Therapy dog program to help stressed travelers at SLO airport. Meet program’s furry friends
A new therapy dog program could help passengers traveling through the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport have less stressful travel experiences this summer.
SBPaws is an initiative in partnership with the Alliance for Therapy Dogs, according to a news release from the airport last week. The pilot program will run for a three-month period, after which it will be evaluated to determine whether it should continue.
According to the release, therapy dog programs can help reduce stress and anxiety for passengers flying and contribute to increased passenger satisfaction, as well as provide a sense of community and care for passengers and staff.
Courtney Pene, Deputy Director of Planning and Outreach at the airport, said the program could benefit both travelers and staff.
“The intent of the program is really to help lower the stress levels of our passengers,” Pene said. “It also helps with the mental health of our airport staff here.”
Rachelle Steiger, an Alliance of Therapy Dogs volunteer, has been accompanying her border collie Luna around the San Luis Obispo area to provide therapy to humans. Due to a genetic issue, Luna can’t herd or do agility courses — but she can be a part of the airport’s new therapy dog program.
“I think this is an amazing program,” Steiger said Monday. “There’s been lots of times when I’ve been at an airport and anxious and I would have loved to have a dog.”
Steiger added that Luna has been very good at figuring out what people need and has a knack for calming them down.
A passenger and dog enthusiast, Jeremy Carlson, has always found joy around furry friends.
“It’s always good to see a dog whenever, whether it’s getting off the plane or anytime,” Carlson said.
Passengers can expect to see therapy dogs inside the new terminal from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Monday and Thursday through the three-month trial period.
This story was originally published June 10, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
