Pet Policy Overview
Singapore Airlines does not allow any pets in the passenger cabin — cats and dogs 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 cat 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.
Key Details
Pet Fee
Charged as excess baggage (varies by route)
Pro 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 cat'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.
Restrictions
No cabin pets under any circumstances (service dogs only). The following cat 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.