An international airport in India is going viral on social media for introducing a special initiative – emotional support dogs to help anxious passengers. Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport recently posted a video announcing their ‘pawfect’ initiative.
The caption, of the video posted on October 25, read: “Travel just got a whole lot more comforting and fun! Mumbai Airport is thrilled to announce the return of its wildly popular ‘Pawfect’ initiative. Ready to melt the travel stress away and turn the airport experience into a fun-filled adventure.
“From Friday to Sunday, between 3 and 11pm, these lovable emotional support companions will be waiting to greet travellers at the Terminal 2 Departures area, including Domestic Level 3 and after immigration. Get ready to be charmed and comforted by these furry ambassadors of happiness before embarking on your journey….”
According to an article on the Indian news website, Time of India, Nihairka Sekhri who runs the Pawfect Life kennel said, “Our dogs include a golden retriever, a husky (which is a rescued dog), and also an Indie dog (indigenous mixed breed dogs) among others. These dogs received proper training on how to spread joy and calm down people.”
The nine dogs also include a Maltese, a Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso and more.
The initiative was previously run by a different animal welfare group, but was stopped due to Covid-19. The initiative re-introduced has brought in positive feedback from netizens online.
One comment said, “Such a fantastic initiative by Mumbai Airport! Brining in emotional support dogs to make travel less stressful and more joyful is a beautiful idea!”
Another comment read, “Love your initiative… spreading care like this is invaluable.”
In an interview with an Indian news organisation, The Print, an airport spokesperson said: “Travelling and taking a flight can be hectic and challenging for many, which is why we continuously seek innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience. Our Pawfect initiative, which was very popular before the pandemic, not only helps to reduce travel-related anxiety but also brings a sense of joy and comfort to our passengers. These trained canine companions are experts in sensing and responding to moods, offering unconditional love and comfort like no other. Engaging with these furry friends offers a soothing respite, allowing passengers to find their travel anxiety melting away. This initiative will infuse the airport environment with cheer and surprise, recognising that air travel can be tiresome and stressful for some passengers.”
There are various airports around the world that have therapy dogs, to comfort passengers. According to an article on kinship.com, a US-based website for pet parents, there are over 30 airports in the US alone, which have therapy dogs on duty. A similar initiative was also started in Istanbul earlier this year.
