
Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport introduces therapy dogs for passenger comfort
The GMR Group, which manages the airport, has introduced a "Therapy Dog Program" aimed at enhancing the passenger experience.
The initiative offers calming and joyful interactions, with the belief that the presence of dogs--Toy Poodles in this case-- can ease travel-related anxiety, uplift moods, and create a more welcoming and peaceful airport environment, according to RGIA sources.
Currently, the program which features four well-trained Toy Poodles and accompanied by professional handlers, is in its early stages, and future expansion may be considered based on passenger feedback and operational feasibility, they said.
"The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Passengers have appreciated the calming presence of the dogs. The initiative has been well-received as a thoughtful and comforting addition to the airport experience," sources told PTI.
While the dogs are certified therapy animals and trained for calm behavior, they are always under the supervision of professional handlers. These handlers are equipped to manage any unexpected behavior and ensure the safety and comfort of both the dogs and passengers, they further said.
A passenger who did not want to be identified said, "I was so happy to see them."
"It already feels like I'm beginning to heal. A truly wonderful initiative. Please keep up the amazing work. And a special thanks to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport for helping fund and facilitate this incredible effort."
Having a pet dog brings so much joy and the initiative was a thoughtful and heartwarming one which deserves true appreciation, the passenger added.
Importantly, the dogs are only allowed to interact with passengers who willingly approach them, minimizing stress triggers.
They are stationed at key touch points in both domestic and international departure areas from Friday to Monday, (1500 hours-1900 hours) for approximately four hours.
The city airport witnessed a passenger traffic of 29.5 million during the last financial year.

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Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport introduces therapy dogs for passenger comfort
The next time when you walk into Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGAI) here, don't be surprised if you're greeted by a friendly puppy or even get a chance to pet one. A passenger who did not want to be identified said, "I was so happy to see them."(Unsplash/representational) The GMR Group, which manages the airport, has introduced a "Therapy Dog Program" aimed at enhancing the passenger experience. The initiative offers calming and joyful interactions, with the belief that the presence of dogs--Toy Poodles in this case-- can ease travel-related anxiety, uplift moods, and create a more welcoming and peaceful airport environment, according to RGIA sources. Currently, the program which features four well-trained Toy Poodles and accompanied by professional handlers, is in its early stages, and future expansion may be considered based on passenger feedback and operational feasibility, they said. "The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Passengers have appreciated the calming presence of the dogs. The initiative has been well-received as a thoughtful and comforting addition to the airport experience," sources told PTI. While the dogs are certified therapy animals and trained for calm behavior, they are always under the supervision of professional handlers. These handlers are equipped to manage any unexpected behavior and ensure the safety and comfort of both the dogs and passengers, they further said. A passenger who did not want to be identified said, "I was so happy to see them." "It already feels like I'm beginning to heal. A truly wonderful initiative. Please keep up the amazing work. And a special thanks to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport for helping fund and facilitate this incredible effort." Having a pet dog brings so much joy and the initiative was a thoughtful and heartwarming one which deserves true appreciation, the passenger added. Importantly, the dogs are only allowed to interact with passengers who willingly approach them, minimizing stress triggers. They are stationed at key touch points in both domestic and international departure areas from Friday to Monday, (1500 hours-1900 hours) for approximately four hours. The city airport witnessed a passenger traffic of 29.5 million during the last financial year.


