Travelling is exciting, and undoubtedly a privilege—but that doesn’t mean it is anxiety-free. From long security lines to missed connections, the airport experience is often riddled with stressors. To help ease travellers’ tensions, Vancouver International Airport is employing some four-legged friends.
Launched in August 2017 and dubbed the Less Airport Stress Initiative, the program employs pup ambassadors from St. John Ambulance’s Therapy Dog Program to spread joy throughout the airport. Seven dogs are onsite Mondays through Fridays in various terminals from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., available to any and all passersby who want to give a friendly pat or receive a loving lick.
The dog ambassadors have YVR leashes and St. John Ambulance bandanas to make them easily identifiable, and each pooch is accompanied by handlers in YVR green coats. Sure to brighten anyone’s day, these dogs are ready to make travelling a little less ruff.
