Spirit Airlines
Psychiatric Service
Dog Policy

Spirit Airlines Main Takeaways:

Psychiatric service dogs fly free on all Spirit Airlines flights with required US DOT documentation for your disability.
Emotional support animals are no longer recognized as service animals and must travel as pets with additional fees.
Your dog must be individually trained to perform tasks for your mental health disability, not just provide comfort.
Maximum of two service dogs per passenger on Spirit Airlines flights.
Required documentation includes US DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form submitted 48 hours before departure.
Service dogs must remain in your foot space without blocking aisles or encroaching on other passengers during the entire flight.
Credible verbal assurance of your dog’s task training must be obtained by Spirit team members at the airport.

Understanding Spirit Airlines’ Service Animal Policy

Spirit Airlines welcomes passengers with disabilities traveling with trained psychiatric service dogs on flights. Psychiatric service dogs travel free of charge in the aircraft cabin and receive full protection under applicable disability laws. This guide covers current regulations, required documentation, and what to expect when flying with a psychiatric service dog on Spirit Airlines.

The Air Carrier Access Act: Federal Law Governing Airline Policies

The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), enacted in 1986 and codified at 49 U.S.C. § 41705, prohibits discrimination against air travelers with disabilities. Enforced by the U.S. Department of Transportation through 14 CFR Part 382, the ACAA applies to all U.S. airlines including Spirit Airlines. The law requires airlines to allow trained service dogs in the cabin at no charge, provide boarding assistance, and make reasonable accommodations for passengers with disabilities.

Spirit Airlines complies with all ACAA requirements and follows the revised DOT service animal regulations implemented in January 2021. Spirit accepts psychiatric service dogs at no cost, processes required DOT documentation, and ensures passengers with service dogs receive equal treatment on all routes operated by Spirit Airlines.

Important Policy Change: Emotional Support Animals No Longer Recognized on Flights

Effective January 11, 2021, Spirit Airlines changed its service dog program following the U.S. Department of Transportation’s revised rules on service animals. Emotional support animals are no longer accepted as service animals on any Spirit Airlines flights.

Before January 2021: Old ESA Rules

Service animals and emotional support animals both flew free in the cabin
ESA letters from mental health professionals were accepted as sufficient documentation
Multiple species were accommodated at no charge
Less stringent documentation requirements for ESAs

After January 2021: Current ESA Rules

Only trained service dogs are recognized as service animals
Emotional support animals are NOT recognized as service animals
ESAs must travel as regular pets with additional fees
Psychiatric service dogs (task-trained) still qualify for free accommodation
Stricter documentation requirements including DOT Service Animal Form for all flights

Psychiatric Service Dogs vs. Emotional Support Animals

The key distinction is task training. A service animal is defined as a dog that is at least four (4) months of age, regardless of breed or type, that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.

Animal species other than dogs, emotional support animals, comfort animals, companionship animals, therapy animals, and service animals in training are not considered service animals to travel onboard Spirit aircraft.

If your animal does not meet the definition of a trained service dog, it may be eligible to travel in accordance with Spirit’s pet policy for a charge. Therapy animals are animals which provide comfort to members of the public and are not trained to perform a specific task for an individual related to a disability. These animals may be eligible to travel in accordance with Spirit’s pet policy for a charge. Spirit does not accept service animals that are in training, but these animals may be eligible to travel in accordance with Spirit’s pet policy for a charge.

Advanced Notice

Spirit Airlines strongly recommends submitting your US DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form 48 hours before departure online to avoid disruptions. If unable to submit online, bring your completed form to the ticket counter or gate on your travel day. Allow extra time at the airport for review and approval. If approval cannot be completed before departure, you’ll be offered rebooking on the next available Spirit flight or the option to travel with your animal as a pet.

Contact Spirit Airlines:

Guest Service: 1-855-SAVE-555 (1-855-728-3555)

Get Your PSD Letter Now

Spirit Airlines PSD Requirements

US DOT Service Animal Form Requirements

The U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form is mandatory for all Spirit Airlines flights. The form must be dated on or after your purchase date, completed in its entirety, include updated rabies vaccinations, and one form submitted for every new reservation and for each dog if travelling with two. Download the form from transportation.gov and submit via Spirit Airlines website at least 48 hours before departure.

Credible Verbal Assurance Requirement

Credible verbal assurance that your dog is trained to perform a task for a disability must be obtained by a Spirit team member at the airport. Service animal vests, harnesses, ID cards, or registrations are no longer accepted as sole proof of service dog status.

Training Requirements for Psychiatric Service Dogs

Spirit Airlines accepts fully trained psychiatric service dogs at least 4 months old that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a qualified individual with a psychiatric disability. Dogs must remain under your control at all times and behave appropriately in public settings.

No Breed Restrictions for Service Dogs

Spirit Airlines does not have breed restrictions for trained service dogs, following federal ACAA regulations. All breeds are allowed if they meet service dog requirements, fit within your seating area, and behave appropriately throughout the flight.

