Does Singapore Airlines Allow Pets? A Complete Guide to Their Pet Policy

Flying with Your Furry Friend: Unpacking the Singapore Airlines Pet Policy

For many pet owners, the thought of traveling without their beloved animal companions is simply unimaginable. If you’re planning a trip and considering flying with one of the world’s most acclaimed carriers, you’re likely asking the crucial question: Does Singapore Airlines allow pets? The short and reassuring answer is yes, it certainly does. However, this isn’t a simple case of buying an extra ticket. Traveling with pets on Singapore Airlines involves a comprehensive set of rules, restrictions, and procedures designed to ensure the safety and well-being of the animal, the crew, and all other passengers.

Navigating airline pet policies can often feel like a complex puzzle, but fear not. This in-depth guide is designed to provide you with all the essential details, from which animals can fly and where they’ll be situated on the plane, to breed restrictions, carrier requirements, and a step-by-step booking process. Whether you’re relocating with your cat or dog or taking a service animal on your journey, understanding the nuances of the Singapore Airlines pet policy is the first step toward a smooth and stress-free travel experience for both you and your furry family member.

The Core of the Policy: Pets in Cargo vs. Pets in Cabin

The most fundamental aspect of Singapore Airlines’ policy is the distinction between where your pet can travel. Unlike some airlines that may permit small pets in the cabin, Singapore Airlines has a very clear rule on this.

Pets as Checked Baggage: The Primary Option

For the vast majority of travelers, the only way for a pet to fly on a Singapore Airlines passenger flight is as checked baggage. This might sound a little unsettling at first, but it’s a standard and safe industry practice. Here’s what it means:

• Location: Your pet will travel in a special, climate-controlled, and pressurized compartment in the aircraft’s cargo hold. This area is safe and designed to be comfortable for live animals.
• Eligibility: This option is available for domesticated cats and most breeds of dogs.
• Age Requirement: To be eligible for travel, your pet must be at least three months old.
• Weight Limit: This is a critical factor. The combined weight of your pet and its travel carrier must not exceed 32 kg (approximately 70.5 lbs). If the total weight is over this limit, your pet cannot fly as checked baggage and must be transported as cargo.

Essentially, you will check your pet in at the check-in counter, much like a suitcase, and they will be carefully loaded onto the same flight you are on. You can then collect them at the oversized baggage claim area upon arrival at your destination.

Service Dogs: The Only Exception for In-Cabin Travel

Singapore Airlines makes a clear and important exception for professionally trained service dogs. These remarkable animals are the only pets permitted to travel in the passenger cabin, and they can do so free of charge. However, the requirements are very specific:

• Definition: A service dog is one that is individually trained to perform specific tasks to assist a person with a disability (which can include physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disabilities).
• Emotional Support Animals (ESAs): It is crucial to note that Singapore Airlines, in line with many international carriers and regulatory changes, does not recognize emotional support animals as service animals. ESAs are not permitted to travel in the cabin and must fly as checked baggage, subject to all the standard pet travel rules.
• In-Flight Requirements: The service dog must be leashed or harnessed at all times and must be able to fit at the passenger’s feet, under the seat, without obstructing the aisle. They are not permitted to occupy a passenger seat.

We will delve deeper into the specific documentation and procedures for service dogs later in this article.

Critical Restrictions: Breeds and Destinations You Must Know

Before you even start planning, it’s vital to check if your pet’s breed and your destination are eligible for travel on Singapore Airlines. The airline has strict rules in place for animal welfare and to comply with international regulations.

Banned Breeds: The Snub-Nosed (Brachycephalic) Restriction

One of the most important restrictions concerns snub-nosed (brachycephalic) dog and cat breeds. These animals are prone to respiratory issues, which can be dangerously exacerbated by the changes in air pressure and temperature at high altitudes. For their own safety, Singapore Airlines does not permit the following purebreds or their cross-breeds to travel on their flights.

