Airport becomes first in UK with team of therapy dogs

● Talking to pets can help reduce passengers’ stress

A Scottish airport will become the first in the UK with a permanent team of therapy dogs to calm anxious fliers.

Aberdeen International Airport has drafted in a team of canine volunteers after a successful trial over the Christmas and New Year period.

The airport will become the first in the UK to have its own therapy dog team when the animals start regular working regularly on Saturday.

The 14 dogs are easily identified in their high-vis jackets and bandanas, and will mingle with passengers and staff throughout the terminal. The pets, with their owners, will take shifts on individual days with a one pair set to greet travellers this weekend.

Visitors to the airport were pleasantly surprised to see the dogs yesterday ahead of their official start.

Aberdeenshire North representative for Canine Concern Scotland Trust, Diane Wood, said she was delighted for the dogs to take their first shift.

She said: “To be the first airport in the UK, we are so proud to be involved. We have a fantastic team of 14 dogs in all different shapes and sizes.

“I think it is going to be of massive benefit to the airport and its passengers. If you’re a bit stressed out about flying you can come and sit and stroke the dogs.

“The dogs lower blood pressure and lower tension. Anybody that is anxious can speak to the dogs, just look for the canine crew. All these dogs are used to working in nursing homes, in schools, prisons and with severely dog-phobic children. They are exceptionally well-behaved and very calm dogs.

“If they are calm, they are going to calm other people.”

On Saturday when the scheme starts, Ms Wood and her golden retriever, Breagh, along with another dog, will be helping passengers at checkin, security and the departure gates. The inspiration for the calming pets came from American airports which have therapy dogs.

A spokeswoman for Aberdeen International Airport, said: “We have definitely had nervous flyers in the past. We do have the passenger assistance programme, this is just an extra addition of that.

“This is just about general wellbeing, this is for staff as well, just a little bit of lift, just makes everyone feel good. From what we have heard so far, people are loving it.”

The dogs have already been helping to calm nerves, and they are now ready to work their magic in their new surroundings.