Travelling can be a stressful experience, especially when navigating crowded terminals, long lines, and unexpected delays. But amid the hustle and bustle of the airport, there’s a growing trend that’s helping to calm frayed nerves and offer a comforting touch: therapy animals.
Therapy animals are becoming increasingly popular in airports worldwide. Four-legged companions such as dogs offer more than just cute distractions; they play a vital role in promoting mental health and well-being for travellers. From offering emotional support during long waits to easing the anxiety of first-time flyers, therapy animals are becoming a positive part of air travel for many passengers.
Why Therapy Animals?
The idea of animals assisting humans in therapeutic ways is not new, but the specific concept of therapy animals in airports has gained momentum in recent years. Airports are high-stress environments where travellers can feel overwhelmed. Indeed, 2022 research conducted by Mintel showed that nearly half (45%) of US airport travellers found airport crowds to be stressful.
Therapy animals, often dogs trained to be calm, friendly, and non-threatening, can offer immediate relief. A 2017 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that interacting with animals can lower cortisol levels, a key stress hormone. Meanwhile, a 2019 study from Purdue University found that therapy dog interactions help lower heart rates and increase feelings of well-being among stressed individuals. At airports, the presence of animals can thus provide an emotional connection that helps to reduce tension, promote relaxation, and improve travellers’ overall experience.
Beyond emotional benefits, therapy animals may also contribute to operational efficiency in airports, as reducing stress in high-pressure environments can lead to smoother passenger processing and fewer conflicts with airport staff.
A Growing Trend
Airports in the US, Canada, and Europe have embraced the positive impact of therapy animals, launching official programmes designed to pair travellers with these friendly companions. For instance, Denver International Airport (DEN) launched its Canine Airport Therapy Squad (CATS) in 2015, featuring a team of more than 90 trained dogs. Since its inception, the programme has proven so popular that it has now expanded to include various therapy animals like rabbits and guinea pigs. Travellers can visit designated therapy animal zones or even encounter these animals roaming the terminals.
Similarly, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has an established Wag Brigade, consisting of dogs who are specifically trained to interact with stressed-out passengers. Their handlers, often airport volunteers, lead the dogs through the terminals where they can be petted and interacted with.
Training Therapy Animals
Not every dog is suited to become a therapy animal. To become certified, these animals undergo rigorous training to ensure they are well-behaved and comfortable in public settings, particularly crowded and noisy environments like airports.
Trained therapy animals must be able to remain calm in various situations, whether they are surrounded by loudspeakers, the hustle of thousands of passengers, or the frequent movement of airport security. They also need to be comfortable being touched by strangers, as airport visitors often seek comfort through petting and interacting with them.
Handlers play an essential role too. They must ensure that the animals are not overwhelmed by the environment, offering breaks as needed and maintaining the dog’s well-being during long shifts. Many therapy animal programmes work with non-profit organisations that train the dogs specifically for therapy work.
The Future of Therapy Animals at Airports
As awareness of the benefits of therapy animals continues to grow, more airports are likely to implement animal programmes. So the next time you’re stuck in a long airport delay, keep your eyes peeled—there’s a good chance a therapy animal is nearby, ready to help you relax, recharge, and maybe even put a smile on your face.
