CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Starting Monday, seven trained therapy dogs and their handlers will start roaming the terminal at Charlotte Douglas International.
The Canine Crew was a pilot program launched in March, and tested out over the past few months. The dogs are intended to provide stress relief and their guides can provide practical information to passengers.
"It brings smiles. Unexpected surprises. Men in business suits running, to pet the dog and to get a picture to send home," said Lauri Golden with the City of Charlotte.
The canines are at least two years old, and have at least one year of service experience.Their handlers are volunteers. The teams are easy to spot as the dogs are equipped with "Pet Me" vests.
Passengers were quick to respond to the pets.
"It was nice because it can be stressful in the airport, just traveling in general," said traveler Susan Schiller.
The crews will be at the airport two days a week at first, but will eventually be at Charlotte Douglas five days a week.
