Spirit Airlines' Pet Policy: Everything You Need To Know For Smooth Sailing With Your Pup

If you're planning to travel with your dog on Spirit Airlines, there are a few things you need to know. Firstly, Spirit Airlines only allows small dogs that can fit in the cabin and does not permit dogs to travel as cargo. This means your dog must be able to fit in a carrier that can be stowed under the seat in front of you. Additionally, there is a maximum of six pet carriers allowed on each flight, so it's important to book your dog's spot in advance. When checking in at the airport, you'll need to go to the ticket counter, as curbside or self-service check-in is not allowed for passengers travelling with pets.

There are also specific requirements for the pet carrier. It must be soft-sided, with a maximum size of 18 x 14 x 9 (45.72 cm x 35.56 cm x 22.86 cm), and your dog must be able to stand up and turn around comfortably inside. The combined weight of your dog and the carrier must not exceed 40 pounds. You'll also need to pay a pet fee of $110-$125 each way.

It's important to note that your dog must be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned, and it must be harmless, inoffensive, and odorless during the flight. If your dog causes any disturbances or becomes ill, you may be asked to leave the flight. Additionally, you'll need to provide certain documentation, such as a rabies vaccination certificate, depending on your destination.

Only small dogs are allowed

If you're planning to travel with your dog on Spirit Airlines, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Firstly, only small dogs are allowed on board, and they must be domesticated. This means that larger dogs or certain breeds, such as snub-nosed dogs, may not be able to fly with Spirit Airlines. It's always a good idea to consult your veterinarian before booking to ensure your dog is safe to fly.

When it comes to the requirements, your dog must be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned. This is an important rule that Spirit Airlines enforces to ensure the health and safety of young animals. Additionally, your dog must be well-behaved and cannot display any signs of aggression or disruptive behaviour, such as barking or jumping. The airline also requires that your dog remains in its carrier for the duration of the flight and does not require any attention during the journey. This means your dog should be calm and comfortable without needing to move around or causing any disturbances.

There are also specific guidelines for the carrier or container that you must bring for your dog. The carrier must be soft-sided, with a maximum size of 18" x 14" x 9" (45.72 cm x 35.56 cm x 22.86 cm), and it must fit comfortably under the seat in front of you. Your dog should have enough space to stand up and turn around inside the carrier. Additionally, the combined weight of your dog and the carrier must not exceed 40 pounds.

It's important to note that Spirit Airlines only allows a limited number of pets on each flight, so it's recommended to book your dog's spot in advance. You can do this by contacting the Spirit Airlines Reservations Center or adding a pet to your reservation through their website or customer support. There is a fee for travelling with a pet, which is typically around $110 to $125 each way.

Lastly, it's worth mentioning that Spirit Airlines has specific requirements for service animals. If you are travelling with a service dog, you must fill out the U.S. Department of Transportation's Service Animal Air Transportation Form and submit it to Spirit at least 48 hours before your flight. Only dogs are accepted as service animals, and they must meet certain behaviour and documentation requirements.

A health certificate is not required for domestic flights

When it comes to travelling with your dog on Spirit Airlines, there are a few things you need to know. Firstly, small domesticated pets are allowed on all domestic flights, including Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. in the guest cabin. This means that your dog must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. Brachycephalic breeds, also known as snub-nosed dogs, may be more vulnerable to risks during air travel, so it is recommended that you consult your veterinarian before booking.

Now, regarding health certificates, Spirit Airlines does not require a health certificate for pets travelling with guests in the aircraft cabin on domestic flights. However, there are some important exceptions and additional requirements to be aware of.

Firstly, if you are travelling to the US Virgin Islands, a health certificate is required for your dog. Additionally, while not technically a health certificate, Spirit Airlines does require a rabies vaccination certificate for pets travelling to Puerto Rico.

It is also important to note that if you are connecting through or travelling to another country, you may need a health certificate and other documentation. Health certificates are typically issued by a licensed veterinarian and state that your pet is healthy and free of infectious diseases. For international travel, this certificate often requires USDA endorsement.

In addition to health certificates, some destinations may have specific entry procedures and requirements, such as quarantine or immunisation confirmations. It is always best to contact the relevant authorities, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the Foreign Consulate, to ensure you have the necessary documentation for your dog when travelling on Spirit Airlines.

A rabies vaccination certificate is required for Puerto Rico

If you're travelling with a dog on Spirit Airlines, there are a few things you need to know. Firstly, the airline only allows small domesticated dogs in the guest cabin, and brachycephalic breeds, or snub-nosed dogs, may be more vulnerable to risks during air travel, so it's important to consult with your veterinarian beforehand.

