Can You Fly with Pets on Singapore Airlines?

Yes, Singapore Airlines allows both dogs and cats to travel with you. You have three options: cabin travel (your pet travels with you in the main cabin), checked baggage (your pet travels in the hold but not in pressurized cargo), or cargo service (dedicated pet transport). Most passengers choose cabin travel for shorter flights or checked baggage for longer journeys.

The good news: Singapore Airlines has a clear pet policy. The challenging part: you must book your pet in advance — you cannot simply show up at the airport with a carrier and expect to board.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin carrier dimensions: 45.7 cm (L) × 27.9 cm (W) × 27.9 cm (H) — roughly 18" × 11" × 11"
  • Cabin carrier weight limit: 7 kg (15 lbs) including the pet
  • Maximum pets per passenger (cabin): 1 pet carrier
  • Minimum age for cabin travel: 8 weeks old
  • Minimum age for checked baggage/cargo: 10 weeks old
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
  • Heat embargo threshold: 29.4°C (85°F) — no travel if tarmac temps exceed this
  • Cold embargo threshold: -6.7°C (20°F) — no travel if tarmac temps drop below this

Cabin Travel: Flying with Your Pet in the Main Cabin

This is the most popular option for small dogs and cats. Your pet stays with you throughout the flight in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you.

Carrier Requirements

Your carrier must be soft-sided (not hard plastic) to fit under the seat. Hard-sided crates are too rigid and won't compress enough. The carrier must have:

  • Maximum dimensions: 45.7 cm long × 27.9 cm wide × 27.9 cm high
  • Maximum weight (pet + carrier): 7 kg
  • Mesh ventilation on the sides for airflow
  • Absorbent liner or mat inside to handle accidents

Look for airline-approved soft carriers made from nylon or canvas with mesh panels. Many pet stores sell carriers specifically labeled for air travel.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic Dogs and Cats

Singapore Airlines, like most carriers, restricts brachycephalic breeds (snub-nosed animals) due to respiratory risks during flight. These breeds struggle to breathe normally and are at higher risk of heat stress in the cabin.

Restricted dog breeds include: Bulldogs (all types), Pugs, Boxers, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, French Bulldogs, Mastiffs, Pit Bulls, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Chow Chows, and several others.

Restricted cat breeds: Persian cats are the primary restricted breed for cats.

If your dog or cat is on this list, contact Singapore Airlines directly before booking — some airlines make exceptions on a case-by-case basis, but don't assume yours will be allowed.

Age Requirements

Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned to travel in the cabin. Younger animals are not physiologically ready for air travel.

Checked Baggage: Pet in the Hold

If your pet is larger or you prefer not to keep them in the cabin, checked baggage travel is an option. Your pet travels in the pressurized hold of the aircraft but not in dedicated cargo service.

Carrier Requirements for Checked Baggage

Checked baggage carriers have different rules than cabin carriers:

  • Hard-sided or soft-sided carriers are acceptable
  • Ventilation openings on at least three sides (IATA requirement)
  • Attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside the crate
  • Absorbent liner inside the carrier
  • "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on the outside

Specific dimensions for checked baggage carriers are still being verified — contact Singapore Airlines for exact size limits.

Age and Health Requirements

Pets traveling via checked baggage must be at least 10 weeks old (older than cabin travel). All other health and documentation requirements are the same.

Temperature Embargoes

This is critical: Singapore Airlines will not transport pets in checked baggage if tarmac temperatures exceed 29.4°C (85°F) or drop below -6.7°C (20°F). This applies at both your departure and destination airports.

If you're traveling during hot months to warm destinations, checked baggage may not be available. Plan accordingly or consider cabin travel instead.

Cargo Service: Dedicated Pet Transport

For larger dogs or long-distance moves, Singapore Airlines offers dedicated cargo service. Your pet travels in a climate-controlled cargo hold with specialized handling.

Cargo Carrier Requirements

Cargo requires hard-sided, IATA-compliant crates only. Soft carriers are not accepted. The crate must include:

  • Hard plastic or wood construction meeting IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR)
  • Ventilation openings on at least three sides
  • Attached water bowl or trough
  • "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows
  • Absorbent liner inside

IATA-compliant crates are more expensive than standard pet carriers but are essential for cargo travel. Many pet shippers can provide or help you source the correct crate.

