Singapore Airlines Pet Policy: Checked Baggage, Cargo, Fees and Breed Rules

Singapore Airlines does not offer ordinary in-cabin pet travel. Eligible cats and dogs can travel as checked baggage up to 32 kg combined with the kennel; heavier pets and route-forced cases use Singapore Airlines Cargo.

1. Ordinary pets do not travel in the cabin

Ordinary cats and dogs are not accepted in the passenger cabin. Qualifying assistance dogs use a separate accessibility process.

2. Checked-baggage pets: cats and dogs only

The current passenger pet product is limited to eligible cats and dogs at least three months old. Pregnant pets and prohibited breeds are not accepted.

3. 32 kg combined checked-pet maximum

Due to occupational health and safety rules, pet + container must not exceed 32 kg / 70.5 lb combined. Above that threshold, Singapore Airlines directs travellers to Cargo.

4. Boeing 737-operated flights cannot carry checked pets

5. Current New York / Newark restrictions

Pets are currently not accepted on SQ21 Newark→Singapore or SQ23 New York→Singapore. Singapore Airlines says eligible pets may travel on SQ25 New York→Singapore.

6. Contact Singapore Airlines at least two weeks ahead

The airline asks for animal breed/species, sex, name, age, colour, pet weight, container weight and dimensions at least two weeks before departure.

7. Airport check-in

Check in at least 2 hours before departure, or 3 hours before departure when leaving the United States. Bring the required documents and signed indemnity form.

8. Checked pets travel in the bulk hold

On eligible aircraft, Singapore Airlines says checked pets are carried in a temperature-controlled bulk cargo hold, although the conditions differ from the passenger cabin. The Boeing 737 exception remains absolute under the current policy.

9. Aircraft-specific kennel height limits

10. June 2026 airport-checklist kennel rules

The current Singapore Airlines acceptance checklist requires a rigid, secure and leak-proof container with strong door hardware, appropriate metal bolts/fasteners, external-refill food/water access, safe handling bars and an owner identification tag.

The June 2026 airport checklist uses four-side ventilation. Pet Fieldbook recommends following this stricter airport-acceptance standard even though the high-level web page says at least three sides.

Pet Fieldbook does not describe commercial crates as “IATA approved”; the crate must comply with Singapore Airlines’ current requirements and the applicable IATA Live Animals Regulations.

11. Pet-fit formula

Singapore Airlines uses the animal measurement formula: length A + ½B, width C×2, height D. The pet must be able to stand without touching the roof, sit erect, turn normally and lie comfortably.

12. Shared-crate exception for young littermates

Normally each dog/cat uses a separate crate. Up to two puppies or kittens from the same litter, aged 3–6 months and weighing under 14 kg each, may share when the kennel remains suitable.

13. Pregnancy, health and tranquillizers

Pregnant pets are not accepted. The June 2026 checklist also rejects animals that appear sick, injured, physically distressed or tranquilised. Singapore Airlines advises against sedatives/tranquillisers before flight.

14. Prohibited dog breeds apply to checked baggage and Cargo

Singapore Airlines currently bars an extensive list of dog breeds, crosses and other brachycephalic dogs from SQ flights both as checked baggage and as cargo. Examples include Akita, Boerboel, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bulldogs, Chow Chow, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Chin, Lhasa Apso, several Mastiff types, Presa Canario, Pit Bull types, Pugs/Pekingese, Shar-Pei, Shih Tzu, brachycephalic spaniels and Tosa.

15. Prohibited cat breeds

British Shorthair, Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian and Scottish Fold cats — including crosses and other brachycephalic cats — are currently barred both as checked baggage and cargo on SQ flights.

16. Destination restrictions

Checked-pet carriage is currently unavailable into/out of Australia, Brunei, Denpasar/Bali, London Gatwick, Manchester, New Zealand and South Africa; and into London Heathrow, Dubai and Hong Kong SAR. Singapore Airlines directs travellers to its Cargo office to investigate possible cargo handling where applicable.

17. No interline pet transfers

Singapore Airlines currently says it does not accept pets travelling to or from other airlines on any of its flights. Do not assume a mixed-carrier animal itinerary can be through-checked.

