Travelling With A Pet: Singapore Airlines

Travelling with your pet to or from Singapore isn’t easy. It’s a costly, time-consuming, and often nerve-wracking experience for both pets and humans. You should definitely consider possible alternatives if it isn’t necessary for your pet to follow along. If you must bring your pet with you, Singapore Airlines has provided a comprehensive guide for owners. Here’s what you need to know.

Requirements For Travel

Firstly, your pet must be at least 3 months old to be eligible for air travel. You will also need to acquire several documents before your pet can fly:

• Export/import/transhipment permits or licenses from the authorities of your country of origin/destination/transit
• Valid rabies vaccination and health certificates from your vet
• Any additional documents that may be required by the authorities of your country of origin/destination/transit
• There are also carrier guidelines you must adhere to for your pet’s safety and comfort.
• The carrier must be big enough for your pet to stand, lie, sit erect, and turn around comfortably in
• Adequate ventilation must be made on at least three of the carrier’s sides, with the majority of the ventilation on the upper half of the carrier
• Food and water containers must be provided
• Ensure the carrier is properly secured

Travel Options

 There are three ways your pet can fly with you- as checked baggage, in the cargo, or in the cabin.

1. Checked Baggage

Bring your pet on the flight with you as checked baggage. Singapore Airlines allows all domesticated cats on board, but there are some dog breeds which cannot travel as checked baggage. If your dog’s breed is in the list below, you must arrange for it to travel in the cargo. Prohibited dog breeds include Akita, Boxer, Boerboel, Brussels Griffon (Petit Brabancon), Dogo Argentino, Chow Chow, American, French and English Bulldogs, Japanese Chin, Fila Brasileiro, Lhasa Apso, Perro De Presa Canario, Mastiffs (including Neapolitan and Dogue de Bordeaux), Pit Bull, Shar-Pei, Pugs (including Carlino, Mopshond, Mops Hund and Pekingese), Shih Tzu, Boston and Pit Bull Terriers, Tosa, English Toy, King Charles and Tibetan Spaniels.

2. Cargo

Apart from the dog breeds mentioned above, if the combined weight of your pet and his carrier exceeds 32 kilograms, you must make arrangements for it to travel in the air-conditioned and secure cargo. To do this, contact your local Singapore Airlines cargo office before your flight.

3. Cabin

Only service dogs are allowed in the cabin, subject to country-specific rules and regulations. Owners of service dogs must produce valid documentation no older than a year prior to the date of flight upon request. Such documentation includes identification cards, an endorsement from medical professionals, and harnesses/tags. Service dogs are considered as unchecked baggage and can be carried on without charge. They will not be provided with a seat and must stay on a moisture-absorbent material in a location kept clear of emergency escape routes. Arrangements can be made by contacting your local Singapore Airlines office at least two weeks before your departure.

Overview

Here’s an overview of the steps involved when travelling with your pet.

Pre-departure

Contact the Singapore Airlines office two weeks before departure to secure a spot and be prepared with the following information: your pet’s name, age, gender, type/breed/species, colour, weight as well as the weight and dimensions of the container (length x breadth x height). Singapore Airlines will then provide a Release & Indemnity Form to be completed. Remember to obtain the necessary documents mentioned above and bring them along on your departure day.

Departure day

Arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight, three if you are coming from the USA. At the check-in counter, you will be asked to submit the completed Release & Indemnity Form and present the original copies of the aforementioned documents.

Arrival

Depending on the rules of the country you are travelling to/from, and if the country you are departing is considered rabies-free, your pet may or may not have to be quarantined upon arrival. You can refer to this website for general information on travelling to Singapore with your pet.

How Much?

This is probably the key question. On top of your own flight expenses, travelling with a pet would set you back another $800 at least. This would probably cost more than a stay in a pet hotel or pet boarder and is likely to cause your pet a considerable amount of stress. Before making a decision, take the time to evaluate the pros and cons of each option, keeping your pet’s best interest in mind.