Now, regarding your specific query, Spirit Airlines does require a rabies vaccination certificate for dogs travelling in the aircraft cabin to Puerto Rico. This is an important requirement to keep in mind as you prepare for your journey. Here are some additional details and instructions to ensure you meet the necessary requirements:

• Timing of Rabies Vaccination: In Puerto Rico, dogs must be vaccinated for rabies between 28 days and 6 months prior to entry. Puppies under 3 months of age should not be vaccinated for rabies until they reach this age.
• Veterinary Certificate: Within 30 days of entering Puerto Rico, a licensed veterinarian must complete the Veterinary Certificate for Puerto Rico. It is recommended to have an alternate copy translated into Spanish.
• Health Certificate: While Spirit Airlines does not generally require a health certificate for pets travelling domestically, when entering Puerto Rico, your dog will need a health certificate stating that they are healthy and fit to fly. This must be issued by a U.S.-accredited veterinarian no more than 72 hours before arrival in Puerto Rico.
• Microchip: Ensure your dog has a microchip that complies with ISO 11784/11785 standards.
• External Parasite Treatment: Your veterinarian must treat your dog for external parasites within 72 hours of entering Puerto Rico, and this treatment must be noted on the health certificate.
• Other Vaccinations: Dogs travelling to Puerto Rico should also receive the DA2PPL/DAPPL vaccination (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and leptospirosis).

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your dog meets the necessary requirements for travelling to Puerto Rico with Spirit Airlines, specifically regarding the rabies vaccination certificate. Remember to allow plenty of time for your dog to become accustomed to its travel crate before the trip.

Emotional support animals must be treated as pets

As per the Department of Transportation requirements, emotional support animals (ESANs) must be treated as pets when travelling on Spirit Airlines. This means that they must meet the same requirements as other pets and their owners must pay the standard pet fee. Only dogs will be accepted as trained service or psychiatric service animals.

To travel as a pet, the animal must meet and follow certain requirements. Spirit Airlines only allows the following pets on the aircraft:

• Small domestic dogs
• Domestic cats
• Small household birds (except to/from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands)
• Small domestic rabbits (except to/from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands)

It is important to note that birds that are not considered household birds include farm poultry, waterfowl, game birds, flightless birds, and birds of prey. Additionally, exotic pets such as snakes, spiders, and rodents are not accepted.

There are also specific guidelines that must be followed when bringing a pet on a Spirit Airlines flight. Only two similar pets are allowed if they can fit in one pet carrier, and only one carrier per guest is permitted. The carrier must be large enough for the pet to stand up, turn around, and move about comfortably. The combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 40 pounds, and the carrier must fit under the seat in front of the guest.

It is also important to note that pets must remain in their carriers for the duration of the flight and must be harmless, inoffensive, and odourless. They should not require any attention during the flight and should not cause any disturbances. If the animal becomes offensive or causes a disturbance prior to leaving the gate, it will be removed from the flight.

Only two dogs per guest are allowed

When it comes to travelling with dogs, Spirit Airlines has a few rules and regulations in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers. One such regulation is that only two dogs are permitted per guest. This means that if you are travelling with more than two dogs, you will need to make separate arrangements for the additional dogs, as they cannot be accommodated under the standard guest allowance.

It is important to note that Spirit Airlines only allows small dogs that can fit in a pet carrier and be stowed under the seat in front of you. The maximum size carrier that can be brought on board is 18"L x 14"W x 9"H, and only one carrier is permitted per guest. This means that if you are travelling with two dogs, they must be small enough to fit together comfortably in a single carrier. The carrier must also be soft-sided, have a waterproof bottom, and provide adequate ventilation for the dogs.

In addition to the carrier restrictions, there are also weight and behaviour requirements for dogs travelling on Spirit Airlines. The combined weight of the dog and its carrier must not exceed 40 pounds. Furthermore, the dogs must be well-behaved and remain in their carrier for the duration of the flight. They should not cause any disturbances, such as barking or growling, and must be harmless, inoffensive, and odorless.

It is also worth noting that Spirit Airlines does not permit dogs in the first-class seating or emergency exit rows. Therefore, when booking your flight, you will need to choose a seat that is not in these restricted areas. Additionally, reservations for your dogs are recommended but not required. However, it is best to reserve a spot for your dogs as soon as possible, as there is a limit of six pet carriers per flight.

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