Therapy dogs that help soothe travelers at Los Angeles International Airport were celebrated Wednesday on the fifth anniversary of the Pets Unstressing Passengers Program.
“PUPs is an extraordinary program that makes LAX stand out among other international and domestic airports,” said Val Velasco, vice president of the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners. “It adds a friendly touch to the airport and lets our guests know that we care about their comfort levels and well-being when they walk through the terminals.”
The PUPs program began in 2013 with 20 therapy dogs; there are now close to 90. The therapy dogs and volunteers are based in the departure levels in the gate areas of each terminal and visit guests who are waiting on flights. Over the last five years, the LAX PUPs team has helped 56 airports nationwide start similar programs, according to Los Angeles World Airports.
“For the last five years, the therapy dogs and their handlers have brought a tremendous amount of joy and relief to travelers during what is a stressful time for many,” said Keith Wilschetz, LAWA’s deputy executive director of operations and emergency management. “At LAX, we are thrilled that the PUPs program continues to grow and thrive, and we look forward to many years to come.”