Singapore Airlines pet policy is straightforward but restrictive for most pet owners: no regular pets in the cabin, only certified assistance dogs.
All other pets travel as checked baggage (up to 32 kg / 70.5 lbs total, pet plus crate) or as manifest cargo for heavier shipments. Everything requires advance phone or form contact with the airline. No online booking exists for pets.
Policy information on this page was last verified against official Singapore Airlines sources in February 2026. Always confirm current requirements directly with Singapore Airlines before booking.
Quick Reference
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cabin Pets | Regular pets not allowed. Certified assistance dogs only, no charge. |
| Checked Baggage Weight Limit | 32 kg (70.5 lbs) maximum, pet plus crate combined. |
| Cargo Weight Limit | No published upper limit. Quote required via cargo agent. |
| Crate Dimensions | IATA-compliant rigid crate. Minimum size: Length = A + 1/2B, Width = 2C, Height = D (pet measurements). Maximum height aircraft-specific: 70 cm (27.6 in) on A350, 60 cm (23.6 in) on A380. |
| Fees | Quote-based excess baggage rate, varies by route and weight. Service dogs travel free. |
| Booking Method | Phone or pet travel form via local Singapore Airlines office. No online booking. Minimum 48 hours advance notice required. |
| Breed Restrictions | Extensive list of banned brachycephalic and restricted breeds. See full list below. |
In-Cabin Pet Policy
Singapore Airlines does not allow regular pets in the passenger cabin under any circumstances.
The only animals permitted in the cabin are certified assistance dogs accompanying passengers with disabilities. These dogs must be trained for specific disability-related tasks such as guiding, hearing assistance, psychiatric support, or mobility aid.
Warning: Emotional support animals (ESAs) are not recognized by Singapore Airlines. ESAs receive no special accommodation and must travel as checked baggage or manifest cargo, subject to all standard pet regulations and fees.
Service Dogs in the Cabin
Service dogs are dogs only. No other species qualify as assistance animals under Singapore Airlines policy.
Assistance dogs travel free of charge in the cabin. They are positioned on the floor in front of the passenger seat for larger dogs, or on the lap or in a carrier for smaller dogs. Dogs must remain leashed or harnessed throughout the flight and must have an absorbent pad.
Service dogs may not occupy a seat, sit in emergency exit rows, or block the aisle. Dogs must be well-behaved at all times. If the dog belongs to a restricted breed (see breed list below), additional behavior certification documentation is required at check-in.
For US-bound flights, Singapore Airlines aligns with US Department of Transportation ACAA regulations. Passengers must present US DOT-compliant service animal documentation. See the DOT service animal page at https://www.transportation.gov/accessibility/service-animals for current form requirements.
Key Takeaway: Singapore Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice for service dog travel. Bring original training certification and, for US flights, completed US DOT forms. Restricted-breed service dogs require additional behavior documentation or risk boarding denial.
Checked Baggage and Cargo: Two Separate Options
Singapore Airlines offers two distinct options for pet transport. These are not interchangeable and have different weight thresholds, booking processes, and handling procedures.
Option 1: Checked Baggage (traveling with you)
Pets traveling as checked baggage must weigh 32 kg (70.5 lbs) or less, pet and crate combined. Singapore Airlines handles checked pets directly. Your pet is transported in the temperature-controlled hold of the same aircraft you are on.
Pets on Singapore transits exceeding 6 hours are transferred to SATS handling facilities, which provide air conditioning and water. No feeding or walking is provided during transit.
Option 2: Manifest Cargo (separate shipment)
Pets exceeding 32 kg (70.5 lbs) combined, or pets on routes where checked baggage is not accepted, must travel as manifest cargo. This is booked through a cargo agent, not directly through Singapore Airlines passenger services. No published upper weight limit applies to cargo; pricing is quote-based.
Note: The content brief for this article referenced Petrel as a primary cargo partner. This claim is not confirmed by official Singapore Airlines sources reviewed in February 2026. Contact Singapore Airlines Cargo at https://www.singaporeaircargo.com/ directly to confirm the current cargo handling agent for your route.
Minimum pet age for either option is 3 months. Acclimation to the crate is recommended but no acclimation certificate is required.
Tip: Boeing 737 aircraft have no temperature-controlled hold and cannot carry live animals. Confirm your aircraft type at booking. If your itinerary includes a 737 segment, your pet cannot travel on that flight.
Crate Requirements
All crates must meet IATA Live Animals Regulations standards. Soft-sided carriers are not accepted for cargo or checked baggage travel on Singapore Airlines.
Approved materials: fiberglass, rigid plastic, metal, wood, or plywood. The floor must be solid and leakproof. The door must span the full end of the crate and be secured with at least 6 metal fasteners. Ventilation must be present on all four sides. Water and food bowls must be accessible from outside the crate without opening the door.