Age, Temperature, and Health Rules

Cargo travel has the same age minimum (10 weeks), temperature embargoes (29.4°C / -6.7°C), and health certificate requirements as checked baggage.

Health Certificates and Documentation

Regardless of how your pet travels, you must have a veterinary health certificate. This is non-negotiable.

What You Need

  • Health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian
  • Certificate must be dated within 10 days of your departure (some destinations require 7 days — check with your destination country)
  • The certificate confirms your pet is healthy and fit to fly
  • Get it as close to your departure date as possible to avoid expiration

Even if Singapore Airlines' website doesn't explicitly mention a health certificate, you will be asked for it at check-in. Don't risk being denied boarding — get this document.

Additional Documentation

Depending on your destination country, you may also need:

  • Import permits from the destination country
  • Proof of vaccinations (especially rabies)
  • Microchip documentation

Contact the agriculture or customs authority of your destination country at least 4-6 weeks before travel to confirm requirements.

Pregnant Animals and Animals in Heat

Singapore Airlines, like most carriers, does not accept visibly pregnant animals for air travel due to health risks during flight. If your pet is pregnant, do not attempt to book travel — confirm directly with the airline if you believe an exception might apply.

Policies on animals in heat are still being verified — contact Singapore Airlines directly if this applies to your pet.

Important: No Sedation Allowed

Do not sedate your pet for air travel. IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations prohibit sedation because a sedated animal cannot maintain balance or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide, including Singapore Airlines.

If your vet recommends sedation for anxiety, discuss alternatives with both your vet and Singapore Airlines before booking.

Advance Booking is Mandatory

You cannot show up at the airport with a pet without prior arrangement. Singapore Airlines limits the number of pets per flight, so you must book your pet in advance when you book your ticket.

Contact Singapore Airlines' reservations team or your travel agent to add your pet to your booking. Have your pet's details ready: species, breed, age, weight, and carrier dimensions.

What You Need to Do: Step-by-Step Checklist

  • 4-6 weeks before travel: Check destination country import requirements (contact their agriculture/customs authority)
  • 4-6 weeks before travel: Book your pet with Singapore Airlines — do not wait until the last minute
  • 4 weeks before travel: Purchase or confirm you have an appropriate carrier (soft-sided for cabin, hard-sided for cargo)
  • 2 weeks before travel: Schedule a vet appointment for a health certificate
  • 7-10 days before travel: Obtain the health certificate from your vet (dated within 10 days of departure)
  • 1 week before travel: Confirm your pet's booking with Singapore Airlines
  • Day before travel: Ensure your pet has access to water and food; practice carrier time if your pet is unfamiliar with it
  • Day of travel: Arrive early; bring health certificate and all documentation to check-in

Special Considerations for Brachycephalic Breeds

If you have a snub-nosed dog or cat, read our detailed guide on flying with brachycephalic breeds. Even if your breed is restricted, there may be workarounds or alternative airlines to consider. Contact Singapore Airlines early to discuss your specific situation.

Comparing Travel Options

Cabin travel is best for small pets (under 7 kg) on shorter flights — your pet stays with you and avoids temperature stress. Checked baggage works for slightly larger pets but exposes them to temperature embargoes. Cargo service is ideal for large dogs or long-distance relocations where climate control and specialized handling matter.

For more details on costs and comparing airlines, see our pet travel costs guide.

Contact Singapore Airlines

For specific questions about your pet's travel, contact Singapore Airlines directly:

  • Visit their official website or call their reservations team
  • Confirm pet fees (we're still verifying this — contact them directly)
  • Ask about specific routes or seasonal restrictions
  • Discuss any exceptions for your pet's breed or health status

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo — our tool will generate a custom checklist based on your destination and pet type.

Final Reminders

Flying with pets requires planning, but it's absolutely doable on Singapore Airlines. The key is booking early, getting your health certificate on time, and choosing the right travel method for your pet's size and temperament. Don't leave documentation to the last minute — airlines are strict about these requirements, and you don't want to be denied boarding at the airport.

Data last verified: April 10, 2026. This information is auto-verified from official Singapore Airlines sources and industry standards. Always confirm current policies directly with the airline before booking, as policies can change.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 10, 2026