Hyderabad Airport Introduces Therapy Dogs To Ease Travel Anxiety; All You Need To Know About It

Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) has introduced a therapy dog programme aimed at easing travel anxiety, lifting moods, and making the airport environment more welcoming. A pawsome update indeed! Here’s everything you need to know about this ‘paw-dorable’ new initiative.

Hyderabad Airport Brings In Therapy Dogs To Calm Flyers

 

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Air travel is no doubt stressful, and with recent aviation incidents, many flyers have been feeling more anxious than ever. But Hyderabad’s RGIA has stepped up and introduced therapy dogs at the airport! Yes, you read that right! As per a report by NDTV, this first-of-its-kind initiative will help passengers ease stress before take-off.

At the moment, four fully trained toy poodles are part of the programme. They will be stationed daily at key passenger touchpoints in both domestic and international departure areas. Travellers can pet, interact, or play with them post-security, near retail zones and boarding gates. Furthermore, these furry friends be on duty for about four to six hours a day, ensuring they get enough rest and care in intervals. And don’t worry, the poodles will be accompanied by certified handlers at all times!

Also Read: Bonjour, Hyderabad! This Viral French Hot Dog Brand Has Quietly Taken Over Hyderabad Airport

Flyers Are Already Loving It

The programme is still in its pilot phase. But passengers have already praised the move, calling it thoughtful, comforting, and heartwarming. One flyer told Hindustan Times that he was genuinely happy to see the dogs, while others even thanked the Hyderabad Airport for such an adorable gesture.

It’s no secret that dogs can help reduce anxiety and stress. With travel stress on the rise, having therapy dogs at airports can really improve the overall flying experience and make passengers feel more at ease. However, travellers should always approach the dogs calmly and let the dogs get familiar first. Most importantly, they must follow the handler’s instructions at all times.

Also Read: This US Airport Has Employed Llamas & Alpacas To Reduce Passengers’ Travel Stress & Anxiety

According to us, this therapy dog programme is a brilliant idea, and we would love to see it introduced at other airports too. Just imagine walking into an airport and seeing toy poodles wagging their tails, ready for pets! Pawsome, right?

What do you think of this programme? Let us know!

Cover Image Courtesy: @rgiahyd/ Instagram