Minimum crate size formula (based on your pet’s measurements):
- Length = A + 1/2B (A = nose to base of tail; B = elbow height)
- Width = 2C (C = widest shoulder point)
- Height = D (D = standing height, top of head or ears to floor)
Maximum crate height by aircraft:
- A350: 70 cm (27.6 in)
- A380: 60 cm (23.6 in)
Contact Singapore Airlines for height limits on other aircraft types before purchasing a crate.
Pro tip: Measure your pet and calculate minimum crate dimensions before purchasing. Then confirm the maximum height allowed on your specific aircraft. A crate that is too tall will be refused at check-in with no refund.
Breed Restrictions
Singapore Airlines bans the following breeds and all their crosses from checked baggage and cargo. These restrictions apply across all travel types including service dog cabin travel, where additional behavior documentation is required for restricted breeds.
Banned dog breeds:
Akita, Boerboel, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon (Petit Brabancon), American Bulldog, English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Chow Chow, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Chin (also listed as Japanese Spaniel, Japanese Pug), Lhasa Apso, Neapolitan Mastiff, Dogue de Bordeaux, Perro de Presa Canario, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Pug (also listed as Carlino, Chinese Pug, Mopshond, Mops Hund, Pekingese), Shar-Pei, Shih Tzu, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, English Toy Spaniel (King Charles Spaniel), Tibetan Spaniel, Tosa.
Banned cat breeds:
British Shorthair, Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian, Scottish Fold.
Warning: Mixed-breed or crossbred animals that include any of the above breeds are also banned. If your pet’s breed is uncertain, Singapore Airlines may refuse transport at check-in. Verify your pet’s breed documentation before booking.
Booking Process
No online pet booking option exists for Singapore Airlines as of February 2026. All reservations must be made by phone or through the official pet travel form.
- Confirm eligibility. Verify your pet’s age (minimum 3 months), combined weight (at or under 32 kg / 70.5 lbs for checked baggage), breed (not on the restricted list), and route and aircraft compatibility (no Boeing 737 segments).
- Contact your local Singapore Airlines office by phone or submit the pet travel form at https://www.singaporeair.com/get-help/travelling-with-pets at least 48 hours before departure. Booking weeks in advance is strongly recommended, as space for live animals is limited.
- For cargo shipments over 32 kg (70.5 lbs), contact a cargo agent directly through Singapore Airlines Cargo at https://www.singaporeaircargo.com/ to obtain a quote and confirm booking.
- Purchase your passenger ticket and confirm the pet reservation is linked to your booking reference.
- Prepare all required documents (see documentation section below) before your travel date.
- Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure for most routes, or 3 hours before departure for US-bound flights. Proceed to the standard check-in counter with your pet.
- Present all documents at check-in and sign the airline’s indemnity and release form. Crate inspection occurs at this point. Your pet is then transferred to temperature-controlled baggage storage.
Online check-in is not available for passengers traveling with pets.
Pro tip: Call your local Singapore Airlines office on a weekday morning when possible. Agents can confirm live animal space availability and flag any route-specific documentation requirements before you finalize your ticket purchase.
Fees Breakdown
All pet fees are quote-based and paid at check-in. No prepayment option is listed in official Singapore Airlines sources. Fees function as excess baggage charges and vary by route, combined pet and crate weight, and destination country requirements.
| Travel Type | Route Category | Fee Structure | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Checked Baggage | All routes except USA | Excess baggage rate by pet plus crate weight | Rate varies by route and weight. Request quote from local office. |
| Checked Baggage | To/from USA | Piece concept, treated as 2 pieces | Rate varies. Request quote from local office. |
| Manifest Cargo | All routes | Varies by weight, crate size, and route | Quote required via cargo agent. |
| Assistance Dog | Cabin (all routes) | Free | No charge for certified service dogs. |
No fixed fee tiers are published by Singapore Airlines for pet transport. Any specific dollar amounts not sourced from official Singapore Airlines pricing pages should be disregarded. Contact Singapore Airlines directly for a current quote before booking.
Key Takeaway: Checked pet fees are excess baggage charges with no fixed published rate. A heavier pet in a larger crate on a longer route will cost significantly more. Always request a written quote before purchasing your ticket.
Required Documents and Health Certificates
Documentation requirements vary by destination. The following list reflects general requirements. Verify destination-specific requirements with Singapore Airlines and the destination country’s import authority before travel.
- Vet-issued health certificate (timing requirements are destination-specific; some countries require issuance within 10 days of travel)
- Rabies vaccination records (microchip documentation noted alongside vaccination records)
- Microchip records (recommended; confirm ISO standard with destination country)
- Rabies titer test results (required for some high-risk destination countries)
- Destination-specific import permits: Singapore AVS import or transit license (valid 30 days), US Dog Import Form for US-bound travel, India AQCS certificates for India-bound travel
- IATA-compliant crate certification
- Signed indemnity and release form (provided by Singapore Airlines at check-in)
Singapore has strict rabies-free status requirements. Pets entering Singapore from many countries face specific import licensing requirements through the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS). Transit through Singapore for over 6 hours triggers additional handling requirements. Verify current Singapore import rules at the AVS directly before booking any itinerary that includes Singapore as a destination or transit point.
