Canine Travel: Dogs At Asheville Airport - What's Allowed?

Asheville Regional Airport has a therapy dog program called Paws for Passengers, which invites certified therapy dogs to roam the airport and provide support to passengers. The program was started by David King, who works in the guest services and sales department at the airport. The dogs wear custom-made blue vests that say Pet Me! to indicate that they are therapy dogs, not service dogs. The program has been a hit with travellers and has grown from 9 volunteers to 28 teams.

Dogs are allowed at the Comfort Inn Asheville Airport

Dogs are welcome at the Comfort Inn Asheville Airport, which is conveniently located just one mile from the airport. The hotel allows two pets of any size in each guest room, and both dogs and cats are permitted. There is an additional fee of $25 per night for each pet, and pets may not be left unattended in the room. There are grassy areas along the perimeter of the hotel parking lot for dog walking, but guests have noted that these areas could be better maintained.

The hotel offers a range of amenities, including a seasonal outdoor pool, a fitness centre, and a complimentary hot and healthy breakfast. Guest rooms feature premium bedding, free WiFi, a microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, iron and ironing board, and a flat-screen cable TV. The hotel is also close to local attractions such as the Biltmore Estate and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The Asheville airport has a therapy dog program

The Asheville Regional Airport has a therapy dog program called Paws for Passengers, which was started by David King, who works in the guest services and sales department. The program was inspired by a similar initiative at Los Angeles International Airport.

Therapy dogs have been shown to have a positive impact on people's mental health and well-being. Research has demonstrated that therapy dogs can help reduce pain and stress, as well as boost patients' immune responses. Airports can be stressful environments, and therapy dogs can lend some comfort to those who are having a difficult time or missing their own pets.

The program at Asheville Airport has been a huge success, growing from 9 volunteers initially to 28 teams currently. The dogs and their handlers wear custom-made blue vests that say "Pet Me!" to indicate that they are therapy dogs and not service dogs. The dogs come in all shapes and sizes, with 14 different breeds represented, ranging in age from 2 to 14 years old, and weighing between 10.5 to 145 pounds!

Each therapy dog has its own custom trading card with its picture, name, and fun stats. The program also has a website page and LCD screens in the terminal, featuring a "Pup of the Week." The dogs and their handlers participate in various events, such as the Paws Lemonade Stand, the Red, White and Paws Hotdog Stand, and the Paws Pooches Pumpkin Patch, often wearing festive costumes.

To become a part of the program, dogs must be well-trained and certified through a reputable therapy dog organization, such as the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. They undergo special training to safely function in busy public spaces and interact with all types of people. The handlers also come from diverse backgrounds, united by their love of sharing joy through their dogs.

The therapy dog program at Asheville Airport is a unique and heartwarming initiative that helps make the airport experience a little less stressful and a lot more adorable!

The therapy dogs wear blue vests that say Pet Me

The therapy dogs at Asheville Airport are easily identifiable by their blue vests, which bear the message "Pet Me" in large letters. This is an important distinction to make, as it indicates that these dogs are not service animals but therapy dogs that travellers are welcome to interact with. The vests are custom-made and were introduced in the fall of 2023, replacing the previous yellow uniforms. The dogs' handlers also wear matching blue vests.

The therapy dog programme at Asheville Airport is known as Paws for Passengers, and it began in July 2017. The programme has grown from 9 volunteers to 28 teams of dogs and their handlers. The dogs come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from 10.5 to 145 pounds, and representing 14 different breeds as well as mixed breeds. All of the dogs have undergone special training to safely function in busy public spaces and interact with all types of people. They are also registered with reputable therapy dog organisations, such as the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.

The handlers, or humans, in the programme come from a variety of backgrounds and vary in age and vocation. However, they are united by their love of sharing the joy their dogs bring to people. The dogs themselves also have a range of skills and interests. Many can do tricks, and some participate in agility and other activities. Some are even award-winning show dogs! In addition to volunteering at the airport, the dogs also visit hospitals, libraries, nursing homes, and schools in the community.

The presence of therapy dogs at Asheville Airport provides comfort and support to passengers and staff alike. Flying can be a stressful experience, and therapy dogs have been shown to reduce pain and stress while boosting endorphins such as oxytocin and dopamine. Asheville Airport's therapy dog programme is part of a larger trend, with at least 76 airports in the US implementing similar initiatives as of September 2023.

The therapy dog program is called Paws for Passengers

Paws for Passengers

Overview

Asheville Regional Airport's therapy dog program, Paws for Passengers, was started in July 2017 by David King, who works in the airport's guest services and sales department. The program invites certified therapy dogs to the airport to provide support and comfort to passengers. As of 2023, there were 28 teams of dogs and their handlers participating in the program.

Benefits of Therapy Dogs

Therapy dogs have been shown to reduce pain and stress and increase endorphins such as oxytocin and dopamine in patients in healthcare settings. Airports can be stressful environments, and therapy dogs can lend comfort to those dealing with difficult situations or simply missing their own pets. In addition, therapy dogs may be able to use their sense of smell to identify the most stressed individual in a group and offer help.

Requirements for Participation

Therapy dogs must be well-trained and certified through a reputable program, such as the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. The dogs' temperament is crucial, as they should be confident and bold enough to approach strangers without being timid. The handlers also undergo background checks and interviews to ensure they are a good fit for the program.

Events and Activities

The Paws for Passengers program hosts various events throughout the year, such as the annual Valentine's Day Smooches from Pooches "kissing booth." The therapy dogs also participate in activities like the Paws Lemonade Stand, the Red, White and Paws Hotdog Stand, and the Paws Pooches Pumpkin Patch, often wearing festive costumes or apparel.

The program has 28 dog and handler teams

Asheville Regional Airport's therapy dog program, Paws for Passengers, has 28 dog and handler teams. The program began in July 2017 with 9 volunteers, and has since grown to 28 teams. The dogs in the program range in age from 2 to 14 years old, with 14 different breeds represented, as well as many mixed-breed dogs. The dogs' sizes range from 10.5 to 145 pounds. All of the dogs in the program have undergone special training and are registered with a reputable therapy dog organization, such as the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. They follow rules and procedures to ensure that everyone has a safe and pleasant experience.

The handlers also come from a variety of backgrounds and have different ages and vocations. However, they all share a love for sharing joy with people through their dogs. The dogs in the program have a range of skills and interests, with many being able to do tricks and some even participating in agility and other activities. Some of the dogs are also award-winning show dogs and volunteer in other community settings, such as hospitals, libraries, nursing homes, and schools.

The program includes events such as the airport's annual Valentine's Day Smooches from Pooches "kissing booth", as well as the Paws Lemonade Stand, the Red, White and Paws Hotdog Stand, and the Paws Pooches Pumpkin Patch. The dogs and their handlers wear custom-made blue vests that say "Pet Me!" to indicate that they are therapy dogs and not service dogs. Each dog has its own custom trading card with its picture, name, and fun stats.

Frequently asked questions