TransPennine Express (TPE) has introduced a therapy dog named Nya to improve passenger and staff wellbeing. The German shepherd, certified by Pets as Therapy, is the first designated animal used by a UK train operator for this purpose. TPE, owned by the government since 2023, has faced punctuality and cancellation issues, with Nya aimed at providing a positive experience on its northern England and Scotland routes.
It really is a dog’s life. Poor Nya, with one of the worst time-keeping records in the history of trains, she will have her work cut out keeping the passengers calm.
Owned and trained by TPE’s Safeguarding and Crime Prevention Lead, Stephen O’Callaghan, the six-year-old German Shepherd has been officially registered with Pets as Therapy — proving she’s not just a good girl, but a certified one.
The national charity helps improve the health and wellbeing of thousands of people in communities across the UK, offering comfort, cuddles, and social interaction.
Stephen, who is from Sheffield, said: “I’ve had dogs most of my life and have always been a dog lover. I’ve always recognised the strong connection that dogs can have on improving people’s wellbeing and the natural calming abilities that they bring to people as well as the social interaction that they provide.
It took Stephen three months to register Nya with Pets as Therapy and she is now a key part of the customer service pack.
Nya goes out with Stephen to TPE’s stations to meet passengers and colleagues, offering a tail-wagging welcome and providing a way for them to destress while travelling. She’s also lending a paw to staff wellbeing, supporting mental health in the workplace.