18. Scoot-operated sectors are separate

The current SIA–Scoot codeshare FAQ says ordinary pets are not allowed. A Singapore Airlines marketing flight number therefore does not make the SQ checked-pet policy apply to a Scoot-operated sector.

19. Singapore transits over six hours

For an eligible pet transiting Singapore for more than 6 hours, Singapore Airlines transfers the animal to SATS’ air-conditioned holding area and provides water. It says no feeding or walking is provided during this period.

20. Arrival outside CAPQ hours

The current airport checklist says pets arriving outside Changi Animal & Plant Quarantine Station operating hours are held by SATS until CAPQ reopens. Owners should ensure sufficient food and water are available in the crate for a possible extended wait.

21. Pet fees are additional-baggage charges

Pets and containers do not count toward the passenger’s free baggage allowance.

Non-U.S. routes: charge is based on total pet + container weight using the applicable route-specific additional-baggage rate.

U.S. routes: Singapore Airlines applies the piece concept and says the pet and container are treated as two additional pieces, charged separately.

Prepaid and discounted additional-baggage rates do not apply to pet carriage. Singapore transit/transshipment can add fees.

22. Singapore Airlines Cargo

When the combined pet + container weight exceeds 32 kg, or a route removes the checked-baggage option, Singapore Airlines directs travellers to its Cargo service. Cargo uses separate booking, terminal acceptance, pricing, documents and destination collection.

The current SQ prohibited-breed list still applies to breeds the airline says are barred both as Cargo and checked baggage.

23. Importing a pet into Singapore

Singapore AVS separately regulates imports. Current August 2026 guidance includes a minimum age of 12 weeks at export, ISO-standard microchip, vaccination/rabies requirements according to origin, Singapore pet licensing, import licensing and arrival inspection/quarantine.

The current personal import licence is valid for 90 days. AVS says the arrival inspection should generally be booked at least 5 days before arrival.

24. Singapore transshipment licence

Dogs/cats transiting Singapore require an AVS transshipment licence. Current AVS guidance says the licence is valid for 90 days and the animal may be inspected during transit.

25. Assistance dogs are separate

Qualifying assistance dogs can travel in cabin without additional charge. Current rules require the dog to be at least 4 months old and trained to perform a disability-related task. Emotional-support, comfort, companionship and assistance dogs in training do not qualify.

Singapore Airlines asks travellers to notify the local office at least 48 hours before departure.

26. Practical Singapore Airlines booking sequence

1. Confirm the animal is an eligible cat or dog.
2. Check the breed before buying the ticket.
3. Check the operating aircraft — no Boeing 737.
4. Check the exact flight — especially SQ21/SQ23/SQ25.
5. Check destination restrictions.
6. Check interline / Scoot operating-carrier limitations.
7. Weigh pet + kennel; over 32 kg means Cargo.
8. Measure the pet and verify aircraft kennel height.
9. Contact Singapore Airlines at least two weeks ahead.
10. Build government import/transit paperwork separately.

FAQ

Does Singapore Airlines allow ordinary pets in the cabin?

No. Ordinary cats and dogs do not travel in the cabin; qualifying assistance dogs are separate.

Does Singapore Airlines allow checked pets?

Yes. Eligible cats and dogs can travel as checked baggage on qualifying flights.

What is the checked-pet weight limit?

32 kg combined pet + container. Above that, use the Cargo pathway.

Can a pet fly on a Boeing 737?

No under the current Singapore Airlines checked-pet policy.

How old must a pet be?

At least three months under the airline policy; Singapore AVS currently requires imported cats/dogs to be at least 12 weeks old at export.

How early should I contact Singapore Airlines?

At least two weeks before departure.

How much does a pet cost?

There is no single flat fee. Non-U.S. routes use route-specific weight-based additional-baggage pricing; U.S. routes use the piece concept.

Can a pet connect from another airline onto Singapore Airlines?

No under the current interline rule.

What happens during a long Singapore transit?

Over six hours, the pet is transferred to a SATS air-conditioned holding area with water; no feeding or walking is provided.