Economic Times
5 days ago
- Economic Times
Want relaxed air travel? Pet a puppy at Hyderabad Airport
TIL Creatives Representative Image The next time when you walk into Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGAI) here, don't be surprised if you're greeted by a friendly puppy or even get a chance to pet one. The GMR Group, which manages the airport, has introduced a "Therapy Dog Program" aimed at enhancing the passenger experience. The initiative offers calming and joyful interactions, with the belief that the presence of dogs--Toy Poodles in this case-- can ease travel-related anxiety, uplift moods, and create a more welcoming and peaceful airport environment, according to RGIA the program which features four well-trained Toy Poodles and accompanied by professional handlers, is in its early stages, and future expansion may be considered based on passenger feedback and operational feasibility, they said."The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Passengers have appreciated the calming presence of the dogs. The initiative has been well-received as a thoughtful and comforting addition to the airport experience," sources told PTI. While the dogs are certified therapy animals and trained for calm behavior, they are always under the supervision of professional handlers. These handlers are equipped to manage any unexpected behavior and ensure the safety and comfort of both the dogs and passengers, they further said.A passenger who did not want to be identified said, "I was so happy to see them." "It already feels like I'm beginning to heal. A truly wonderful initiative. Please keep up the amazing work. And a special thanks to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport for helping fund and facilitate this incredible effort." Having a pet dog brings so much joy and the initiative was a thoughtful and heartwarming one which deserves true appreciation, the passenger the dogs are only allowed to interact with passengers who willingly approach them, minimizing stress are stationed at key touch points in both domestic and international departure areas from Friday to Monday, (1500 hours-1900 hours) for approximately four hours. The city airport witnessed a passenger traffic of 29.5 million during the last financial year.


Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Want relaxed air travel? Pet a puppy at Hyderabad Airport
The next time when you walk into Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGAI) here, don't be surprised if you're greeted by a friendly puppy or even get a chance to pet one. The GMR Group , which manages the airport, has introduced a " Therapy Dog Program " aimed at enhancing the passenger experience. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category CXO Product Management MCA others Others MBA Design Thinking Operations Management Data Science Degree Healthcare Finance Leadership Digital Marketing Data Analytics Data Science Technology Cybersecurity Public Policy PGDM healthcare Artificial Intelligence Management Project Management Skills you'll gain: Technology Strategy & Innovation Emerging Technologies & Digital Transformation Leadership in Technology Management Cybersecurity & Risk Management Duration: 24 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Chief Technology Officer Starts on Jun 28, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Operations Strategy for Business Excellence Organizational Transformation Corporate Communication & Crisis Management Capstone Project Presentation Duration: 11 Months IIM Lucknow Chief Operations Officer Programme Starts on Jun 30, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Digital Strategy Development Expertise Emerging Technologies & Digital Trends Data-driven Decision Making Leadership in the Digital Age Duration: 40 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Chief Digital Officer Starts on Jun 30, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Customer-Centricity & Brand Strategy Product Marketing, Distribution, & Analytics Digital Strategies & Innovation Skills Leadership Insights & AI Integration Expertise Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode IIMK Chief Marketing and Growth Officer Starts on Apr 7, 2024 Get Details The initiative offers calming and joyful interactions, with the belief that the presence of dogs--Toy Poodles in this case-- can ease travel-related anxiety, uplift moods, and create a more welcoming and peaceful airport environment, according to RGIA sources. Currently, the program which features four well-trained Toy Poodles and accompanied by professional handlers, is in its early stages, and future expansion may be considered based on passenger feedback and operational feasibility, they said. "The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Passengers have appreciated the calming presence of the dogs. The initiative has been well-received as a thoughtful and comforting addition to the airport experience," sources told PTI. Live Events While the dogs are certified therapy animals and trained for calm behavior, they are always under the supervision of professional handlers. These handlers are equipped to manage any unexpected behavior and ensure the safety and comfort of both the dogs and passengers, they further said. A passenger who did not want to be identified said, "I was so happy to see them." "It already feels like I'm beginning to heal. A truly wonderful initiative. Please keep up the amazing work. And a special thanks to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport for helping fund and facilitate this incredible effort." Having a pet dog brings so much joy and the initiative was a thoughtful and heartwarming one which deserves true appreciation, the passenger added. Importantly, the dogs are only allowed to interact with passengers who willingly approach them, minimizing stress triggers. They are stationed at key touch points in both domestic and international departure areas from Friday to Monday, (1500 hours-1900 hours) for approximately four hours. The city airport witnessed a passenger traffic of 29.5 million during the last financial year.