Global Trend: Dogs in Duty, Destressing Travelers

Airports around the world—from San Jose to Los Angeles—have long embraced therapy dog programs to ease traveler anxiety, especially during busy or emotionally charged moments. The impact is backed by science: interacting with therapy dogs can lower blood pressure, reduce cortisol, and release feel-good hormones like oxytocin and serotonin.

Hyderabad Joins the Paws-itive Wave

Making its debut in early August 2025, Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) launched India’s first airport Therapy Dog Program—named Paws and Peace. Four Toy Poodles, accompanied by certified handlers, now roam the departures areas, including domestic and international zones, bringing stress relief through gentle interaction. They operate for several hours a day, ensuring both passenger comfort and canine welfare.

Why this matters for travelers: A moment spent petting a calm, loving dog can transform frayed nerves into smiles, helping passengers find a peaceful pause amidst the bustle. RGIA’s initiative reflects a growing global recognition that airports are not just transit hubs—they’re emotional spaces.

What Makes These Programs Shine

• Scientific benefits: Lower stress, improved mood, better heart health—therapy dogs offer more than a momentary escape.
• Emotional relief: Ideal for anxious flyers, families with kids, or anyone facing emotional turmoil before boarding.

Global momentum: Hyderabad stands shoulder-to-shoulder with airports in the U.S., Canada, Turkey, and beyond, embracing a more human-centric travel experience. The goal? To help anxious flyers, first-time travelers, families with children, and anyone feeling the pre-flight jitters find a moment of calm. Research has long shown that interacting with a gentle dog can:

• Reduce blood pressure
• Lower cortisol (the stress hormone)
• Release oxytocin and serotonin (the happiness hormones)

These small moments of connection can transform the travel experience — not just for the passenger, but for the staff and even the dogs themselves.

Progressive Canines’ Perspective

At Progressive Canines, we understand the science and soul behind therapy dog work. While we aren’t directly involved in RGIA’s program, our training philosophy and expertise in canine behavior align closely with what makes therapy dog initiatives so effective.

We know that dogs chosen for therapy work need:

• Calm, gentle temperaments that make them approachable for strangers
• Extensive socialization to feel comfortable in busy, noisy environments
• Handler-dog bonding that ensures they work as a confident team
• Wellness monitoring to ensure the dogs enjoy their work without stress

As Hyderabad takes this first big step, we see huge potential for therapy dogs in India — not just at airports, but in hospitals, schools, and community spaces where emotional wellness is just as important as physical safety.

Final Thoughts

Hyderabad’s Paws and Peace program brings a heartfelt, innovative touch to air travel—demonstrating how a four-legged friend can be the perfect antidote to anxiety. It’s not just about smooth takeoffs, but starting your journey with a smile.