Fearof.net lists the fear of flying as the #9 most common phobia of all time. You climb aboard a massive metal tube full of germs and angry babies, zoom thousands of feet into the air and cross your fingers that the whole claustrophobic contraption makes it back to Earth in one piece. Not scary at all, really. Aside from the obvious anxiety of air travel, you have the mass confusion of the airport itself to contend with. The whole experience is no day at the dog park.
To remedy this all too common travel affliction, some airports have been implementing a policy of allowing therapy dogs in terminals. These pups help calm anxious travelers before a flight, after a flight, during, oh say 7 hour layovers where you get to learn the people working at the JFK Terminal 4 Dunkin’ Donuts way too well (we’re Facebook friends now, shout out to Kevin). And btw, dogs are just great to have around in general. This is always true.
1. Mineta San Jose International Airport
Who wouldn’t want to be greeted at the airport by this handsome guy?
2. Miami International Airport
The only thing better than being in Miami? Petting a therapy dog in Miami.
3. San Antonio International Airport
“Welcome to San Antonio International Airport. I’m here to help.” – this stoic creature
4. Will Rogers World Airport
This dynamic duo is sure to ease all anxiety with one slobbery kiss.
5. Los Angeles International Airport
*doesn’t care about seeing famous people* *only cares about finding therapy dogs*
6. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
Anxious about flying AND the daunting humidity in Florida? We’ve got you covered.
7. Reno-Tahoe International Airport
Is there room for one more? Pretty please?
8. San Francisco International Airport
This is how to travel first class regardless of what kind of plane ticket you have.
9. Denver International Airport
The Denver International Airport straight up has profiles of all of its therapy dogs. #micdrop
10. Charlotte-Douglas Airport
This pup’s ear has the same amount of anxiety reducing power as an *entire bottle of Xanax.
*this is a factually unproven claim.
11. Sacramento Airport
“PET ME.”
12. Salt Lake City International Airport
“Mom, you’re leaving me at this airport. I’m not letting go of this dog. I love you.” – this little girl.
13. Halifax International Airport
A literal row of anxiety reducing puppy power. Props for the pups, Halifax International.
14. Edmonton International Airport
NOTHING and we mean NOTHING is more anxiety reducing than scratching the head of an equally elated and squishy bulldog.
