 things to consider before flying with your pet

Spirit Airlines' pet carrier requirements

When traveling on Spirit, you may bring two similar pets if they can fit in one pet carrier. The carrier must be large enough to allow the pet (or pets) to stand and turn around. Only soft-sided carriers are allowed — although the type that allows the pet's head to poke outside is prohibited — and the dimensions cannot exceed 18 inches by 14 inches by nine inches.

You must place the carrier under the seat in front of you and keep it there for the entire flight. Additionally, per the Spirit pet policy, the pet and carrier have a combined weight restriction of 40 pounds.

Due to Spirit's baggage policy, your pet carrier will count as one of the items you're allowed to bring on board. So, you can only bring a personal item (for free) or a carry-on item (with the associated fee) — not both — in addition to your pet carrier.

Related: How to change or cancel a Spirit Airlines flight

Bottom line

Thanks to the relatively generous Spirit Airlines pet policy, you can bring your dog (as long as it's small enough), cat, rabbit or bird with you on most flights. And despite Spirit charging a pretty penny for anything "extra" during your travels, the fee to bring your pet with you is similarly priced to the other major U.S. airlines (although on the higher end of the scale).