Banned Dog Breeds:

• Akita
• Boerboel
• Boston Terrier
• Boxer
• Brussels Griffon (Brabançon)
• Bulldogs (all types including American, English, and French)
• Chow Chow
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro
• Japanese Chin (Japanese Spaniel)
• Lhasa Apso
• Mastiffs (all types including Neapolitan and Dogue de Bordeaux)
• Pekingese
• Perro de Presa Canario
• Pit Bull
• Pugs (all types including Carlino, Mopshond, and Mops)
• Shar-Pei
• Shih Tzu
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Tosa

Banned Cat Breeds:

• Burmese
• Exotic Shorthair
• Himalayan
• Persian

Important Insight: This list is not just a suggestion; it is a strict policy. If your pet is on this list, or even a mix of one of these breeds, you will unfortunately need to find alternative transport solutions. Always be honest about your pet’s breed to avoid being denied boarding at the airport.

Country-Specific Import Regulations

Singapore Airlines’ approval is only one half of the equation. Every country has its own set of stringent rules for importing live animals. These regulations always supersede the airline’s policy. It is your responsibility as the pet owner to ensure you have met all requirements for your destination country.

Key considerations include:

• Import Permits: Many countries require you to apply for an import permit weeks or even months in advance.
• Quarantine: Some nations, such as Australia, New Zealand, and even Singapore itself, have mandatory quarantine periods for arriving pets. This can range from a few days to several weeks in a government facility.
• Vaccinations and Treatments: Rabies vaccinations, parasite treatments (flea, tick, tapeworm), and microchipping are almost universally required. The timeline for these treatments can be very specific.
• Health Certificates: A veterinary health certificate, often called a “Fit-to-Fly” certificate, issued within a specific timeframe (e.g., 10 days of travel) is mandatory.

For example, bringing a pet into Singapore requires navigating the detailed procedures of the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS). This involves applying for an import license, booking a quarantine space (if applicable), and meeting all veterinary conditions. Failing to do so will result in your pet being denied entry.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Booking Pet Travel on Singapore Airlines

Feeling a bit overwhelmed? Let’s break down the process into manageable steps. Meticulous planning is the key to success.

Step 1: The Initial Research Phase (Do This First!)

Long before you book your own ticket, your journey begins with research.

1. Check Your Pet’s Eligibility: Confirm that your pet’s breed is not on the banned list.
2. Investigate Destination Country Rules: Visit the official government or veterinary services website of your destination country. Understand their import requirements, quarantine rules, and necessary documentation. This will determine your entire timeline.
3. Consult Your Veterinarian: Discuss your travel plans with your vet. Schedule appointments for necessary vaccinations, microchipping, and health checks. They can also provide advice on getting your pet accustomed to its travel carrier.

Step 2: Contact Singapore Airlines Directly

This is a critical step that cannot be skipped. You cannot book a spot for your pet online.

• You must contact your local Singapore Airlines office by phone.
• This should be done at least two weeks prior to your intended departure date. We recommend contacting them even earlier, especially if your travel involves multiple airlines or complex routing.
• Be prepared to provide the following information:
  • Your flight details (if you have a reservation on hold).
  • Pet’s breed, sex, age, and name.
  • Total weight of the pet and its carrier combined.
  • The dimensions (length, width, height) of the travel carrier.
  • All necessary documentation, such as import/export permits and health certificates.

The airline needs to confirm that there is space available in the cargo hold on your specific flight and that the aircraft type (some smaller planes cannot accommodate pets) is suitable.

Step 3: Prepare the Perfect Travel Carrier

The carrier is your pet’s home during the journey, so its quality and suitability are paramount. Singapore Airlines requires all pet carriers to be IATA (International Air Transport Association) compliant.

