Aberdeen airport introduces therapy dogs to help anxious flyers

The dogs will include three golden retrievers, two beagles and a pug

Aberdeen airport is employing therapy dogs to help soothe nervous fliers.

Fourteen dogs, including three golden retrievers, two German Shepherds, two beagles, a Leonberger and a pug, will be introduced at the airport from 4 May.

Dubbed “the Canine Crew” and dressed in high-vis jackets and bandanas, the dogs will be available both landside and airside for passengers and staff.

Therapy dogs, which have been specially trained to provide comfort in stressful situations, have long been used in hospitals and schools; but Aberdeen airport said this project marks the first time that dogs have been used in a UK airport.

“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,” said Diane Wood, trustee of Therapet, the charity that will provide the dogs.

“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.

“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.”

Aberdeen International airport duty manager Fraser Bain said: “We’re excited to be the first airport in the UK to offer this service to passengers. As well as benefiting 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.”