Behavior Standards During Flight

Your service dog must behave appropriately throughout your journey. Dogs displaying disruptive or aggressive behavior will not be allowed to travel. Examples of disruptive/aggressive behavior include growling, lunging, barking, biting, jumping on other guests, relieving itself onboard or in the airport except in designated relief areas, and emitting a strong odor.

Seating Rules for Psychiatric Service Dog Handlers

Exit Row and First Row Restrictions: Service dogs cannot sit in emergency exit rows or the first row.
Lap Dogs: Dogs sitting on your lap cannot be larger than a 2-year-old child, cannot be placed on aircraft seats, and cannot occupy seats with inflatable seat belts.
Floor-Seated Dogs: Dogs seated on the floor must remain in your foot space, cannot block aisles or emergency evacuation areas, and cannot extend into another guest’s space. If you believe your dog needs more space than one seat allows, you are welcome to purchase an additional seat or Big Front Seat option.

Spirit Airlines accepts a maximum of two (2) dogs per guest. If traveling with more than 2 service dogs, you may be able to travel with the third as a pet if it meets Spirit’s pet requirements.

No Fees for Psychiatric Service Dogs

Psychiatric service dogs travel completely free under applicable disability laws. Spirit Airlines does not charge for cabin access, documentation processing, or disability-related accommodations. You only pay for your passenger ticket.

Emotional Support Animals: Traveling as Pets on Spirit Airlines Flights

Since January 11, 2021, emotional support animals are no longer recognized as service animals on Spirit Airlines flights. Your emotional support animal must travel as a regular pet with all applicable fees and restrictions.

ESA Pet Fees

In-cabin pets cost $125 per container each way. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid when adding the pet to your reservation.

Pet Carrier Size Requirements

Only soft-sided containers are allowed in the cabin, but not the type that allows the pet’s head to remain outside. The dimensions of the container must not exceed 18″x14″x9″ (45.72cm x 35.56cm x 22.86cm) in overall dimensions and must be able to fit under the seat in front of the guest traveling with the animal. The pet must remain in the carrier at all times and be able to stand and turn around in the container. The animal must be in a container subject to inspection and approval by Spirit.

Pet Travel Requirements

Pet Species Accepted:

Spirit will only allow domestic dogs, domestic cats, small household birds (except to/from Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I.), and small domestic rabbits (except to/from Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I.) on the aircraft. Birds that are not considered household birds include farm poultry, waterfowl, game bird, birds of prey, and flightless birds. Exotic pets such as snakes, spiders, rodents, etc. will not be accepted.

Brachycephalic Breeds Restriction:

Brachycephalic breeds, also known as snub-nosed dogs, may be more vulnerable to risks during air travel. Spirit recommends consulting with your veterinarian to be aware of any special precautions while flying.

Pet Age Requirements:

The pet should be at least eight (8) weeks old and fully weaned.

Number of Pets:

A maximum of 2 pets per container is permitted, but only one container per guest is allowed. A maximum of six pet containers are permitted on the aircraft during all domestic flights including Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.

Health Certificate Requirements:

Spirit Airlines does not require a health certificate for pets traveling with guests in the aircraft cabin, except for guests traveling to U.S. Virgin Islands. Spirit Airlines does require a rabies vaccination certificate for pets traveling with guests in the aircraft cabin to Puerto Rico.

Baggage Allowance:

The pet carrier counts as one-plus-one carry-on luggage.

Seating Restrictions:

You may choose to sit anywhere you wish with the exception of the first row and emergency exit rows.

Check-In Requirements

To add a pet to your reservation, chat with Spirit support. It’s helpful to make these arrangements when making your travel plans with Spirit due to the maximum of six pet containers permitted on the aircraft during all domestic flights. Advance notice is recommended but not required. Guests traveling with pets will need to check-in at the ticket counter. At this time, curbside or self-service check-in is not allowed. Please allow extra time beyond normal check-in guidelines. You will need to present the animal to the security checkpoint screeners for screening.

Pets in Cargo Compartment

Spirit Airlines does not transport pets in cargo at any time.

Spirit Airlines Travel Requirements

Spirit Airlines has different requirements based on where a passenger travels with a pet or service dog.

Domestic (United States)

Service dogs are accepted on all domestic flights within the United States with proper DOT documentation. Pets (dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits) are permitted on all domestic flights including Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. Birds and rabbits are not allowed to/from Puerto Rico and the U.S.V.I.

International

Service dogs can travel on international routes, but you may need additional documentation depending on destination country requirements. Spirit Guest Service or your travel agent may be able to help you find out what additional documentation or requirements you may need for your destination. Call Spirit Guest Service at 1-855-728-3555 for assistance. All international travel requirements must be met to travel with your service dog internationally. It is up to you to ensure that the requirements are met.

Pets (non-service animals) are NOT allowed on international flights.

US Inbound

If you are traveling into the United States from a different country, please review the CDC website for additional travel restrictions and requirements. You are responsible for ensuring all US entry requirements are met when traveling with your service dog.