North Carolina’s Charlotte Douglas International Airport has become the latest airport in the US to launch The Canine Crew that will use seven trained therapy dogs to de-stress passengers.
The airport had launched the pilot project in March and was tested for the past few months.
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All canines being used in the crew are registered, professional in-service therapy dogs and have at least one year of working experience.
While some of the dogs in the team have been rescue dogs, many also provide therapy at other places.
Apart from providing stress relief, the crew will be used as guides for passengers.
The team will visit the airport between 10am and 2pm with the canines sporting ‘Pet Me’ vests.
Initially, The Canine Crew will be available for two days and will eventually be extended to five days.
Charlotte Airport is the 28th in the country to offer such a programme.
Similar services are offered at Mineta San José, Miami, San Antonio, Reno-Tahoe and Los Angeles airports.
Charlotte airport interim aviation director Brent Cagle said that the idea was pitched to him after seeing 27 other airports in the country successfully running similar programmes.
"I am thrilled that we are able to bring this new passenger amenity to Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
"The CLT Canine Crew is an excellent addition in welcoming customers to CLT."
Image: All the dogs in the crew are registered, professional in-service therapy dogs. Photo: courtesy of Rob McKenzie Photography.
