YYZ hires 15 friendly dogs in support of stress-free travel

Toronto Pearson International Airport and the St. John Ambulance (SJA) Therapy Dog Program are partnering to bring the friendly faces of 15 therapy dog teams to YYZ. 

As part of the Toronto Pearson Welcome Team Volunteer Program, SJA Therapy Dog teams will roam Terminals 1 and 3 to bring enjoyment and help alleviate the anxiety that some passengers experience while travelling.

“At Toronto Pearson, passengers are our passion, and critical to that mission is ensuring all passengers feel relaxed and comfortable while travelling through our airport,” said Scott Collier, vice president, customer and terminal services, Toronto Pearson. “We know that travelling can be stressful, and a friendly visit with a therapy dog can make all the difference in the world to anxious travellers. Seeing people smile when they meet and experience the unconditional love of a therapy dog in our terminals is both comforting and rewarding.”

15 furry friends to pet

Engaging with a therapy dog has been known to have a positive effect in helping to reduce anxiety and create a sense of calm. Along with their handlers wearing the distinctive blue Toronto Pearson Welcome Team vests or jackets, SJA therapy dogs Bella, Cheyenne, Daisey, Ghost, Hunter, Kahlua, Luna, Pumpkin, Ringo Starr, Shep, Snickers, Sofia, and Zorie will roam Terminals 1 and 3 on a flexible, weekly rotation and can be easily spotted by their official red and white SJA Therapy Dog bandanas. 

Passengers are welcome to approach the dogs and pet them to help them relax while at the airport.

SJA therapy dogs and their handlers are the latest additions to Toronto Pearson’s Welcome Team, a group of over 300 volunteers who help travellers in our terminals every day.

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!