Discover some of America’s Airports Animal Therapy Heroes

The growing trend across America’s airports to offer teams of therapy animals is topped by the adorable and appropriately adorned Llamas and Alpacas at Portland International Airport. Introduced in 2023 they have become local celebrities at the newly opened main terminal. 

They offer anxious travellers a chance to interact with the Llamas and pose for photos with them. The Llamas and Alpacas visit Portland (PDX) during busy periods for no longer than 90 minutes at a time. Their programme is made possible by the care of a non profit charity called Mountain Peaks Therapy Llamas who offer the Llama and Alpaca visits for free. PDX Llamas

It seems that travelling by air can be a stressful experience and some of America’s airports have organised therapy animals to help.

Specially trained dogs, cats, pigs are walked around the terminals to offer a ‘pawsative’ experience to nervous flyers. It is proven that interaction with these furry friends can lower stress levels and improve mood. They offer a sense of comfort and companionship. Studies also show that petting animals can reduce cortisol levels and lower blood pressure.

Denver International Airport (DIA) run a therapy programme called CATS (Canine Airport Therapy). Denver has over 90 registered dogs and a cat that allow passengers to hug, pet and pose for pictures.

CATS at Denver International Airport

Los Angeles (LAX) call their programme PUP (Pets Unstressing Passengers) and have approximately 80 therapy dogs around their terminals and was started back in 2013. PUP programme at LAX

Minneapolis St Paul (MSP) have run their ‘Animal Ambassador’ programme since 2015 and actually have the largest canine workforce at 96 oh and 1 feline. Volunteers bring their furry friends to greet stressed passengers for short sessions at a time so everyone is kept happy. 

Sea-Tac (SEA) run a programme called SEA Pups and all dogs are registered therapy dogs. All dogs have hi-viz vests so are easily identifiable. Seattle Sea Pups