The initiative was launched by Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) in partnership with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs in 2019
Wagging Tails Brigade, a group of therapy dogs positioned at Philadelphia International Airport, has completed five successful years, with positive response from the travellers as well as the airport personnel.
The initiative was launched by Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) in partnership with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs in 2019.
In a press statement, the airport operator says that the deployment of therapy dogs has brought tremendous a lot of positivity at the airport.
Leah Douglas
“To see one of the dogs and their owner interacting with our guests makes me smile every time. The dogs wear branded vests that read, ‘Pet Me’ and guests do a double take, followed by excitedly asking the owner, “I can pet the dog?”. In the airport environment, everyone expects to see a service dog and knows that petting is not permitted. It is truly a gift every day when the Wagging Tails Brigade members are present,” says Leah Douglas, Director of Guest Experience at PHL.
The statement adds that in the past five years, the team has grown to 23 dogs, who are placed at different locations throughout the terminals daily, providing comfort to all who have the opportunity to pet them. The airport operator says that handlers carry trading cards that feature photos of the dog along with information about them including hometown, year of birth, breed, favourite treat and favourite past time that they distribute to passengers and employees.
“Children seem to enjoy our beloved pups, and the parents are delighted that their children are enjoying themselves. Some of our guests strike up conversations with one another while petting the dogs and start sharing pictures of their animals. I like to think we create mini friendships for the moment. It’s a rewarding experience for everyone involved – even the dogs,” says Sharron Roantree, Customer Care Manager, PHL.
Casey is WTB’s longest serving member
The statement adds that Chris Clark and his Golden Retriever, Casey, have been involved with the WTB since July 2019, when Clark stumbled upon an article from the Alliance of Therapy Dogs about PHL’s programme.
“Casey always seems to have a positive impact on the travellers, as I am sure all the dogs in the Wagging Tails Brigade do. Even if there is no direct contact between Casey and the traveller, we will get a comment or even just a smile from them,” says Clark.
“I was looking for a change in our therapy routine. When I read about the PHL Wagging Tails Brigade, I knew it was something I wanted to do,” he adds.
“Most of the time we have a calming impact that leads to conversations about dogs, therapy dogs and the differences in service dogs, therapy dogs and emotional support animals,” says Harvey Finkel. The two have been a part of the WTB since October 2020 but didn’t officially begin until COVID-19 restrictions eased in May 2021.
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