Snuggle Squad to ease travel jitters at airport
Airport travel can be stressful. Long waits in airport lounges, security screenings, lost baggage, delayed flights and for some passengers, the fear of flying.
But a new canine program called the Snuggle Squad is helping ease the travel jitters of passengers at Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in Dorval.
The Snuggle Squad is composed of 30 dogs who roam around the airport terminal and offer a friendly paw and some companionship to travellers. Initially introduced by Aéroports de Montréal (ADM) as a pilot project, in collaboration with the Companion Animal Adoption Centres of Quebec, it has proven to be a popular success with passengers.
The ADM said the dog squad will be a permanent fixture in the international and domestic zones of the airport terminal.
Pooch power goes along way to easing nerves of passengers, said Caroline Donais and her dog Lena, who are volunteer members of the Snuggle Squad.
“It soothes the passengers. They feel more comfortable. They’re enjoying themselves just as they’re leaving on their trip,” Donais said.
“Why is that? People love dogs. There is a percentage of people who’ll stay away or shy way, but who doesn’t love dogs? Man’s best friend.”
“When we started this as a pilot project, people at first were afraid to touch them,” said Donais, who thinks some people thought the snuggle dogs were in fact airport sniffer dogs searching for contraband.
“But after that, the reaction was wonderful. It’s very validating because when we get the dogs to engage, then everybody is in. The people all want pictures and selfies. They want kisses and tricks.”
Johanne Tassé, founder and general manager of the Companion Animal Adoption Centres of Québec, said simple dog and human interactions are helping to ease travel jitters of passengers.
“This pilot project was very positive for everyone involved and the reactions from both passengers and employees showed just how much the presence of a dog can change things,” said Tassé.
The CAACQ co-ordinates and selects the dog handlers, ensuring that they meet ADM’s security criteria. Each pet owner and their dog also completed a two-hour training course and visited the airport with their dog to assess its comfort level in the actual setting.
Tassé pointed out the pet owners/dog guardians let passengers approach their dog, but never go to them in case they have allergies or a phobia of dogs.
“You never how someone will react,” Donais said.
Most passengers adore the short-lived companionship of interacting with a dog, she said.
“There’s no word for it. It makes you feel so good. At the end of the day when you finish your shift, you’re all smiles. All these people you made happy and comfortable.”
Airport passengers gave the canine program a thumbs-up.
“I love dogs so I’m happy to see them at the airport,” said one passenger who stopped to pet one of the dogs.
“And these dogs are very welltrained.”
Anne-Sophie Hamel, a dog trainer, said the program has brought some levity to the hustle and bustle of the busy international airport.
“It’s a great idea for all the smiles it gives to everybody who are just walking through the airport,” Hamel said.
The head of the ADM also likes what the Snuggle Squad has done to brighten the experience of travellers. “We are very proud of this initiative, which has already proven to be effective at other airports around the world,” said Philippe Rainville, president and CEO of ADM.