Choosing the right airline is a critical decision for your pet’s safety and comfort during the approximately 2-hour flight from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi to Changi. Not every airline accepts live animals, and each carrier has distinct policies on transport method, crate dimensions, and booking procedures.
This article provides a full comparison of your options for the Vietnam → Singapore route and explains the IATA crate requirements that apply regardless of carrier. See our complete 8-step timeline guide for context on when to book your flight relative to the overall process.
Overview: Pet Air Transport Methods
Three modes of live animal air transport exist — each with different conditions, carrier acceptance, and suitability:
| Method | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Excess Baggage (Checked Baggage) | Pet travels in the cargo hold of the same flight as the owner. Owner must be on the same booking. | Small to medium dogs and cats, owner travelling on the same flight. |
| Manifest Cargo / AVIH | Pet travels as accompanied cargo (AVIH) on the same flight as the owner but billed under cargo rates. | Larger dogs, or when baggage allowance is insufficient. |
| Pure Cargo | Pet travels on a separate flight managed entirely by the cargo agent, independent of the owner’s itinerary. | Very large pets, or when owner cannot travel on the same flight. |
Important note: No major airline operating the Vietnam–Singapore route accepts pets in the passenger cabin (In-Cabin). This applies to Singapore Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, and all other carriers on this route — with the sole exception of trained service animals with specialist documentation.
Vietnam Airlines — Most Flexible Option for Vietnamese Pet Owners
Vietnam Airlines is Daisy Pet’s most recommended option for the VN → Singapore route, due to its flexibility in transport methods and familiarity with the Vietnamese market’s pet transport requirements. For a concrete example of how the airline cargo logistics worked for Lloyd — a 34 kg Golden Retriever shipped Hanoi-to-Singapore via Vietnam Airlines AVIH — see our full case study.
- Routes: Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) → Singapore Changi (SIN) and Hanoi (HAN) → Singapore (SIN). Direct flights, approximately 2 hours.
- Accepted methods: Excess Baggage or AVIH Manifest Cargo — depending on the combined weight of pet and crate.
- Size limits: Vary by aircraft type. Contact Vietnam Airlines directly to confirm the crate dimension limit for your specific flight.
- Booking: Must be booked through an agent or Vietnam Airlines customer service — not bookable online. Book at least 2–4 weeks in advance, as the number of live animal slots per flight is strictly limited.
- Documentation: Import Permit, PALS Licence, Health Certificate, original RNATT results, and microchip number must be submitted to Vietnam Airlines at least 48 hours before departure.
Singapore Airlines — Gold Standard Cargo Handling at Changi
Singapore Airlines (SQ) runs one of the most developed live animal cargo operations at Changi Airport — a significant advantage given that your pet will arrive at Changi Cargo and transfer to CAPQ for AVS inspection.
- Routes: Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) → Singapore (SIN) and Hanoi (HAN) → Singapore (SIN). Direct flights.
- Accepted method: Cargo only — Singapore Airlines does not accept pets as excess baggage. Pets are transported as Live Animal Cargo (LAC) under IATA LAR (Live Animal Regulations) standards.
- No in-cabin pets: Singapore Airlines does not accept pets in the passenger cabin on any route (except trained service dogs with specialist documentation).
- Booking: Through SIA Cargo or an authorised cargo agent. Daisy Pet assists clients with SQ Cargo bookings as part of the full-service package.
- Key advantage: SIA Cargo’s live animal handling facility at Changi meets the highest international standards — pets are received, processed, and transferred to CAPQ efficiently and with minimal stress.
VietJet Air — Does Not Accept Live Animals
VietJet Air currently does not accept live animals (live animals in the hold) on any route, including Vietnam to Singapore. This policy applies to both excess baggage and cargo channels. Do not purchase VietJet tickets for a journey involving a pet.
IATA Crate Requirements for Singapore-Bound Pets
For dogs and cats, the travel crate must meet IATA Container Requirement 1 (CR1) in the Live Animals Regulations. CR82 is a reinforced build that an airline requires only for certain dog breeds. Key requirements:
- Material: Rigid plastic, fiberglass, metal or solid wood — soft-sided carriers are not accepted, regardless of pet size.
- Size: The pet must be able to stand at full height, turn around completely, and lie stretched out comfortably. IATA minimum inside size: length = A + ½B (nose to base of tail, plus half the floor-to-elbow height), width = shoulder width × 2, height = standing height + bedding.
- Ventilation: Ventilation openings on all four sides (IATA CR1). Singapore Airlines’ own page asks for at least three sides, so a crate ventilated on four sides meets both.
- Door: A metal door, or a plastic door with metal hinges and locking pins, with a secure locking mechanism.
- Labelling: A “LIVE ANIMALS” label on the crate, plus “This Way Up” labels on at least two opposite sides.
- Absorbent bedding: Absorbent lining (newspaper or specialised crate liner) must cover the floor of the crate.
Daisy Pet’s practical tip: Begin crate training at least 4 weeks before the flight date. A pet that is comfortable in its crate will be less stressed, quieter, and better rested on arrival — all of which contributes to a smoother intake process at AQC.
When to Book Your Pet’s Flight
Airline bookings for pets are placed later in the planning process than the owner’s ticket — but cannot be left to the last minute. Daisy Pet’s recommended timeline:
- Book the slot: At least 4–6 weeks before the flight date — especially during peak seasons (June–August and November–December).
- Submit documents to the airline: At least 48–72 hours before departure.
- Final confirmation: Call the airline to reconfirm your pet’s booking 24 hours before departure.
For the complete picture of when the flight fits into the overall process, see our 5-month step-by-step timeline. For what happens after your pet lands in Singapore, see the AQC Sembawang quarantine guide.
Related: Pet Shipping from Vietnam to Singapore: 2026 Complete Guide — full overview covering AVS regulations, preparation timeline, quarantine requirements, and cost breakdown.
Last updated 14 Oct 2026
Compiled by our specialists from the regulations in force on the date above, for reference only. Rules may change after this date. Please verify with the competent authorities or contact us for the most accurate information.
