How to Travel with Your Pet on Spirit Airlines: A Step-by-Step Guide

Wanted to include your pets in your travel plans? But don’t know the regulations? Don’t worry, it is very simple with the Spirit Airlines pet policy. Traveling with your pet turns out to be an extremely fun activity. It is a must to familiarize yourself with the airline’s pet policy before taking your pet on board. The pet policy easily helps their traveling experience to be less stressful and more pleasant. Moreover, by being aware of what is allowed and what is not with your pet, it prevents last-minute unpleasant surprises at the airport. So, through this blog, let’s know all the rules and regulations related to your pets on Spirit Airlines. 

What are Spirit Airlines' Pet Policy Rules? 

Airlines have to ensure extra safety while allowing pets in the cabin. For that, they have composed the Spirit Airlines pet policy. This policy contains regulations and measures one must know while traveling with pets. These are some guidelines of this policy:’

List of permitted pets: 

• Domestic Dogs
• Domestic Cats 
• Small domestic birds (to and from are not allowed from Puerto Rico and the USVI)
• Small domestic rabbits (to and from are not allowed from Puerto Rico and the USVI)

Pets that are not allowed: 

• Snakes 
• Rodents 
• Spiders 
• Bird of Prey 
• Farm Poultry, waterfowl, and Frightless Birds, such as ducks and chickens. 

What are the Service Animals Regulations?

Spirit pet travel policy may differ if you are travelling with a licensed service pet animal. The pet policy accepts the dogs as their service animals. Passengers may have to fill out the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Service Animal Air Transportation Form. Then submit this form to the airline at least 48 hours before the flight departure.

According to the spirit airlines pets policy, it allows you to bring the form on the check-in in case of an emergency. However, form approval may take time. So, passengers are allowed to rebook their flight for their late-night flight. The airline authority allows only two service dogs at a time. Passengers have to make sure that the dogs can fit in their laps or in their personal space.

If you are travelling internationally, then all the documentation and immunization must be done before departure, and after returning to America. Spirit airlines does not allow any emotional support or therapy animals to be service animals. They are all treated as normal pets at the time of check-in and onboarding.

What are the Other Important Guidelines Included in the Pet Policy? 

Spirit Airlines' pet travel policies are generally strict, ensuring the comfort of the passenger. Other than the service animal regulations, some more guidelines are available that need to be followed in case of a pet: 

1. A Health Certificate of the pet is not required when travelling with guests in the cabin. Although it may be needed when travelling to the USVI. 
2. Airlines do not require a rabies vaccination certificate for pets travelling in the aircraft cabin to Puerto Rico. 
3. A maximum of two pets per container is permitted. One container per guest is allowed. 
4. The animal should be able to get up and walk around without any difficulty inside the container. 
5. Animals have to stay in their carriers during the flight time. 
6. The minimum age of the animals allowed is 8 weeks. They need to be completely vaccinated. 
7. The pet with the client must not disturb others and must not smell during the journey by air.
8. Violent, offensive, or ill pets may be removed from the flight. 
9. Fellow travelers might rearrange their sitting arrangements with respect to their animals, or even opt for the emergency exit row. 
10. Animals cannot be transported as cargo along with the owner's luggage.

Pet Carrier Guidelines: 

1. The pet must be seated in the container for inspection and approval by the airline. 
2. The dimensions of the container do not exceed 18x14x9. The carrier must fit under the seat or in front of the traveller. 
3. Soft carriers are allowed inside the cabin. But it does not allow the pet’s head to remain outside all the time. 
4. Passengers have to make sure that the carrier meets all the government requirements for safe transportation.
5. The combined weight of the pet and the carrier must not exceed 40 pounds.

How to do your Pet Reservation with Spirit Airlines? 

Below are some steps that need to be followed for a reservation under Spirit Airlines' pet policy: 

• Book your ticket first by visiting the official website of the airlines.
• Pet check-in should be done through the airport counter. 
• Keep all the necessary documents handy, required for the pet reservation. 
• Then, proceed with the reservation of your pet. For the same, contact spirit airlines directly, or by texting on WhatsApp. 
• Book in advance, as only 6 carriers are allowed inside the flight. 

Documents Required For a Pet Reservation: 

It may be very tiring to travel with your pets if they do not have documents. So it is a must to take all necessary documents with you when booking the flight. Here are the important documents that the travelers must not forget to bring:

• Health Certificate: 

It is an official document issued by the veterinarian. It is important because it states the pet's good health & free from common diseases. The passenger must have the health certificate issued within ten days of travel. It ensures that your dog is healthy and safe to travel on the airlines. 

• Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Letter or PSD letter:

If your pet is your emotional support animal, then the passenger may need a letter from a licensed mental health practitioner. Previously, it was not compulsory. Nevertheless, at the present moment, airlines are permitting only service animals and domestic pets in their cabins. Emotional support animals have been completely banned from the cabin.

• Vaccination Certificate: 

An updated report on the vaccination of pets. It shows that dogs are vaccinated properly. The airlines do not mandate it. But the destination authority can demand it to reduce the risk of disease transmission. Meanwhile, service animals don't require it. 

• Animal Behaviour Summary: 

As per the rules, animals should be well-behaved, not bark aggressively, not harm anyone, and stay under control while flying. You can also fill out a form with any licensed psychologist. 

What is Spirit Airlines' Pet Policy Fee? 

If a passenger is travelling with pets, then the spirit pet policy fee must apply to them. The person traveling has to spend $125 on one pet cage which can accommodate two pets. On the other hand, the guests might be required to pay $110 in order to have a dog with them in the cabin.

Final Words: 

Travelling with pets becomes more convenient with Spirit Airlines' pet policy. From knowing which pets are allowed inside the cabin, to their documentation and carrier rules preparation becomes the key. Having knowledge of Spirit Airlines' pet policy costs avoids your stress and last-minute hassle. With the right planning, airlines can make your pet fly safely.