Frontier is one of the more flexible U.S. airlines when it comes to which small animals it allows in the cabin.
For domestic travel, Frontier currently accepts not only dogs and cats, but also rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and some small household birds. Pets travel in the cabin only; Frontier does not accept ordinary pets as checked baggage or cargo.
The downside is the fee.
As of September 2026, Frontier’s published pet charge is:
$149 per pet, per direction.
That makes a simple round trip:
$298 in pet fees.
Frontier Pet Policy at a Glance
For domestic U.S. flights, Frontier currently allows:
- Dogs
- Cats
- Rabbits
- Guinea pigs
- Hamsters
- Small household birds
Pets must be at least 8 weeks old.
The airline does not accept ordinary pets as checked baggage.
Only service dogs are accepted on international flights under Frontier’s current policy.
How Much Does Frontier Charge?
Frontier currently lists its pet fee as:
$149 each way, per pet.
The charge is nonrefundable.
For one pet:
Outbound: $149 Return: $149 Round trip: $298
Because Frontier is an à-la-carte airline, also factor in any charges for:
- Carry-on bags
- Checked bags
- Seat selection
- Fare bundle
The lowest airfare isn’t necessarily the lowest pet-trip total.
Which Pets Are Not Accepted?
Frontier’s current domestic policy specifically excludes several animals, including:
- Large birds such as parrots and macaws
- Mice
- Rats
- Squirrels
- Ferrets
- Reptiles
- Amphibians
- Spiders
- Insects
If you’re traveling with an unusual small pet, verify the species before buying your ticket.
Frontier Carrier Size
Frontier currently publishes different maximum dimensions for hard and soft carriers.
Hard-Sided Carrier
Maximum:
18 x 14 x 8 inches
Soft-Sided Carrier
Maximum:
18 x 14 x 11 inches
Frontier recommends soft-sided carriers.
The Pet Has to Fit Properly
The carrier has to be large enough for the animal to:
- Stand
- Turn around
- Lie down naturally
It also has to fit underneath the seat.
That means the published carrier dimensions are only the outer limit.
If your dog barely squeezes into an 18-inch carrier, that does not automatically mean Frontier will accept the animal.
One Adult Dog or Cat Per Carrier
Frontier currently permits only one adult dog or cat per container.
Don’t assume the two-pet rule used by some other airlines applies here.
Does the Pet Stay in the Carrier?
Yes.
Frontier requires the pet to remain inside the travel container throughout the trip.
That means don’t plan on:
- Holding the dog on your lap
- Letting a rabbit out at the gate
- Opening the carrier after takeoff
The carrier is the pet’s travel space.
Does the Carrier Count Against Your Bags?
Frontier gives travelers with pets an unusually useful choice.
In addition to the pet carrier, you may bring either:
- One personal item
or:
- One carry-on bag
A carry-on fee may apply depending on your fare or bundle.
That’s better than policies where the carrier simply replaces your personal item with no other flexibility.
Frontier’s Personal Item Size
If you choose the personal-item option, Frontier’s current personal-item maximum is:
14 x 18 x 8 inches.
Current carry-on maximum:
24 x 16 x 10 inches, up to 35 pounds.
How Do You Add the Pet?
Frontier currently allows a cabin pet to be added:
- During initial booking
- Later through Manage Trip
At the airport, Frontier tells travelers with approved pets to stop at the ticket counter to make sure all requirements are satisfied before proceeding.
Leave additional time.
No Checked Pets
Frontier does not accept pets as checked baggage.
That eliminates Frontier as an ordinary option for:
- Large dogs
- Oversized carriers
- Animals unable to travel under the seat
If your dog is too large, driving to Florida may be considerably easier.
Domestic Flights Only for Ordinary Pets
Frontier currently limits its ordinary-pet program to flights within the United States.
Only service dogs are permitted under its international animal policy.
For a standard flight from another U.S. state to Florida, that’s fine.
For a trip involving Mexico, the Caribbean or Central America, don’t assume the same rules apply.
Frontier and Florida
Frontier serves a large number of leisure routes into Florida.
That can make it useful for destinations including:
- Orlando
- Tampa
- Miami
- Fort Lauderdale
- Other seasonal Florida markets
If Frontier offers a nonstop route from your home airport, avoiding a connection can be a major advantage when traveling with a pet.
Is Frontier Good for Pet Travelers?
Good Fit
Frontier makes sense when:
- Your pet is small.
- You’re traveling domestically.
- You have a rabbit, guinea pig or hamster that another airline won’t accept.
- Frontier offers a convenient nonstop.
Less Attractive
It becomes less appealing when:
- The $149 each-way fee wipes out the low fare.
- Your dog is too large for the cabin.
- You need international pet travel.
Compare the Total
Example:
Frontier
Fare: $79 Pet: $149 Carry-on: additional charge
Competitor
Fare: $149 Pet: $50
The “cheap” ticket can become more expensive once the pet is included.
Always compare the entire itinerary.
Service Dogs
Service dogs follow separate federal air-travel rules and are not treated as ordinary $149 cabin pets.
See:
for the difference between trained service dogs, emotional-support animals and ordinary pets.
Before Booking Frontier
Verify:
- Pet species accepted
- Pet age
- Carrier dimensions
- Animal fits comfortably
- Pet space is available
- Current $149 fee
- Baggage charges
- Domestic itinerary
- Return-flight pet space
Do that before buying the carrier.
Frontier Pet Policy Bottom Line
Frontier is unusually flexible about species, but expensive compared with some competitors.
For domestic travel:
Small qualifying pet + under-seat carrier + $149 each way.
Its strongest niche may be travelers with small animals other than dogs and cats.
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