Here’s a quick summary of what to know if you’re flying with your service dog on Frontier Airlines: 

Frontier Airlines, like all U.S. carriers, welcomes trained service dogs in the cabin for free — including psychiatric service dogs. This guide walks you through Frontier’s service dog policy in plain English — from the paperwork you’ll need to what to expect once you’re on board.

Flying with a regular pet? Check out our guide on Frontier Airlines’ pet policy. 

What Makes a Dog a “Service Dog” in Frontier Airlines’ Eyes

Not every helpful pup qualifies as a service dog for air travel. Here’s what Frontier, who is following DOT and ACAA rules, is looking for:

  • Must be a dog — sorry, no service cats, birds, or mini-horses
  • Must be trained to help with your specific disability
  • Must know how to behave in public — no barking, jumping, or other disruptions
  • Must be at least 4 months old (puppies need not apply)
  • Must stay on a leash, harness, or tether the whole time

If your dog helps with a mental health disability by performing specific tasks (like a psychiatric service dog), they qualify just like any other service dog. But if your animal simply provides comfort by being there (i.e., an emotional support animal), Frontier now treats them as a regular pet, meaning fees and size restrictions apply.

The Paperwork: What You’ll Need

The golden ticket for flying with your service dog is the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Service Animal Air Transportation Form. It’s basically a form where you confirm:

  • Your contact info and your dog’s details
  • That your dog is trained to help with your disability
  • That your dog won’t cause trouble in public
  • That your dog’s rabies shots are up-to-date
  • Your vet’s contact information (just in case)
DOT Form - Service Animal Health Behavior Training Form - Download -- ESA DoctorsDownload the DOT Form – Service Animal Air Transportation Form (pdf) here.

Getting the Transportation Form to Frontier Airlines

You’ve got several ways to submit the completed form:

  1. Online: Upload it through Frontier’s website portal
  2. By mail: Send it to: Attention Frontier Airlines Customer Care 4545 Airport Way Denver, CO 80239
  3. In person: Bring it to a customer service agent at the airport (if your flight is less than 48 hours away)

It’s a smart idea to keep a copy of this form on your phone and a printed version in your bag. Frontier staff might ask to see it at check-in, at the gate, or even on the plane.

For longer flights (8+ hours), you’ll need one more form: the DOT’s Service Animal Relief Attestation Form. This asks if your dog can hold it for the entire flight or if you have a plan for bathroom breaks that won’t create a mess.

DOT Form - Service Animal Relief Form - Download -- ESA DoctorsDownload the DOT Form – Service Animal Relief Attestation Form (pdf) here.

Booking Your Trip with Your Service Dog

Getting your service dog added to your reservation is straightforward:

  1. Book your ticket like usual on Frontier Airlines’ website
  2. Look for “Special Requests” during checkout and select “traveling with a service animal”
  3. Already booked? No problem, just update your reservation online to add your service dog
  4. Fill out the DOT form we talked about and submit it through one of the methods above
  5. Pack your patience along with your bags — airport staff might have questions

At the airport, Frontier employees might need to confirm two things: that you have a disability and that your dog is truly a trained service animal. If your disability isn’t obvious, they might ask how your dog helps you. These questions aren’t meant to be nosy — they’re just following the rules.

Once you’re at the gate, ask about pre-boarding when you check-in. Getting on the plane a few minutes early gives you and your dog time to get settled without the rush of other passengers squeezing past.

Once You’re on the Plane

Once you’ve made it onboard your Frontier flight, here’s what to expect:

  • Keep your dog leashed or harnessed the entire flight
  • You can’t sit in exit rows or the first row with your service dog
  • Your dog needs to stay positioned where they won’t block an evacuation
  • Most dogs sit on the floor by your feet without sticking into the aisle
  • Small dogs can sit in your lap if they’re about the size of a toddler
  • Your service dog can’t take up an empty seat or spill into your neighbor’s space
  • Using a carrier is optional, but if you do, it has to be stowed for takeoff and landing
  • Scratching, excessive barking, growling, or any bathroom accidents could mean trouble

Taking Your Service Dog Internationally

Flying abroad with your service dog adds another layer of complexity:

  • Your service dog can join you on all Frontier international routes
  • Every country has its own rules about bringing animals in
  • You’ll need to figure out what paperwork your destination requires
  • Some places have quarantine periods that could seriously disrupt your plans

For any international flight on Frontier, your service dog must have:

  • A CDC Dog Import Form receipt 
  • Be at least 6 months old (no young pups allowed)
  • Look healthy when you arrive
  • Have a microchip that can be scanned with universal readers

Coming from a high-risk country for rabies? You’ll need even more paperwork, including photos of your dog and government-endorsed vet documents. Check the CDC website for the full scoop.

Service dog waiting to board a Frontier Airlines flight
Frontier Airlines’ service dog policy follows the DOT and ACAA rules, offering service dogs and their handlers a smooth trip.

Frequently Asked Questions About Frontier Airlines’ Service Dog Policy

“Can I bring more than one service dog?”
Frontier allows up to two service dogs per passenger with a disability.

“What about my service dog who’s still training?”
Unfortunately, Frontier only accepts fully-trained service dogs. Dogs in training need to travel as pets.

“What happens if my dog acts up during the flight?”
If your dog gets disruptive – think barking, growling, or having accidents — Frontier can deny boarding or, in extreme cases, ask them to be removed. That’s why proper training is so important.

“Do I need to bring my dog’s service vest or ID card?”
While not strictly required, having your dog wear a service vest or ID can prevent unnecessary questions. The DOT form is what really matters, though.

“Can my dog sit on my lap the whole flight?”
Small service dogs can sit in your lap if they’re roughly the size of a 2-year-old child. Bigger dogs need to stay on the floor.

“What if airline staff doesn’t understand the rules?”
Keep a copy of Frontier’s service dog policy with you (digital and printed). If you hit a roadblock, calmly ask to speak with a Complaint Resolution Official (CRO). They’re specially trained in accessibility issues.

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