The Luis Muñoz Marín Airport launched a new customer service, which will make certified therapy dogs available to travelers as a means of distraction, companionship and help to reduce the stress that some passengers may experience during the travel process.
According to a press release, the program was named “SJU Pawner,” and will be implemented in coordination with the Puerto Rico Therapy Dogs organization, which has been certifying canines for 15 years to serve as therapy dogs in different scenarios such as hospitals, courts and homes for the elderly.
The president of Aerostar Puerto Rico, Jorge Hernández, explained that the initiative aims to provide a service to those passengers who tend to experience anxiety when traveling and even for children who feel the effect of the long hours involved in a trip.
“Therapy dogs are special. They allow themselves to be petted, encourage calmness, generate smiles and tranquility in people of all ages. These dogs will contribute to the passenger's experience, as they love human company and affection. Their job is to make travelers feel better,” said the executive of the airport management company.
As he explained, the pets will tour the airport facilities, always guided by their owners, and will stop when someone wants to interact with the furry ones. Their work area will begin after the check-in points have been passed. The dogs and their owners will wear badges so that travelers can easily identify them. The pets will wear blue and white bandanas that will identify them as airport therapy dogs. Meanwhile, owners will wear orange polo shirts with the logo and slogan “leaving traces of joy,” a product of the canine therapy program.
“We are very excited to start the program at the airport. We hope the therapy dogs will bring a lot of joy to travelers, help reduce stress and calm anxiety. And that they will stimulate conversations and interactions among travelers with each other and with their owners,” said the director of the entity, Iván Santiago, who said that he put aside his profession as a dentist to dedicate himself entirely to the canine project.
According to Santiago, to participate in the program, both the dog and the owner must pass a series of evaluations that measure temperament, behavior and reactions to various situations.
“The person must be polite and friendly, but the most important thing is that they are attentive to their dog. There are three trial visits before giving them Alliance of Therapy Dogs certification,” he said.
“I have a cocker spaniel that is a therapy dog. Years ago, her trainer invited me to do a trial visit. I was fascinated by the experience. It changed my life. It helped me to see the true value of things and to overcome shyness. At that time, I had lost my grandmother and the experience helped me to overcome the loss. Since then, I have been increasing my participation in the visits until now, when I dedicate myself full time to the program,” he added.
In its initial phase, the canine team visits will be once a week.
Hernández explained that other airports in the United States participate in similar programs to help passengers relax and relieve stress. “Therapy dogs are increasingly being used at airports around the world to calm nerves and help people de-stress. The animals help to release tension. We seek to create an experience for the traveler. We want them to have moments of relaxation, so that their passage through the airport is efficient and also memorable,” said the Aerostar executive.
