UK airport to introduce permanent team of therapy dogs to soothe nervous fliers

A Scottish airport is getting UK’s first permanent therapy dog team to help calm nervous fliers.

Therapets will lend a paw to those who are anxious getting on planes at Aberdeen International Airport from this weekend.

The scheme was piloted over the festive period and following its success it is set to become a permanent feature.

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

Already regular visitors to nursing homes, schools, prisons and universities, where the dogs have been proven to help improve mental health and wellbeing, alleviate stress and calm nerves, this is the first venture of this scale in the UK to bring the dogs to an airport environment.

Diane Wood, of Therapet, said: “All our dogs – and their owners – have undergone rigorous training and assessment to work in a variety of environments and the dogs are used to being stroked and petted and generally made a fuss of so they will lap up the attention and thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to interact with passengers and staff.

“The mere action of stroking a dog slows down the heartbeat and reduces blood pressure so they will be a great help to anyone feeling nervous about their journey.

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“The dogs will work in pairs, for two hours at a time once a week and we plan to keep everybody updated about what dogs are visiting and when.”

Fraser Bain, Aberdeen Airport duty manager, said: “We’re excited to be the first airport in the UK to offer this service to passengers.

“As well as benefitting our visitors, we also recognise the benefit to the mental health and wellbeing of our staff.

“The Canine Crew is made up of a variety of dogs, with a mixture of brilliant traits and personalities and we cannot wait to see the reaction of our passengers.”

The first Canine Crew is made up of: Breagh the Golden Retriever, Bruno the German Shepherd, Grace the Scottish Deerhound, Enzo the Red Labrador, Noodle the Beagle, Tweedie Bear the German Shepherd, Zosha/Vinnie the Leonberger, Cullen the Beagle, Bronte the Golden Retriever, Pax the Utonagan, Shuna the Lurcher, Bentley the Golden Retriever, Luna the Collie and Doug the Pug.