DFW Airport Has Gone To The Dogs
Follow CBSDFW.COM: Facebook | Twitter
DFW AIRPORT (CBSDFW.COM) – Long security lines and flight delays may be a little easier to deal with now at DFW Airport with the help of some pet therapy.
DFW Airport's K9 Crew of 12 experienced therapy dogs and their handlers provide passengers with stress relief and comfort by being a friendly presence in the terminal.
Dogs can be spotted in official "DFW K9 Crew" harnesses and accompanied by handlers wearing DFW K9 Crew uniforms.
"For many, flying can be an uneasy experience," said Ken Buchanan, executive vice president of Revenue Management at DFW Airport. "The DFW K9 Crew can change that perception. There's nothing more soothing than the presence of a friendly dog, and we hope interacting with these animals will put anxious passengers at ease."
"Not only do the dogs bring comfort to passengers waiting for flights, their handlers also are trained to provide an exceptional customer experience by providing directions and answering general questions about Airport amenities and services," Buchanan said.
Each therapy dog has a collectable trading card, distributed by its handler, that includes the dog's name, age, weight and training certifications.
Customers can meet the dogs at designated interaction areas in Terminal B, both before and after security. There also will be roaming therapy handlers throughout the terminal.
Travelers can take photos with the therapy dogs and share on social media platforms with the hashtag #dogsofDFW. Customers who post three photos to social media over a period of time will earn "DFW Terminal Bucks" or DFW-branded items.
By 2017, DFW plans to expand the DFW K9 Crew program to more than 60 handler teams throughout all terminals.
(©2016 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)