While many people enjoy the experience of traveling, not everyone loves getting on an airplane only to spend the next few hours cramped in claustrophobic space. It can be a scary experience that is full of anxiety. The good news is traveling by air doesn’t have to be terrifying. With help from therapy pets, you can get relaxed and feel more at ease before you board your next flight.
These US airports have therapy animals to help individuals face their fears before they fly.
San Jose International Airport
San Jose was the first US airport to introduce therapy dogs, shortly after 9/11. Their original therapy dog, Orion, a Boxer and Great Dane mix, was a huge hit. Over the years, the SJC therapy dog program has grown. They now have 23 dogs who stroll throughout the terminals regularly.
San Francisco International Airport
Meet LiLou, the first airport therapy pig. At San Francisco International Airport, LiLou is helping travelers feel more comfortable before they travel. LiLou is just one of many therapy animals at SFO. They’re all part of the WAG Brigade, a partnership with the San Francisco SPCA. These friendly animals wear “Pet Me” vests and are ready to welcome travelers with licks, hugs, and a whole lot of cuteness.
Look out for LiLou, part of the WAG Brigade, the next time you’re in the Bay Area.Photograph provided courtesy of San Francisco International Airport
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
The DFW K9 Crew features 12 therapy dogs that help alleviate stress while at this busy airport. Dogs are set up in select areas in Terminal B, both before and after security. These furry friends also roam throughout the airport. Each dog has its official DFW K9 Crew uniform on when working so you won’t miss them.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Therapy dogs are plentiful at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Their Navigator Buddies program is a volunteer-based program that helps travelers engage with locals and their pets. Therapy dog owners and their furry pals volunteer once a week to walk around the airport and bring laughter and comfort to travelers.
Miami International Airport
Miami International Airport introduced their therapy animal program last summer. Their program, known as the Miami Hound Machine, will bring cheer to travelers through the use of therapy dogs. These four-legged creatures will be roaming the busiest parts of MIA.
Denver International Airport
In Denver, they have the Canine Airport Therapy Squad, also known as CATS. More than 100 dogs and one cat named Xeli make up this team of animal therapy friends. Keep an eye out as they travel throughout the airport. They are ready to bring smiles and joy.
Xeli is Denver International Airport’s resident feline. If you’re more of a dog person, don’t worry. There are plenty of pups available to welcome you.Photograph provided courtesy of Denver International Airport
San Antonio International Airport
Airport therapy animals are becoming a thing in Texas. At SAT, they offer the Pups and Planes program. Volunteers and their therapy pets travel throughout the airport to bring happiness. The therapy pups are easy to spot. They all have a blue handkerchief around their neck.
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport
While in the MSP airport, individuals can meet and greet with therapy dogs. The MSP Animal Ambassadors program hopes to make travel more enjoyable for all. All pups in this program are certified and trained to interact with individuals of all ages.
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
At CVG, they offer something a little less traditional but still just as cute. This airport has partnered with Seven Oaks Farm and their miniature therapy horses in the Lift program. The horses visit twice a month to ease stress and bring smiles to passengers who are on the go. While mini therapy horses may not be a regular choice for airport therapy animals, the program honors Kentucky’s distinguished equestrian history.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport
For stressed or upset travelers headed through CLT, the CLT Canine Crew is to the rescue. All dogs are certified and have been working for at least one year as therapy animals. Each crew creature visits the airport 2-3 times per month to bring smiles to travelers. Crew creatures are easily identifiable too. They wear a “Pet Me” dog vest and their human handlers wear a CLT Canine Crew shirt.
These are some of the airports throughout the United States that prioritize comfort and happiness for travelers by offering animal therapy programs. It’s no secret that animals bring smiles to both children and adults. It’s nice to know that these airports are finding ways to make everyone feel more comfortable before they take flight.
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