Singapore Airlines Pet Transport: Cargo-Only Policy, Breed Restrictions, and SIA Process
Singapore Airlines (SIA) operates premium long-haul routes connecting Asia, Europe, Australia, and the Americas. Pets travel exclusively as cargo - there is no in-cabin pet option. For routes into Singapore, the destination’s strict AVS import requirements add complexity.
Cargo-Only Policy
SIA Cargo handles all live animal shipments. Pets travel as:
- Accompanied excess baggage on the same flight as the owner, or
- Unaccompanied manifest cargo on a separate freight booking
Both options require the full IATA-compliant crate and documentation package.
Breed Restrictions
Singapore Airlines applies a detailed breed ban list. No brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced dogs or cats) are accepted in cargo under any circumstances. The ban list also includes several powerful breeds. Request the current full list from SIA Cargo at the time of booking - it is subject to change.
Entering Singapore
Singapore has a category-based animal import system managed by AVS (Animal and Veterinary Service). Pets are divided into categories:
- Category 1 (Singapore, Australia, NZ, UK, Ireland, some others): Simpler documentation, no quarantine
- Category 2 (Most other countries): Additional requirements including titre test, 30-day quarantine
Check AVS’s current category for your pet’s origin country at the time of booking.
Booking SIA Cargo Live Animals
- Contact SIA Cargo or your IATA agent to confirm space
- Confirm the breed is not on the restricted list
- Provide documentation and crate specifications for cargo booking
- Receive air waybill number
Cost
SIA Cargo charges are based on chargeable weight (actual vs. dimensional weight, whichever is higher). Long-haul flights from Europe to Singapore for a large dog can run GBP 1,200-2,500+ in cargo charges.
Sources: Singapore Airlines official pet policy; SIA Cargo live animals policy; Singapore AVS import categories. Data current as of June 2026.