At the best of times, traveling by air can be a stressful situation. You often have to deal with epic traffic on your way to the airport followed by a lengthy check in line followed by even lengthier security process. And that's all before you even board your flight.
As stress levels of travelers are guests are increasing, more airports are rolling out therapy dog programs. According to a fact sheet at the San Diego Airport, more than 30 airports in the United States, plus more in Canada, now offer pet programs.
It makes sense. Before boarding, travelers get a healthy dose of unconditional love and in return the airport sees passenger tensions decrease. The added marketing boost from social media photos probably doesn't hurt either.
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At TravelPulse we thought we'd take a look at some of these super-cute doggie ambassadors who are making travel just a little less horrible.
Buffalo Niagara International Airport
In partnership with the SPCA of Erie County, Buffalo Niagara International Airport offers the Paws for Love program, with adorable pups helping to ease the fears of nervous fliers.
Denver International Airport
At the Denver International Airport, the Canine Airport Therapy Squad (CATS) even come with their own trading cards. Volunteer CATS dogs are trained, insured and registered with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Spot the four legged ambassadors wearing their "Pet Me" vests throughout the airport.
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Charlotte Douglas International Airport
At the Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina, the CLT Canine Crew great passengers while wearing their "Pet Me" dog vests.
George Bush International Airport
The therapy dog program at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston recently celebrated its first full year in operation. The program, which is partnered with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs deploys 10 volunteer teams, with handlers wearing bright orange polo shirts and dogs sporting blue bandanas, throughout the airport's terminal and gate areas. Plans are in the works to expand the program to William P. Hobby Airport.
Green Bay Austin Straubel Internat1ona Airport
If you're flying through Green Bay, be sure to look for Fritz, a sweet German Shepherd who's been comforting passengers for more than a year now. Check the airport's Facebook page to see when Fritz and his trainer John Behrendt, the airport's airfield operations supervisor, will be roaming the facility, handing out trading cards.
Halifax Stanfield International Airport
The Halifax Stanfield International Airport has partnered with St. John Ambulance for its dog therapy program which includes seven adorable pups. Passengers and visitors can currently meet the dogs on Tuesdays and Fridays starting from 1 p.m. In addition to cuddling the pups, passengers are also encouraged to assist with walking the dog on a leash.
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Los Angeles International Airport
LAX has named its program "Pets Unstressing Passengers" or PUP and therapy dogs and handlers roam the departures levels of each terminal. Handlers also are trained to inform passengers about the many LAX renovation and construction projects underway. Dogs and handlers can easily be spotted wearing red vests sporting the PUP logo.
Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport
Therapy dogs have been serving guests at Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport since 2016. All dogs and their handlers must pass an evaluation before joining the program. The therapy dogs can easily be spotted wearing bright red kerchiefs around their neck. Occasionally, passengers can also see Can Do Canines assistance dogs training at the airport in order to acclimate themselves to new surroundings.
San Antonio International
The Pups and Planes program at San Antonio International Airport was the first program of its kind in Texas. San Antonio International partners with Therapy Dogs, Inc and Delta Pet Partners of San Antonio to help spread the love. Pups wearing blue kerchiefs roam the terminals and greet passengers waiting for their flights.
San Diego International Airport
Ready, Pet, Go at San Diego International Airport "employs" 18 dogs, ranging in size from a small Shih Tzu to a Goldendoodle. Each dog "attacks you with love," according to Twitter users @HayleyStrichman. According to the San Diego airport, each dog spreads the love to some 200 travelers per hour.
Vancouver International Airport
Vancouver International Airport, the latest airport to introduce a pet therapy program, welcomes Molly, Bailey, Mira, Norman, Grover, Kermode and Soda, who hang out with passengers from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays.
Albany International Airport
Shh, don't tell Bacon Bits (yes, that's really this little piggy's name) that he's not a dog. He joined the Albany International Airport's Canine Ambassador team last year, just in time for the stressful holiday season and he's been oinking it up ever since. He may be the only pig in the program, but he has plenty of chops-he'd already made 65 visits to schools and nursing homes before being "interviewed" by the airport.
San Francisco International Airport
Lest you think Bacon Bits is the only traveler-loving swine in the country, the San Francisco International Airport's Wag Brigade includes proud city pig, Lilou. She may spend her days hamming it up for travelers, but she's clearly the best-dressed therapy pig in the nation. Ask nicely and she might even perform on her toy piano for you. Lilou joins a handful of canine cuties who are looking just looking to love and be loved in return.
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