Canine companions ease nerves before flights

Dogs are being introduced to Scots airports by a charity to support anxious passengers.

The pet-and-jet scheme, run by Therapets, encourages nervous fliers to clap dogs to ease their fears before a flight.

Aberdeen Airport is the first in the UK to introduce the scheme with 14 dogs and their handlers visiting the airport on a rota basis.

The animals, known as “the canine crew”, include golden retrievers, beagles and a pug. They will wear yellow bandanas to help anxious flyers identify them.

According to research being in contact with a pet can help slow heartbeat, reduce blood pressure, release feelgood hormones including serotonin, and reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Therapet also sends dogs into nursing homes, prisons, schools and universities to help people with stress.

Diane Wood, a local representative for the charity, said: “All our dogs and their owners have undergone rigorous training and assessment to work in a variety of environments.

“The dogs are used to being stroked and petted and generally made a fuss of, so they will lap up the attention. They will work in pairs for two hours at a time once a week. We plan to keep everyone updated about which are visiting and when.”

Clair Petrie, an HR adviser from Inverurie, owns a red labrador called Enzo, who has been a Therapet dog for 16 months.

“We’ve been blown away by the reception we’ve had — it’s been amazing,” she said. “Enzo is so calm and absolutely loves his work.”