Brisbane Airport unleashes some new new therapy dogs

Brisbane Airport is this week trialling therapy dogs in the Domestic Terminal as a way of reducing preflight stress for the travelling public.

The trial initiative brings canine ambassadors into the terminal to provide a furry support to manage any anxiety.

Sarah Whyte, head of communications and brand marketing at Brisbane Airport Corporation, enthused: 

”Therapy dogs are in use in a growing number of airports around the world to calm nerves and help people de-stress. Who doesn’t love a puppy?

“Not only have we had really positive feedback from travellers but also our airport staff and airline crew too. We’ve had an amazing response so far.

“There was the FIFO worker who hadn’t patted his dog for a month. We met a family who had recently lost their father who just wanted puppy cuddles. And a lady who had recently lost her own dog.

“In each of these cases, it was the conversation and connection that took place around the therapy animal that made all the difference.”

In the terminal this week lucky visitors could possibly cross paths with:

•Cooper the Labradoodle
•Kevin the Sheepadoodle
•Plus 4 puppies in training

All come from Therapy and Support Animals Australia. Trainer, Nikki Bignell, is a former Queensland Police Service dog handler.

She noted: “We know that airports can be very stressful environments for some people so we’re trialing therapy dogs to help reduce anxiety and stress for travellers and of course staff.

“Petting a therapy animal releases endorphins making people feel better, diminishing feelings of pain, depression and loneliness.”