For the second time this month, several therapy dogs were brought in to help alleviate any anxiety or stress passengers may be experiencing. This is part of a new program at Lehigh Valley International Airport, which the therapy dogs and their handlers roam the main terminal and departure gates to help anyone with a fear of flying.
A local airport is bringing in four-legged volunteers to make traveling a more comforting experience for passengers.
Lehigh Valley International Airport launched the C.O.P.E (Canines Offering Passenger Encouragement) Therapy Dog Program. C.O.P.E. brings therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers into airports, allowing customers to interact with the dogs.
“Minimizing the stress associated with flying and travel by introducing this program is just one more initiative the Authority has taken to improve customer service and the overall experience when traveling through this airport,” Charles Everett, executive director of the airport, said in a statement.
The dogs and their handlers will walk around the Main Terminal and Departure Building, interacting with passengers awaiting flights.
Airports across the country have enacted similar programs, including Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale, Denver, San Francisco, and San Antonio.
