At Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), where travelers often face long lines, delayed flights, and pricey snacks, some of the most helpful staff members aren’t people—they’re dogs.
These friendly canines are part of the Pets Unstressing Passengers program, known as the PUP Program. Wearing red vests and names like Hugo, Penelope, and Waffles, they roam the airport terminals offering comfort to stressed-out travelers.
One traveler, Meredith, discovered the calming power of the PUP dogs when she ran into golden retriever Hugo in Terminal 1.
“I had extra time and felt stressed just being in the airport,” she said. “Then I saw the dogs with their signs saying ‘Yes, please pet me,’ and my heart just felt lighter.”
Meredith is far from alone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in four adults experiences anxiety. For many, airports can be a major source of stress.
The PUP Program was started in 2013 by Heidi Huebner, director of the initiative at LAX. She launched the program to bring relief and connection to travelers in an increasingly hectic travel environment.
Today, the program includes more than 80 volunteer dogs, including Hugo, chihuahua mix Penelope Cruz, and boxer-lab mix Waffles. Together, these furry companions provide moments of peace in the middle of airport chaos.
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