Airport communications manager Yvonne Densem said they have been talking to St John for more than a year about bringing their therapy dogs to the airport.
“But because of the changing alert levels and associated restrictions, the programme had been delayed.
“We know a lot of people find airports and travel quite overwhelming, so we wanted to help alleviate that tension by giving people something positive to focus on – a way to help people enjoy themselves as they go through our airport,” she said.
“Poppy has been a great hit and it’s great to see people smile as travelling can be very stressful,” she said.
The P.A.W.S programme (Pups Assisting With Stress) is made up of a team of friendly dogs and handlers who work on a roster during peak periods to provide calming canine love to nervous travellers.
They are available in the terminal for pats, cuddles and what staff like to call “paw-fives”.
The therapy dogs and their experienced handlers accompany uniformed airport staff in approved areas of the terminal, with clear signs explaining the programme to passengers.
“We have watched people clearly delighted to see and interact with the dogs.
“Some describe themselves as 'dog people', others want to see what the programme is about, and if the dog has made a cautious approach, the people have responded well."
The P.A.W.S team will be at the airport’s regional terminal each day up to, and including, December 24 from noon to 1pm.
