Seven new therapy dogs joined the Dayton International Airport (DAY) in September. All the dogs and their handlers have completed pet therapy training through Best Friends Pet Assisted Therapy and are registered with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.
“These volunteers and their dogs are a great addition to the team at DAY,” said Terry Slaybaugh, the Director of Aviation for the City of Dayton. “Their presence can really help ease passengers’ stress and bring smiles to their faces.”
The therapy dogs are identifiable with official DAY badges and bright red vests with the words “Pet Me” in large, white print. Passengers have the option to engage with the dogs and handlers throughout the week. They regularly visit each area of the airport while working including the main lobby, baggage claim, concourse and gates.
Previously, the Airport only had one pet therapy dog, joining airports across the country employing a therapy dog as a benefit to passengers. Airports in San Jose, Miami, San Antonio, Oklahoma City and Los Angeles, among others, also have used therapy dogs, with great results. The new team at DAY consists of three Briards, a Miniature Poodle, a Maltase, a German Shepard, and a Goldie Lab. All the dogs have business cards with their name, picture, and certification information.
About Best Friends Pet Assisted Therapy
Established in August 2006, Best Friends Pet Assisted Therapy celebrates the unspoken bond that exists between humans and canines. Offering volunteer services to people in need, primarily in the Miami Valley and Southwest Ohio, Best Friends is guided by two founding principles. First, to raise awareness of the benefits of pet assisted therapy in a variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes, schools, libraries, and women’s centers and secondly, to help people and their pets interested in becoming pet assisted therapy teams to realize this worthwhile goal.
About the Alliance of Therapy Dogs
The Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) is a volunteer organization of dedicated therapy dog handlers and their dogs on a mission of sharing smiles and joy. ATD’s goal is to provide registration, support, and insurance for members who are involved in volunteer animal-assisted activities. These activities include, but aren’t limited to, visits to hospitals, special needs centers, schools, nursing homes, and airports. ATD’s objective is to form a network of caring individuals who are willing to share their special dogs to bring happiness and cheer to people, young and old alike.
For more information about the Dayton International Airport, visit www.flydayton.com or call Linda Hughes, Marketing Manager, at 937.454.8200.
