At the T2 departure terminal of Mumbai airport from Friday (Oct 25), trained therapy dogs have been introduced to help destress travellers. The contract given to a company for this experiment is for a year. A Golden Retriever, a Husky, a desi, and other breeds will roam around with 'Pet Me' printed on their collars.
Apparently, therapy dogs are used in some international airports, such as in the USA and Istanbul. Pets may help to destress some people, but there might be others who are allergic or averse to even trained pets. There is also the matter of fur shedding despite grooming the dogs. What starts as a trial at the Mumbai airport may, with time, spread to other Indian airports.
More than air travellers, those who journey by train are more stressed, but they seem to be more cheerful and accept the delayed arrivals and departures of trains, running with their luggage when there is a sudden announcement of change of platforms.
Are pets needed to be allowed to wander in airports? Let us not be surprised if someone comes up with an idea of having a lounge where there would be professional cuddlers for a price. If so, the travellers need to keep track of the time lest they miss their flight!
