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Seasoned travelers are undoubtedly familiar with airport therapy dogs. Airports have utilized humankind’s best friend for decades. However, travel and general life anxieties have risen in nearly the last two years. It is fully conceivable that we need these airport therapy dogs in airports now more than ever for both frequent and reluctant flyers.

What’s an Airport Therapy Dog?

Airports induce stress even in the most ideal circumstances. Even if you do not experience a long wait in the security line, you still need to rush to remove your shoes. You also need to be sure to reveal all technological equipment and then make sure you can account for it all after. Many people in the past drowned these anxieties at the airport bar. Others might have tried to get an airport massage before their flight.

But airport therapy dogs can create a better – and frankly, a less expensive – airport experience. They are not new to airports either. San Jose International Airport (SJC) in California introduced therapy dogs to its terminals shortly after Sept. 11, 2001. The airport’s chaplain volunteer tested the practice by bringing in her trained therapy dog. After seeing positive results, SJC started an official therapy dog program.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has also implemented a therapy dog program. The LAX Pets Unstressing Passengers (PUP) program had over 100 therapy dogs prior to the pandemic. In 2019, volunteers logged about 5,200 hours with the program. First developed in 2013, LAX’s program has become the largest one in the country.

Can Dogs Really Relieve Stress?

Researchers continue to study the positive and negative consequences of human-animal interactions. However, certain studies indicate that interacting with animals can provide a number of positive health effects. In certain cases, humans engaging with animals lowers cortisol levels, which is a stress-related hormone. Animals can also reduce blood pressure, loneliness, and boost feelings of social support.

When it comes to the availability of airport therapy dogs, accessibility varies throughout the country. Before the coronavirus pandemic, 87 North American airports offered programs for therapy dogs. Airports have gradually reinstated therapy dog volunteers as travel and health restrictions have lifted. By September 2021, 35 of the airports reintroduced their programs.

Who Do Airport Therapy Dogs Help?

The good news is, airport therapy dogs can potentially benefit anyone who feels comfortable approaching them. You can visit with these therapy dogs if you are younger, older, traveling alone, or flying for business. Some adults will even lie on the floor or get selfies with therapy dogs. The furry travel friends evidently act as a welcome reprieve during the airport hustle.

In some cases, passengers with medical concerns can even benefit from these airport dogs. One existing airport therapy dog program is Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) PIT PAWS (Pups Alleviating Worry and Stress). Passengers at the airport have told Tara Hoover, who works as the head of the program, that they did not need to take anxiety medications due to Pittsburgh’s soothing airport therapy dogs.

As we soak up those last days of summer sun, we often can expect end-of-season heat waves. Unsurprisingly, the intense heat can make us further inclined to travel.

However, dog owners know that traveling with a pet presents challenges. If you plan to bring your dog on your next flight or day trip, make sure to consider these safety precautions.

Evaluate Your Car

Make sure your car is as ready for a day trip as you. Getting stranded will not make traveling with a pet any easier. You should also make sure the air conditioning works. A broken AC will only lead to both you and your dog becoming overheated.

Get An Early Start

You and your dog should leave well-before the temperature enters the triple digits. Dog owners know well that early morning walks are preferable in the summer.

Freeze Water

You should fill two-thirds of your liter bottles the night before you leave. Make sure to freeze the bottles once you do. You should carry a bottle of unfrozen water as well. As your frozen water thaws throughout the day, you can provide your dog with cool water during rest stops.

Pack Extra Water

You can never have too much water for you and your pet. But for the sake of space, pack twice as much water as you consider necessary. Delays can happen at any moment. You can use the extra water to pour on your overheated pup.

Frequently Offer Water

Fill about one-third of a silicone cake pan with water. You should also explore travel cups for your dog. You can easily attach collapsible cups to a dog walking bag.

Schedule with Consideration

Take a moment to consider the hottest times of day. From lunch until dinner, the heat can become oppressive and tire out or harm your dog. Taking a late evening beach walk is advisable. The same applies for early morning activities, like swimming and exercising.

Be Mindful of the Pavement

There are days when we cannot tolerate walking barefoot on the pavement or sand. So, just imagine how it would feel on your dog’s paws. If your dog needs to relieve themselves, lead them toward grass or a shady area. If you are in the heart of a city, bring protective boots for your dog. Spreading a makeshift towel or pouring some water also works if your dog needs to stand outside for a few minutes.

Do Not Leave Your Dog Alone

Leaving your dog alone in the car, especially during a heat wave, can endanger them. Look for the nearest PetSmart or Petco for restroom stops. The stores are dog-friendly and convenient for when you travel alone with your dog.

Check Often for Heat Stress

Knowing the signs of a heat stroke can keep your dog safe when traveling during a heat wave. A few signs to look out for include any foaming at the mouth, uncontrollable panting, and if the tongue or gums change from the color bright red to blue, and then to gray.