Therapy Dog Team Stationed In Istanbul Airport To Help Anxious Travelers

(Photo : Getty Images/Hugh Hastings)

Five therapy dogs have recently joined the Istanbul Airport staff.

These canines are dedicated to providing comfort and relieving stress for passengers at one of the world's busiest transportation hubs.

Therapy Dogs In Turkey

Therapy dogs at airports are not a new concept; programs exist in dozens of airports across the world. While many of these programs rely on weekly visits rather than a permanent team of therapy dogs, Istanbul Airport recently hired five certified therapy dogs as official airport employees.

The program's four-legged members are all certified therapy dogs that have been expertly trained and conditioned to comfort people.

The "Therapy Dog Team" has been on duty since late February, after months of preparation and extensive training in which they learned desensitization to distracting stimuli such as sounds and people.

"We have to ensure that they are safe and they are 100% adapted to all environments," said Kadir Demirtas, Istanbul Airport's customer experience manager.

Kuki, a Lagotto Romagnolo, an Italian retriever breed, is the squad captain. He works hard to please but enjoys his breaks and occasionally plays hooky.

Kuki's teammate, Alita, a border collie, is known for her intense gaze and ability to calm nerves.

"We are always surrounded by people who are constantly petting her," said Volkan Gul, Alita's dedicated handler, adding that she helps them relax.

According to the team's veterinarian, each dog's temperament determines their daily working hours.

The airport dogs work during peak travel hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and follow a set schedule.

Airport officials announced plans to expand the trial experiment in response to encouraging feedback from travelers.

Emotional And Physical Support

Therapy dogs are trained to provide emotional or physical support. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, emotional support dogs can aid humans by providing company and can often help with "depression, anxiety, and certain phobias," but they are not taught to do specific jobs.

According to San Jose Mineta International Airport, the first airport therapy dog program began following 9/11.

The airport's chaplain brought her own certified therapy dog, Orion, to comfort passengers and airport personnel who were distressed by the incident.

Orion was a success, and the airport's program continues today, with 42 dogs, one cat, and one rabbit.

According to Vane Research, 72 airports in the United States had therapy dog programs in place by 2020. LiLou, the world's first airport therapy pig, debuted in 2017 at San Francisco International Airport.

Several U.S. airports have therapy dog programs in place, including the Welcome Waggin' Program at Tulsa International Airport, the K9 Crew at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Pets Unstressing Passengers (PUP) at Los Angeles International Airport, the Canine Airport Therapy Squad (CATS) at Denver International Airport, and the Wagging Tails Brigade at Philadelphia International Airport.

While the Istanbul crew is Turkey's first airport therapy dog program, there are others around Europe, like the Essex Therapy Dogs at London Southend Airport.

Airport therapy dogs come in a variety of sizes and breeds, but they all have one thing in common: they have been recognized by one of the country's therapy dog groups.