How much is the pet fee on Spirit?

The Guide to Traveling on Spirit Airlines with Pets. For a $125 pet fee, you can bring small dogs, cats, birds or rabbits on Spirit flights. American Way, Hemispheres, CultureMap, JohnnyJet, and more.



As of early 2026, Spirit Airlines typically charges a pet fee of $125 per pet container, each way. This fee applies to small domestic dogs, cats, small household birds, and small rabbits traveling in the cabin. Spirit does not allow pets to travel as "checked baggage" or in the cargo hold; they must stay in an FAA-approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. It is important to note that the pet and its carrier count as your "one-plus-one" carry-on allowance, meaning the pet carrier takes the place of either your personal item or your paid carry-on bag. Each carrier can hold up to two similar pets, but you will still be charged the per-container fee. Because Spirit has a limited number of "pet spots" available per flight, it is highly recommended to add your pet to your reservation as early as possible. Service animals are exempt from these fees, but they must meet specific Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements and have the necessary paperwork filed in advance.

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Generally, airlines charge a pet fee of $100 to $200 each way, but prices will vary depending on where you're traveling and your airline. Check the airline's pet policy before purchasing a ticket to make sure your pet meets the airline's breed and size requirements. If not, the airline won't let them board.

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Usually dogs are only allowed to fly in the cabin—known as carry-on pets—if they can comfortably fit in a carrier that you can stow under the seat in front of you. A small number of airlines, including JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, and Etihad Airways, allow passengers flying with dogs to buy an extra seat for their pet.

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Usually dogs are only allowed to fly in the cabin—known as carry-on pets—if they can comfortably fit in a carrier that you can stow under the seat in front of you. A small number of airlines, including JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, and Etihad Airways, allow passengers flying with dogs to buy an extra seat for their pet.

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When checking a pet, you need to:
  1. Contact Reservations at least 48 hours prior to travel.
  2. Check in at the ticket counter with your official orders.
  3. Allow extra check-in time (at least 2 hours and no more than 4 hours before your flight)
  4. Complete a checklist with an agent.
  5. Provide a health certificate.


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The whole process of flying can be stressful for a dog, but those levels of stress can be greatly reduced with a few simple home comforts and reassurances. Ensuring your flight is a non-stop flight rather than one with changeovers can be a huge benefit to your dog, as can looking to travel at a suitable time.

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Pets traveling in the cabin need to stay inside a carrier. Carrier requirements may change from airline to airline, but dogs should be able to stand naturally and turn around inside it without touching the sides or top. Can my cat or dog sit on my lap? No.

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Booking a Cargo Hold Trip Most airlines don't allow you to book a pet via cargo until 10 days before your trip. Check to see when your airline allows pets traveling in cargo to be booked and try to set your pet's travel plans as early as you can to prevent stress down the line.

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You probably have a plan for your own passport, but your animal companion needs one too. All pets traveling to and from the United States need a passport. Keep in mind, a “pet passport” in the U.S. refers to the extra documents you need to travel to other countries with your pet.

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You will need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection to travel and some airlines require an acclimation certificate.

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Generally, if your dog in its carrier can fit under the seat in front of you, it can go in the cabin. So that means a dog weighing up to about 20 pounds.

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In general, if your pet carrier (with your pet inside) can fit under the seat in front of you, your dog can ride in the cabin on flights that permit it. Typically, this would be a dog weighing up to about 20 pounds.

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Trazodone (brand name Desyrel®), gabapentin (brand name Neurontin®), and alprazolam (brand names; Xanax®, Niravam®) are examples of medications that are sometimes prescribed by veterinarians to reduce the anxiety that some dogs experience when traveling.

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