32 kg max combined (pet + crate) for checked baggage
Airline dog policy
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines does not allow any pets in the passenger cabin — dogs and cats travel exclusively as checked baggage or cargo. Despite this limitation, the airline is well-regarded for its professional handling of live animals through its hub at Singapore Changi Airport. Most domesticated dog breeds are accepted, though the airline maintains a strict ban on brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds due to respiratory concerns. The airline transits through one of the world's best airports, and Changi's cargo facilities are modern and well-staffed.
Book early and confirm aircraft acceptance.
Under-seat dimensions can vary by aircraft.
Fees can change by region and currency.
Booking tip
Contact Singapore Airlines at least 14 days before departure to arrange pet travel — this is one of the longest advance booking requirements in the industry. You will need to provide your dog's breed, gender, name, age, colour, weight, and the dimensions and weight of your IATA-compliant crate. Pets travel in a pressurised, temperature-controlled section of the cargo hold. On arrival, quarantine and collection procedures vary by destination airport — check with arrival staff.
Why it can work
Singapore Airlines provides excellent connectivity across Southeast Asia, Australasia, and the Indian subcontinent. If your dog weighs under 32 kg with its crate, it can travel as checked baggage on the same flight as you, which offers peace of mind. The airline's cargo hold is pressurised and temperature-controlled on widebody aircraft. For transit through Singapore, be aware that Singapore has strict animal import regulations managed by NParks/AVS, so additional permits and documentation may be required even for transiting animals.
Restrictions
No cabin pets under any circumstances (service dogs only). The following dog breeds are banned from all SQ flights: British Shorthair, Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian, and Scottish Fold. Pets are not accepted on Boeing 737 flights (no temperature-controlled cargo hold) or on ultra-long-haul flights SQ21 (Newark–Singapore) and SQ23 (New York–Singapore). Pets cannot travel as checked baggage to/from Australia, UK, South Africa, Dubai, Hong Kong, Taipei, or New Zealand due to destination regulations. Pregnant animals are not accepted.
Dog-owner notes
If your dog and crate exceed 32 kg combined, they must travel via Singapore Airlines Cargo rather than as checked baggage. For routing through Singapore, import/export/transhipment permits from NParks AVS may be required — check the AVS website at nparks.gov.sg/avs/pets. The airline requires all necessary health certificates, vaccination records, and import permits at check-in. Singapore Airlines does not accept pets from interline connections — if you are connecting from another carrier, you must collect and recheck your pet.
Final check before paying
Confirm the exact aircraft, route, dog breed, carrier size, temperature rules and destination import law directly with the airline. A country can allow dogs while a specific airline or aircraft refuses them.