EU Pet Passport applicability depends on destination country rules. Confirm with the destination country’s import authority.
Route-Specific Restrictions
Checked baggage pet transport is not accepted on all Singapore Airlines routes. Certain destinations require manifest cargo regardless of pet size or weight. The full list of restricted destinations is not published on the Singapore Airlines website. Contact your local Singapore Airlines office to confirm whether your specific route accepts checked pets.
Codeshare flights operate under the partner airline’s rules. Singapore Airlines does not accept pets transferred from other carriers on all routes. If your itinerary includes a codeshare segment, confirm pet acceptance with each operating carrier separately.
Boeing 737 aircraft cannot carry live animals due to the absence of temperature-controlled hold space. Any itinerary segment operated by a 737 disqualifies the entire pet shipment on that routing.
Temperature embargoes may apply on certain routes during periods of extreme heat. Official Singapore Airlines sources reviewed in February 2026 do not publish a specific embargo schedule. Verify seasonal restrictions with Singapore Airlines directly when booking summer travel on affected routes, particularly those involving Middle Eastern or South Asian destinations.
Warning: Singapore Airlines will not accept pets from other airlines on all routes. If you are connecting from a flight operated by another carrier, confirm with Singapore Airlines that your pet can be accepted before booking.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I bring my pet in the cabin on Singapore Airlines?
No. Singapore Airlines only allows certified assistance dogs in the passenger cabin. All other pets must travel as checked baggage (up to 32 kg / 70.5 lbs combined) or as manifest cargo. No exceptions exist for regular pets regardless of size.
How much does it cost to ship a pet on Singapore Airlines?
Fees are quote-based and vary by route, combined pet and crate weight, and destination country requirements. No fixed fee tiers are published. Contact your local Singapore Airlines office for checked baggage quotes, or Singapore Airlines Cargo at https://www.singaporeaircargo.com/ for manifest cargo quotes. Always request a quote before purchasing your ticket.
What dog breeds are banned on Singapore Airlines?
The following dog breeds and all their crosses are banned from checked baggage and cargo: Akita, Boerboel, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffin (Petit Brabancon), American Bulldog, English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Chow Chow, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Chin, Lhasa Apso, Neapolitan Mastiff, Dogue de Bordeaux, Perro de Presa Canario, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Pug (all variants including Pekingese), Shar-Pei, Shih Tzu, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, English Toy Spaniel, Tibetan Spaniel, and Tosa. Banned cat breeds include British Shorthair, Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian, and Scottish Fold.
Does Singapore Airlines allow emotional support animals?
No. Singapore Airlines does not recognize ESA status. Emotional support animals are treated as regular pets and must travel as checked baggage or manifest cargo, subject to all standard breed restrictions, documentation requirements, and fees.
How do I book pet transport on Singapore Airlines?
Pet booking must be done by phone or through the pet travel form at https://www.singaporeair.com/get-help/travelling-with-pets. Contact your local Singapore Airlines office at least 48 hours before departure. For manifest cargo over 32 kg (70.5 lbs) combined, contact a cargo agent through Singapore Airlines Cargo at https://www.singaporeaircargo.com/. No online booking option exists for pets.
Can service dogs fly for free on Singapore Airlines?
Yes. Certified assistance dogs travel in the cabin free of charge when accompanying passengers with disabilities. Dogs must be trained for specific disability-related tasks. For US-bound flights, US DOT-compliant documentation is required. ESAs do not qualify for this benefit.
What documents does my pet need for Singapore Airlines travel?
Required documents typically include: a vet-issued health certificate (timing is destination-specific), rabies vaccination records with microchip documentation, a rabies titer test for some destinations, destination-specific import permits (Singapore AVS import or transit license, US Dog Import Form, India AQCS certificates as applicable), and a signed indemnity form provided by Singapore Airlines at check-in. Requirements vary by destination. Verify current requirements with Singapore Airlines and the destination country’s import authority before travel.
Policies on this page reflect official Singapore Airlines sources verified in February 2026, including the Singapore Airlines pet travel page at https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/sg/travel-info/special-assistance/travelling-with-pets/, the Singapore Airlines Cargo site at https://www.singaporeaircargo.com/, and the US DOT service animal regulations at https://www.transportation.gov/accessibility/service-animals. IATA Live Animals Regulations govern crate standards referenced throughout this article.
This article is for informational purposes only. Singapore Airlines pet policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Singapore Airlines before booking.
