Destinations

Halifax Stanfield Goes to the Dogs

Halifax-dogs-small-Nov18

Therapy dogs are familiar sight in hospitals, retirement homes and care facilities, but now we can add Halifax Stanfield International Airport to the list.

Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA), together with St. John Ambulance, recently launched the airport therapy dog program.

Seven dogs (along with their handlers) will now make regularly scheduled visits to the airport. Passengers and visitors will have the opportunity to meet the therapy dogs on Tuesdays and Fridays beginning at 1 p.m.

“We know airports can be stressful places for some people,” says Joyce Carter, HIAA president & CEO. “This new partnership with St. John Ambulance will allow our passengers a chance to experience the physical and emotional benefits of a therapy dog and in turn, make their airport visit more enjoyable.”

According to St. John Ambulance, the health benefits of pet companionship have been documented in an array of medical literature. At the most basic level, the act of petting a dog can lift the spirits of those who are feeling isolated, stressed, lonely, ill, or are in need of socialization.

“We are thrilled to have partnered with the Halifax Stanfield International Airport to bring the benefits of pet companionship into the facility. Our Therapy Dog Teams will assist in comforting passengers who may be experiencing stress or anxiety while waiting to board their aircraft and to help lift the spirits of passengers. This partnership will significantly add to the excitement and experience of passengers and elevate the level of service at Halifax Stanfield International Airport,” says Steven Gaetz, St. John Ambulance NS/PEI CEO.

Passengers and visitors will be able to talk with the handler and the dog, pet and cuddle the dog, receive unconditional love from the dog and assist with walking the dog on a leash.

All of the dogs in the program have passed the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog evaluation and their handlers volunteer their time. St. John Ambulance currently has more than 330 Therapy Dog teams across Nova Scotia and PEI. Last year they completed over 4,300 visits (11,000 volunteer hours) across the provinces.