The PUPS: Pets Unstressing Passengers program is a new program at Los Angeles International Airport where dogs hang out by airport terminals to help calm passengers. (LAX/Facebook)
LAX/Facebook
This is Mr. Smee, an Australian Shepherd whose favorite lounging spot is near mom. He likes barking at squeaky toys. (LAX/Facebook)
LAX/Facebook
PUPS: Pets Unstressing Passengers' staff hang out with a therapy dog at Los Angeles International Airport. (LAX/Facebook)
LAX/Facebook
Therapy dogs and handlers with the PUPS program line-up outside Los Angeles International Airport. The dogs are part of a program to help passengers stay calm before flights. (LAX/Facebook)
LAX/Facebook
This poster offers more information about individual dogs with the PUPS: Pets Unstressing Passengers Program at Los Angeles International Airports. (LAX/Facebook)
LAX/Facebook
This is Zou Zou, a 6-year-old Terrier Mix that loves to eat chicken wraps and sleep under the covers. Zou Zou is part of the PUPS: Pets Unstressing Passengers program at LAX. (LAX/Facebook)
LAX/Facebook
These dogs are part of the PUPS: Pets Unstressing Passengers Program at Los Angeles International Airports. (LAX/Facebook)
WASHINGTON – Passengers often arrive at airports stressed, grumpy and jet-lagged.
Now, dogs are being sent in to lighten up the mood.
Los Angeles International Airport has launched a program called Pets Unstressing Passengers.
Thirty volunteer dogs work the terminals seven days a week. At least two other airports also deploy man’s best friend, but the new program at LAX is by far the largest.
“We bring these pups to the boarding gates to help alleviate passengers’ stress level and bring down their blood pressure,” says Katherine Alvarado, a spokesperson with LAX.
“We know that there are a lot of travelers out there who are nervous fliers or are just stressed with the whole flying experience,” she says.
The dog and handler teams went through classroom and in-terminal training to prepare for their mission at the airport.
They’re also prepared for passengers who prefer not to make a new furry friend.
“The handler will either ask the passengers if they are allergic or if they don’t want the pup to go near them,” says Alvarado.
The handlers even carry a kind of baseball card for the dogs, which feature information about them.
