NERVOUS flyers at a Scottish airport are to be offered the chance to pet a dog in a bid to soothe their fears.
In a UK first, Aberdeen Airport will offer travellers the chance to spend time with a doggy 'therapet' before they board their flights.
The Canine Crew, easily identifiable in their high vis jackets and bandanas, will mingle with passengers and staff to offer support throughout the terminal.
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 time the dogs have been introduced to an airport environment.
Therapet in the Aberdeenshire area is managed by Canine Concern Scotland Trust and will deploy a team of dogs, of various sizes, with their handlers on a rota basis.
Trustee of the charity and area representative for Aberdeenshire North Therapet, Diane Wood, explained: “We are delighted to take the lead in this project and have the opportunity to work with Aberdeen International Airport.
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“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. 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 Airport
The Canine Crew visiting the airport will include a Golden Retriever, a German Shepherd, a Scottish Deerhound, a Beagle and a Pug, among other animals.
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 benefitting our visitors, we also recognise the benefit to the mental health and wellbeing of our staff.
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“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.”
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