Therapy Dogs Stationed At Southampton Airport In The UK To Ease Anxious Flyers

Jan 19, 2020 by apost team

Flying is a common fear for many people. To assist people who might be nervous about flying, an airport in the UK recently announced that they would be having therapy dogs present. Southampton International Airport will have therapy dogs available for passengers on flights both departing and leaving the facility. In addition to helping people who are afraid of flying, the dogs will be there to help those with disabilities.

The dogs were trained by a charity called Therapy Dogs Nationwide, or TDN. TDN specially instructs the dogs to be receptive for those in need. All of the airport’s furry employees are also tested to make sure they have the correct temperament for their new charge. Currently, the airport plans on having them available for passengers one day a week.

Simon Young, who serves at Southampton International Airport as Head of Passenger Operations, stated on their website, that the therapy dogs from TDN will not only benefit passengers, they will also benefit the facility’s staff. Young points out that therapy animals have been shown to greatly boost morale and general happiness. Young further adds that the dogs will be an exciting addition to Southampton International.

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Southampton International Airport is the second airport in the UK to have therapy dogs present for passengers and employees. According to Marie Claire, last May, Aberdeen Airport became the first airport in the country to have them on staff. The Aberdeen therapy staff boasts 14 dogs, including three golden retrievers, two German Shepherds, two beagles, one Leonberger, and one pug.

Animal Assisted Therapy, or AAT, has recently become more popular, with therapy dogs being sent to hospitals, schools, and nursing homes to help wearied patients, reports Therapy Dogs. Therapy dogs have a particular reputation of being useful in helping those who are isolated or who battle with mental illness. Use of therapy animals have been shown to have numerous benefits for patients, including improvement in general health and better communication skills. In an interview with reporters, staff at Southampton International Airport said that the simple action of petting a dog has instantaneous health benefits, including lowering blood pressure and slowing heartrate.

Southampton International’s launch of their therapy dog program was done simultaneously with a charity drive for the Blue Cross, a pet charity with a facility in West End, Hampshire. Kristy Smith, who serves Blue Cross as Rehoming Supervisor at their Southampton facility, said in a statement on the partnership, that pets have many positive benefits for their owners, including bringing joy into homes and lowering stress levels.

What do you think of Southampton International Airport having therapy dogs available for passengers and staff?