Pet Therapy Dogs at The Edmonton International Airport

Edmonton International Airport is now the first airport in the country with assisted pet therapy dogs to help reduce stress in passengers before departing on their flights. At the moment they currently have three dogs, a Doberman pincher named Kane, a black lab named Hope and a yellow lab named Remy and they are always looking for volunteers to join. The airport is now added to the list of work for these canines along with hospitals, palliative care centres, senior residents schools and correctional facilities. Passengers at the Edmonton International Airport really love the dogs who are wearing vests that say “pet me” paired with bandanas with their names on it. Many people passing couldn’t help themselves and it also gave them a feeling and sense of home for those passengers who have left their own dogs behind to travel. Lori Goodwin of the Pet Therapy of Society of Northern Alberta said, “We started the long weekend in March and had 14 teams come in for a stress buster and after that it just took off.”

The airport has had many phone calls regarding the program from other major airports such as New York City. Chris Chodan the communications adviser at the Edmonton International airport said, “Social media just blows up looking for the dogs when people are at the airport.” A lot of the staff like to get in an extra pet or two as well on their shifts and it all around is making for a happier travel experience for everyone.

If you are interested in volunteering with your dog, all breeds, size and ages are welcome and are provided with 12 hours or extensive training. Visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pettherapysociety