Although there are some similarities, every airline has a different set of rules regarding pet travel. If you are moving to Singapore with your family pet and are considering using Singapore Airlines, you will want to investigate their specific requirements for dogs and cats.
Below, we explain the basic information every pet parent needs to know. However, every pet’s journey is unique (as is your pet), so it’s important to understand all the variables that could impact your pet's travel plans. Our Starwood experts can assist with that, of course. You can also find additional details on the Singapore Airlines website.
Only service dogs are allowed in the cabin
Travelers with officially documented service dogs may bring their dog into the passenger cabin unless the dog is a prohibited breed (see below). In this case, your dog cannot travel on this airline in any capacity. If your destination is a country other than Singapore, you’ll need to verify that your service dog may arrive as a “passenger,” because each country has different rules.
Emotional support animals will not be allowed to travel in-cabin starting April 1, 2023. Service dogs travel at no charge. They must sit on the floor, on an absorbent pad of some kind. They are considered “unchecked baggage,” so your dog won’t reduce your baggage allowance.
All other pets travel as checked baggage or cargo
If your dog or cat is at least three months old, they may be able to travel on the same flight as you as checked baggage as long as your pet + their carrier do not weigh more than 32 kg (70.5 pounds). If your pet and their kennel exceed 32 kg, they must travel as cargo. Note that some countries require all arriving pets to travel as cargo, regardless of size or the airline’s rules.
You may transport more than one pet, but they must be in separate crates – unless they are puppies or kittens from the same litter, in which case they can share, up to a total weight of 14 kg (30.5 pounds).
Pets traveling as cargo on Singapore Airlines ride in space that is temperature-controlled, for safety and comfort. However, on certain narrow-body aircraft - Airbus 319, 320, and Boeing 737 - the cargo hold is not temperature-controlled, so pets are not allowed on these flights. In addition, pets are not accepted for flights longer than two hours on the Boeing 787-10. For flights that do allow pets, there is a maximum size crate allowed depending on the type of aircraft (see below).
Regardless of how your dog or cat travels on the plane, they will need to meet certain health requirements and travel with official documentation in order to enter Singapore.
Prohibited dog breeds
Singapore Airlines does allow certain dog breeds for travel. In addition, there are many flat-faced (brachycephalic) dog breeds they will not accept. Snub-nosed pets have difficulty breathing at all times, and the stress of travel can exacerbate that. The list of prohibited breeds includes:
- Akita
- Boerboel
- Boxer
- Brussels Griffon (Petit Brabancon)
- Chow Chow
- Dogo Argentino
- English, French, and American Bulldogs
- Fila Brasileiro
- Japanese Chin (Japanese Spaniels)
- Lhasa Apso
- Mastiffs, including Neapolitan and Dogue de Bordeaux
- Perro De Presa Canario
- Pit Bull
- Pugs, including Carlino, Mopshond, Mops Hund, and Pekingese
- Shar-Pei
- Shih Tzu
- English Toy, King Charles, and Tibetan Spaniels
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Boston and Pit Bull Terriers
- Tosa
IATA-approved crate
The International Air Transportation Association (IATA) sets strict standards for travel carriers that can be used for transporting animals via air. These crates are designed to provide maximum safety, security, and comfort for pets throughout their journey.
It is crucial to select the proper size crate – the Singapore Airlines web page explains how to measure your pet. However, if your dog or cat is a brachycephalic or flat-faced breed that is allowed to fly on Singapore Airlines, our Starwood Pet Travel team strongly recommends that you choose a crate that is one size larger than the minimum IATA requirement. A larger carrier will ensure your beloved companion has plenty of ventilation.
As noted above, different aircraft can accommodate pet crates up to a certain height. Those maximums are:
- 70 cm (27.5 inches) on A350 aircraft
- 60 cm (23.6 inches) on A380 aircraft
- 101 cm (39.7 inches) on B777 aircraft
- 111 cm (43.7 inches) on B787 aircraft
For all pets planning to travel by air, we also strongly recommend getting their crate as soon as possible, to give them plenty of time to get acclimated to it. Riding in a carrier that looks, smells, and feels familiar can do wonders to help your precious pup or kitty remain calm and comfortable.
We know you probably have more questions – what pet parent wouldn’t? We’re always happy to help, whether you need a few answers or want our pet transport pros to handle every little detail.
Starwood Animal Transport has rebranded to Starwood Pet Travel. We are still the same great company with the best team, just now with a slightly different name.