Are Emotional Support Animals Legally Recognised in Singapore?

In May 2025, a video of an “emotional support” kangaroo trying to fly on an airplane but not being allowed on board went viral. While the video was eventually revealed to have been AI-generated, it inadvertently cast the spotlight on emotional support animals.

Emotional support animals (ESAs) have gained recognition worldwide for their role in assisting individuals with mental health conditions, in particular. However, in Singapore, the legal status and acceptance of ESAs differ significantly from other countries.

This article explores the current legal framework, practical considerations, and the implications for individuals in Singapore who may be considering getting an ESA. It will cover:

• What are emotional support animals
• Whether emotional support animals are legally recognised in Singapore
• The rules regarding emotional support animals in public spaces
• The rules regarding emotional support animals in the workplace
• Housing considerations for emotional support animals
• Things to consider if you wish to adopt an emotional support animal in Singapore

What are Emotional Support Animals?

Emotional support animals are companion animals that provide comfort and support to individuals experiencing emotional or psychological challenges. Unlike service animals, which are trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities, ESAs offer relief through their presence and companionship. Commonly, ESAs assist individuals dealing with conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The therapeutic benefits of interacting with animals include reduced stress levels, improved mood, and enhanced social engagement. Research indicates that interacting with therapy animals can release oxytocin, a bonding hormone, while reducing cortisol, the stress hormone, thereby fostering emotional stability and lowering blood pressure.

Are Emotional Support Animals Legally Recognised in Singapore?

In Singapore, the term “assistance dogs” refers specifically to dogs trained to assist individuals with disabilities, such as guide dogs for the visually impaired.

The Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) under the National Parks Board (NParks) outlines stringent criteria for recognising assistance dogs, including mandatory training by organisations accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF). For a more detailed discussion, please refer to our other article on guide dogs in Singapore.

Emotional support animals, which provide comfort through companionship without such specialised training, do not meet these criteria and are not legally recognised as assistance animals in Singapore.

Consequently, ESAs are subject to the same regulations as pets. This means they must comply with standard import requirements, including obtaining the necessary licences and adhering to quarantine protocols. Certain breeds may also be restricted or prohibited under local regulations.

Rules Regarding Emotional Support Animals in Public Spaces

The lack of legal recognition for ESAs in Singapore extends to public spaces and transportation. Unlike assistance dogs (e.g. guide dogs for persons with visual disabilities), which are permitted in public areas and on public transport, ESAs do not enjoy such privileges.

For instance, in April 2023, Singapore Airlines (SIA) updated its policy to prohibit emotional support dogs from travelling in the cabin. While assistance dogs continue to be allowed, ESAs must now be transported as cargo, aligning with the airline’s standard pet travel policies. However, do note that policies regarding the carriage of ESAs vary from airline to airline, so it is usually best to check with the respective airline if you intend to travel.

Similarly, other public transportation services and establishments – such as restaurants and shopping centres – are not obligated to accommodate ESAs. Nevertheless, there are several shopping malls in Singapore that offer pet-friendly amenities and should be able to accommodate ESAs generally as pets. You should ensure that you leash your ESA should you do so – pet owners are required to leash dogs in public places and may be fined up to $5,000 for not doing so.

Rules Regarding Emotional Support Animals in the Workplace

In the workplace, the inclusion of ESAs is at the discretion of employers. Singapore’s employment laws do not mandate accommodations for ESAs, and there is no legal obligation for employers to allow them in the workplace – unlike in the case of assistance dogs for employees with visual disabilities.

Employees seeking to bring an ESA to work would need to negotiate directly with their employer, who may consider factors such as the work environment, the nature of the job, and the potential impact on other employees.

Housing Considerations for Emotional Support Animals

Housing regulations in Singapore also do not provide specific provisions for ESAs. As such, it is likely that ESAs will be considered as pets and are subject to the prevailing rules and regulations for keeping pets in both public as well as private housing.

If you own or reside in a private property, you are allowed to keep up to 3 pet dogs (or cats, or a combination of both). On the other hand, if you live in an HDB flat, you face stricter restrictions on the breeds of dogs you may own. You may read our other article for more details on the rules and regulations governing pet ownership in Singapore.

Do also note that if you are renting property – whether in a private property or an HDB flat – you are also subject to the terms and conditions in the tenancy agreement, which may impose restrictions on keeping pets. Tenants in private properties (e.g. condominiums) may also be subject to the regulations of the property’s management committee.

Adopting an Emotional Support Animal in Singapore

If you wish to adopt an ESA – whether for yourself or a family member – do keep in mind the following considerations before doing so:

• Consult with mental health professionals: Engage with qualified mental health practitioners to discuss the potential benefits and responsibilities of having an ESA. Do note that you may require an official memo from a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist stating that the ESA will assist an individual’s recovery if they are intending to bring the ESA across borders. However, given that ESAs are not recognised as assistance animals in Singapore, they are subject to prevailing import regulations as discussed above, and certain breeds of animals may not be allowed in Singapore, despite a memo from a licensed professional.
• Understand import and pet ownership regulations: Familiarise yourself with the current guidelines on pet importation and ownership (including in your place of residence) to ensure compliance with all requirements.
• Communicate with relevant authorities and organisations: For example, if you are bringing over a particular breed from overseas, do ensure that you have received the authorisation to do so from the relevant authorities in Singapore. You should also check with the airlines to ensure they have provisions for the carriage of your ESA and comply with them.

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While emotional support animals can play a vital role in supporting individuals with mental health conditions, Singapore’s legal framework does not currently recognise them beyond the status of regular pets.

As awareness of mental health issues grows, there may be future discussions and potential policy or legal changes regarding the role and recognition of ESAs in Singapore. For now, individuals who are considering an ESA should be mindful of the potential considerations and constraints in Singapore’s context.

Do also keep in mind that ESAs are, at the end of the day, pets – you should always exercise responsible pet ownership and ensure you are able to take care of your ESA as you would a pet.