A troupe of about 20 volunteer therapy dogs were recognized by the Los Angeles City Council Friday for helping ease the anxieties of air travelers waiting at Los Angeles International Airport.
The dogs are part of the Pets Unstressing Passengers program, or PUP, which started in 2013 and now has a total of 40 volunteers, with another 12 dogs and their handlers working on their certifications.
“When traveling grows stressful, when passengers feel weary, or restless, our four-legged, tail-wagging volunteers dutifully answer the call — helping to relieve anxiety and creating an exceptional travel experience at Los Angeles International Airport,” said Councilman Bob Blumenfield, who led the presentation.
The dogs and their handlers wear red vests and can be seen visiting airport waiting areas. They were helpful in easing the worries of travelers who were skittish after last week’s Paris attacks, according to airport officials.
