Singapore Airlines Pet Policy for Dogs
What dog owners need to know about Singapore Airlines' checked-baggage pet rules, fees, crate limits, restricted breeds, and booking steps for 2026.
Singapore Airlines Pet Policy Overview
Singapore Airlines does not offer standard in-cabin pet travel for dogs. Pet dogs generally travel as checked baggage on eligible flights, or via cargo when route, aircraft, destination, or size rules require it.
Singapore Airlines only accepts cats and dogs as pets. Dogs must travel in an IATA-compliant container with adequate ventilation, food and water containers, and enough room to stand, turn, sit upright, and lie naturally. Some destinations cannot accept pets as checked baggage, including Australia, Brunei, Denpasar (Bali), Houston, London Gatwick, Manchester, New Zealand, South Africa, Dubai inbound, Hong Kong SAR inbound, and London Heathrow inbound. Prepaid discounted baggage rates do not apply to pets.
Last updated: 2026-03-25
How to Book Your Dog on Singapore Airlines
- Confirm that your dog is eligible to travel. Singapore Airlines only accepts cats and dogs, and your dog must be at least 3 months old. Check that your dog is not on the airline's restricted-breed list and that your route is eligible for pet transport. Standard pet dogs are not accepted in the cabin, so most dogs travel as checked baggage or cargo. 2. Review your itinerary carefully. Singapore Airlines does not accept pets on Boeing 737-operated flights, and pets are not accepted on SQ21 from Newark to Singapore or SQ23 from New York to Singapore. If your route involves a restricted destination or your dog cannot be accepted as checked baggage, you may need to arrange transport through Singapore Airlines Cargo instead. 3. Contact Singapore Airlines at the time of booking or at least 2 weeks before departure. Be ready to provide your dog's breed, gender, name, age, color, pet weight, crate weight, and crate dimensions. This step is important because pet acceptance is not automatic. 4. Prepare the required documents. Depending on your itinerary, Singapore Airlines may require an export license, import or transshipment license, indemnity form, veterinary health certificate, rabies vaccination letter, vaccination records showing the microchip number, and a pet passport if applicable. Always verify destination, transit, and return-country rules before travel. 5. Choose an IATA-compliant crate. The crate must be rigid, leakproof, ventilated, and large enough for your dog to stand, turn, sit upright, and lie down naturally. It must include food and water containers and meet the aircraft-specific height limit for your flight. If the combined weight of your dog and crate exceeds 32 kg, Singapore Airlines says you must arrange transport via a cargo agent. 6. Get your dog used to the crate before travel. Singapore Airlines recommends acclimating your dog to the container for a few weeks before departure, adding familiar bedding and absorbent material, and avoiding sedatives or tranquilizers. 7. Arrive early at the airport. The airline's checklist advises checking in at least 2 hours before departure, or at least 3 hours before departure when traveling out of the United States. Bring all original documents with you to check-in. 8. Pay the applicable pet charges at the airport. Pets are not included in your free baggage allowance, and prepaid discounted baggage rates do not apply. On most routes, charges are based on the total weight of the dog and crate; on flights to or from the United States, the dog and crate are treated as 2 additional checked pieces.
Singapore Airlines vs Other Airlines
| Feature | Singapore Airlines | Delta Air Lines | American Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Cabin Fee | Not offered for pet dogs | $150 each way within U.S./Canada/Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands for tickets issued on/after Apr. 8, 2025; $200 international | $150 per kennel |
| Cargo Fee | Varies; checked-baggage pets pay additional baggage charges, cargo arranged separately | Varies with Delta Cargo; checked-pet fee generally only for military/state department exceptions | Varies with American Airlines Cargo |
| Weight Limit | 32 kg combined pet + crate for checked baggage | No published in-cabin combined weight limit; pet must fit comfortably in kennel under seat | Carry-on pet must fit under seat; checked-pet max 100 lbs / 45 kg combined pet + kennel for eligible official-order travelers |
| Carrier Size | No in-cabin pet carrier size; checked crate must be IATA compliant and within aircraft-specific height limits | Soft-sided kennel recommended up to 18 x 11 x 11 in | Carry-on kennel max 18 x 11 x 11 in on most flights |
| Breeds Restricted | Yes, including many brachycephalic and listed restricted breeds | Route and destination restrictions apply; checked baggage restrictions for snub-nosed breeds in military exception context | Restrictions apply; checked and cargo travel subject to temperature and route limits |
| Booking Method | Contact Singapore Airlines at booking or at least 2 weeks before departure | Contact Delta Reservations as soon as possible after booking | Carry-on booked with reservation; checked pets require contacting Reservations at least 48 hours before travel for eligible travelers |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog fly in the cabin on Singapore Airlines?
No. Singapore Airlines does not offer standard in-cabin pet travel for dogs. Pet dogs generally travel as checked baggage on eligible flights, while assistance dogs have separate cabin rules.
How much does Singapore Airlines charge to fly with a dog?
Singapore Airlines does not publish one flat pet fee. Pets are treated as additional baggage when accepted as checked baggage, and prepaid discounted baggage rates do not apply. On most routes, charges are based on the total weight of the dog and crate; on flights to or from the United States, the dog and crate are charged as 2 additional pieces.
What is the weight limit for a dog on Singapore Airlines?
If the combined weight of your dog and crate exceeds 32 kg, Singapore Airlines says the pet must be arranged through a cargo agent instead of traveling as checked baggage.
How early do I need to contact Singapore Airlines about my dog?
The airline says to contact Singapore Airlines at booking or at least 2 weeks before departure. You will need to provide details such as breed, age, pet weight, crate weight, and crate dimensions.
Are any dog breeds banned on Singapore Airlines?
Yes. Singapore Airlines restricts a long list of breeds and crosses, including Akita, Boxer, Bulldogs, Chow Chow, Pit Bull types, Pugs, Shar-Pei, Shih Tzu, Tosa, and other brachycephalic dogs.
What kind of crate does Singapore Airlines require?
Your dog's crate must meet IATA standards, be rigid and well ventilated, include food and water containers, and be large enough for your dog to stand, turn, sit upright, and lie down naturally. Maximum crate height depends on aircraft type.
Are there routes where Singapore Airlines will not accept dogs?
Yes. Pets are not accepted on Boeing 737-operated flights, on SQ21 from Newark to Singapore, or on SQ23 from New York to Singapore. There are also destination-specific restrictions for certain cities and countries.
What documents do I need to fly my dog on Singapore Airlines?
Requirements vary by route, but may include import or export permits, transshipment permits, an indemnity form, veterinary health certificate, rabies vaccination letter, vaccination records with microchip number, and a pet passport if applicable.