Canine Therapy Program Takes Off at Calgary Airport

(PALS)

The Calgary Airport Authority launched a new program featuring canine companions to enhance the passenger experience at Calgary International Airport (YYC).

The Pre-Board Pals program will see therapy dogs in its pre-boarding areas three days a week as a way to reduce stress among travellers.

“Pre-Board Pals demonstrates our commitment and passion for providing an amazing airport experience at YYC,” said Garth Atkinson, President & CEO for The Calgary Airport Authority. “With millions of guests travelling through our airport each year, we know that our new pals will be another positive touchpoint for our passengers.”

Dogs, provided by Pet Access League Society (PALS), are family pets that have been carefully screened by professionals as to suitability for the PALS program.

Diana Segboer, Executive Director for PALS says, “We have an incredible team of dogs, and handlers, that the passengers at Calgary International Airport are absolutely going to love. Our teams look forward to sharing the power of puppy love at YYC.”

Medical studies have proven the benefits of animal therapy programs including a reduction in pain, depression, anxiety and fatigue.

The Calgary initiative is one of many canine programs offered by a variety of airports. Denver International Airport even features ID photos of the dogs in their Canine Airport Therapy Squad (CATS) on their website.

In Los Angeles, Pets Unstressing Passengers (PUP) program therapy dogs and handlers roam the departures levels in the gate areas of each terminal, visiting passengers awaiting flights and providing comfort, as well as airport information. The program educates and informs passengers about the LAX projects and construction related traffic impacts.

The Jet Set: Pet version

Further to our previous post on the new CMA's vote to ban pets from the cabins. Pet airways offers travel alternatives for pet parents.

Travelling with a pet can be a traumatic experience for both the pet and their parents. With the recent CMA vote to ban pets from aircraft cabins it looks like they will be forced to travel with the cargo and exposed to the cold, lowered oxygen levels and general discomfort.

For pet parents, subjecting a member of their family to these conditions will not be easy choice to make. But, alternatives are available, with the airline Pet Airways pets are not considered an additional cargo item. Not only do pets travel in the cabin, they are not forced to share the cabin with pesky humans. It is an expensive option, but given the popularity of luxury pet goods and services, it appeals to a growing consumer class.

According to the website:

You see, on Pet Airways, your pets aren't packages, they're “Pawsengers.” And every step of the journey, we'll take care of them as if they were our own.

These “pawsengers” are looked after by an in-flight Pet Attendant at all times and travel in a large enclosure within a cabin-controlled cabin with fresh, cool air.

About The PAWS Pet Company

The PAWS Pet Company, Inc. provides innovative pet services. Its wholly owned subsidiary, Pet Airways, is the only airline specifically designed for the safe and comfortable transportation of pets. Pet Airways' Pawsengers™ travel in the specially equipped main cabin of its planes - where pets are continuously monitored by an In-Flight Pet Attendant and the climate is controlled for maximum pet comfort. With Pet Airways, pet parents can be assured their pets will be treated with tender, loving care by pet professionals throughout the journey. The airline launched flight operations in 2009 and currently serves coast-to-coast destinations across the United States, including Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver, Omaha, Chicago, Baltimore, New York, Atlanta and Ft. Lauderdale. The Company has also announced its upcoming expansion to Orlando, Dallas, Austin, Houston and St. Louis.

For more information on Pet Airways, go to www.petairways.com.