Therapy Dogs Provide Cuddly Solace at Airports

Travel can be stressful, especially when the end result of your long hours of flying is a backhanded compliment from a distant uncle and your mom’s nagging. But recently in airports, irritated passengers have been able to calm their anxieties as furry friends have been parading through terminals, offering a moment of happiness to assuage the madness of travel.

Therapy dogs have been traveling among airports to offer solace to harried travelers. Studies have shown petting an animal eases stress and can rapidly change a person’s mood and disposition. Commonly used in hospitals, therapy dogs have been proven to delight those who are suffering, especially if those people are dog lovers.

Currently 31 airports in the United States employ this therapy dog program in an effort to promote relaxation and enjoyment while traveling. The calm and well-mannered pups have been trained to peacefully interact with humans, so even those with a dog phobia will find comfort in the canines. All of the dogs are also registered with the Alliance of Therapy dogs, and have experience serving in such a capacity but in other settings. In short, these cuddly creatures are ready to be pet and loved by frantic travelers who need only a few seconds of adorable distraction.