Netizens Support SIA’s Decision to Ban Emotional Support Animals on Flights

SINGAPORE — Starting April 1, 2023, Singapore Airlines (SIA) will no longer allow passengers to bring emotional support dogs on board its flights. However, assistance dogs, which are trained to help people with disabilities, will still be permitted.

SIA explained that emotional support dogs are not recognized as assistance dogs in Singapore. Passengers traveling with emotional support dogs into the country will need to comply with Singapore’s Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) requirements, including checking in a pet container that meets International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards. Upon arrival, the dogs will be inspected at the AVS Changi Animal & Plant Quarantine Station.

Previously, passengers could bring emotional support dogs on SIA flights without additional charges as long as certain conditions were met. With the policy change, travelers who wish to bring emotional support dogs must make arrangements before the April deadline.

An SIA representative told Channel News Asia that the airline “continuously reviews and benchmarks its policies against the industry norm” but did not provide specific details about the decision to revise the policy.

Passengers departing from Singapore with emotional support dogs can still travel with them after April 1 if they submit the necessary documentation before the cut-off date. This includes an acknowledgment form and a signed statement from a licensed mental health professional within the year of travel, stating that the passenger has a recognized emotional disability and requires the dog for air travel.

Since the announcement, netizens have voiced strong opinions on the matter, with many supporting SIA’s decision.

“If you are able to board a flight, you don’t need an emotional support animal because you will be high enough. Also, you should take care of your well-being before you inconvenience anyone else,” commented Facebook user Kith Chang.

Others, like Eddie Chin, argued that Singapore should not follow the U.S. trend of allowing emotional support animals on flights, citing cases where unusual animals such as ostriches and peacocks were brought on board in America.

Some netizens raised concerns about allergies. “I will always email SQ from now onwards that I have allergic rhinitis and cannot be flying with someone else’s dog beside me,” shared Facebook user Jaysee Chng.

Meanwhile, Facebook user Michael Klaus highlighted the need for better understanding of what qualifies as a licensed support dog and the rigorous process required for certification.

For travelers with emotional support animals, it is recommended to check other airlines that may still allow the request. /TISG