• Size: The carrier must be large enough for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down in a natural position. Measure your pet from nose to base of tail (A), from floor to top of head (C), and shoulder width (B). A common formula for crate length is A + half of C.
• Construction: It must be made of rigid plastic, wood, or metal. The roof must be solid (no mesh or ventilation openings on top). Wire-mesh crates are not allowed.
• Ventilation: It must have adequate ventilation on at least three sides (four is recommended).
• Security: The door must have a secure, spring-loaded locking system that cannot be opened accidentally.
• Leak-Proof: The bottom must be leak-proof and lined with absorbent material, like a pet pad or old towels.
• Food and Water: The carrier must have separate food and water dishes attached to the inside of the door, accessible from the outside without opening it.

Step 4: Booking Confirmation and Payment

Once Singapore Airlines has reviewed all your details and confirmed that they can accommodate your pet, they will provide you with a confirmation. The fees for your pet’s travel will be collected at the airport during check-in.

Step 5: The Day of Departure

• Final Preparations: Feed your pet a light meal and provide water about 4 hours before the flight. Avoid over-feeding. Take your pet for a long walk and a potty break before heading to the airport.
• Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. The check-in process for pets takes longer than usual.
• Check-in: Head to the Singapore Airlines check-in counter. An airline representative will inspect your pet, the carrier, and all your documentation. Once everything is approved, you will pay the excess baggage fee for your pet.
• Saying Goodbye: You will then be directed to where you hand over your pet. This is usually at the oversized baggage counter. It can be an emotional moment, but rest assured the ground staff are trained to handle animals with care.

The Cost of Flying Your Pet: Fees and Charges

It’s important to budget for your pet’s travel, as they are not included in your standard baggage allowance and will incur additional fees. These fees are charged as excess baggage and vary depending on your travel route and whether the charge is by weight or by piece.

While exact fees can change, here is a general breakdown of how Singapore Airlines calculates charges for pets traveling as checked baggage. Note that these are illustrative and you must confirm the exact cost with the airline.

A Note on Pets as Cargo: If your pet must travel as manifest cargo (because it exceeds the 32kg weight limit or for other reasons), the cost will be significantly higher. Cargo fees are calculated based on volumetric weight (the space the crate occupies) and are handled by the separate Singapore Airlines Cargo division.

A Deeper Look at Flying with a Service Dog

As mentioned, service dogs are a special case. If you are traveling with a trained service dog, here’s what you need to do to ensure a smooth journey in the cabin.

Pre-Flight Requirements for Service Dogs

1. Advance Notification: You must notify Singapore Airlines at least 48 hours before your flight. You will need to submit all required forms and documentation for verification.
2. Required Documentation:
   • A veterinary health certificate and up-to-date vaccination records.
   • Any import/export licenses or permits required by your departure, transit, and destination countries.
   • For flights to/from the USA, you must submit the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form.
   • The airline may require an attestation that the dog is trained to behave in a public setting and you will be responsible for its waste.
3. Behavioral Standards: The service dog must be trained to be obedient and must not display disruptive behavior like barking, growling, or jumping on other passengers. The airline reserves the right to refuse transport if the dog poses a threat to safety.

Onboard the Aircraft

• The dog must be harnessed or leashed at all times.
• For long-haul flights, you must have a plan for the dog’s relief that does not create a health or sanitation issue on the plane. This could involve absorbent mats.
• The dog cannot block the aisle or any emergency exit area. The cabin crew may re-seat you to a location that is more suitable and comfortable for you, your service dog, and other passengers, such as a seat with more floor space.

Final Thoughts: A Journey Worth the Planning

So, does Singapore Airlines allow pets? Absolutely. The airline provides a well-structured and safe system for transporting animal companions. However, success hinges entirely on thorough preparation and strict adherence to the rules.

The key takeaways are clear: unless you have a certified service dog, your pet will travel as checked baggage in the cargo hold. You must be acutely aware of the 32 kg weight limit and the extensive list of banned snub-nosed breeds. Above all, the process starts and ends with direct communication. Contact your vet, research your destination’s regulations, and speak directly with a Singapore Airlines representative well in advance.

While the process may seem daunting, thousands of pets fly safely with the airline every year. By following this guide and planning meticulously, you can ensure that your reunion with your furry friend at your destination is a happy and seamless one.